When moral character is an issue in naturalization

MOST people apply for a green card with the ultimate goal of becoming a US citizen someday. Certain benefits are granted to citizens that are not available to green card holders, such as the right to vote in federal elections, right to obtain citizenship for children born abroad, eligibility for federal jobs, and right to become an elected official.

The process of conferring citizenship on a person is called naturalization. To be eligible for naturalization, the following requirements must be met:

1.        must be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years, or 3 years if applying based on marriage to a US citizen;

2.        must be physically present for at least one-half of the 5-year or 3-year period;

3.        must be 18 years or over;

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