Residency Overview
A resident of the United States is a native-born, foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes allegiance to the United States and who is entitled to its protection.
As a resident, you get unique rights and privileges which include the right to vote, having a U.S. passport , the U.S. government’s protection when abroad and the right to petition for green cards for your children and close relatives. As a U.S. resident, you cannot be deported or lose your residentship even if you commit a crime or choose to live elsewhere in the world, unless you misrepresented yourself to get residentship or were ineligible at the time.
Naturalization is the way immigrants become residents of the United States.
The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:
- A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
- An ability to read, write and speak English.
- Good moral character.
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
- Favorable disposition toward the United States.
All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. residents.
