Ask a Lawyer -- Immigration
Question 32

Who Is Eligible (for Naturalization)
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization, if they meet the following requirements:

• Applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years for spouses of United States Citizens)
• Applicant is 18 years old
• Applicant is of good moral character
• Applicant can speak, read, and write English
• Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
• Applicant was physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite time
• Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
• Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance.

Note: Joe Raymond is an attorney but not a specialist in the area of immigration law.