A person may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process.

The time it takes to be naturalized varies from one applicant to another. As of October 2001, USCIS reported that it takes, on average, between 6 and 9 months to become naturalized.

A child who is born in the United States, or born abroad to a U.S. citizen(s) who lived in (or came to) the United States for a period of time prior to the child’s birth, is considered a U.S.

Some of the benefits include:

Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens.

Some people with disabilities need special consideration during the naturalization process. USCIS will make every effort to make reasonable accommodations in these cases.