Mass deportations have many emotionally pleading for grace in being allowed to stay in the United States. What many non-Americans and citizens may not realize is several options exist to become a legal citizen.
The option you choose depends on your situation. That can include whether you are here illegally, came as a child, have a job waiting here you can do, or want to marry an American.
The numbers show many found the legal path to citizenship as 818,500 people became naturalized U.S. citizens in 2024. This is a large number but it is actually 7 percent lower than those taking the oath for citizenship in 2023.
So how do you become a citizen? Here is a quick look:
Through the traditional process of obtaining a green card.
Through marriage.
Through the DACA program
Through a H-18 program
Through post-illegal crossing legal process
What is a Green Card?
Most people understand a green card allows a person to stay in the U.S. but they may not realize that a green card allows the person to be designated a permanent resident. This is important to work through the naturalization process as temporary residents can’t become citizens.
Many types of people can apply for a green card, including refugees and those wishing to continue working here. Those marrying an American can also apply.
What Happens Next?
Permanent residents can apply for naturalization with form N-400 if they meet the eligibility requirements. The basic requirement to apply is that the applicant must live as a permanent resident in the U.S. for five years or three years if they marry an American. As an alternative, they can complete at least one year of qualifying military service.
Applicants are assigned an appointment for an interview by USCIS officers. The session is in-depth where character and an understanding of the U.S. Constitution are discussed. The applicant will also be tested for civics, history, and English knowledge during the interview. Applicants must pass these tests to continue.
Fingerprints are taken and a background check is done. The final step is to take an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. in a formal ceremony.
Applying Through Marriage
Becoming an American citizen through marriage isn’t necessarily easier. Your U.S. spouse must complete Form I-130 which is the petition for Alien Relative for you to come to the U.S. states. It has a good bit of required documents to get an immigration visa.
Applicants must file Form I-485 to request to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust States. This allows you to be a permanent resident. However, this is conditional and you may need to file a joint petition Form I-757 within 90 days of it expiring to continue the legal process.
You will need to file Form N-400 once you have lived with your American spouse for at least three years in the U.S. You and your spouse will be interviewed with the applicant taking the tests as others seeking naturalization.
The DACA Program
Those brought to the U.S. illegally as children can apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Those eligible need to collect required documents that include proof of their identity, education, residence, and evidence they arrived in the U.S. before they turned 16.
Applicants to the DACA program must download and complete USCIS forms including Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765 WS. They also need a cover letter and the fees paid to mail the application packet to USCIS.
The H-18 Program
Some people with specialized knowledge or skills find the H-18 program can allow them to come and stay in the U.S. faster than the traditional green card process. Those applying for the program must have the equivalent of at least a bachelor’s degree or work experience and have a certificate allowing you to practice your specialty in the U.S. Your employer must also be certified by the Department of Labor to hire an H-18 individual and submit a petition to USCIS.
From there, you can apply for permanent status and follow either simultaneously or later after you arrive on an employment visa. The rest of the naturalization is the same.
The Post-Illegal Process
Millions of illegal immigrants are facing the reality that they must become legal citizens to stay in the U.S. Some may be caught in deportation efforts while others decide to get ahead of the system.
Legal ways exist for those who entered illegally to become American citizens but it isn’t cheap or easy. The first thing you need to do is get an immigration attorney to walk you through the process.
Each case may be different and dependent on the circumstances of the immigrant arriving illegally, how long they have been here, their family located here, their work history, and criminal background checks.
Your attorney will negotiate some aspects with customs and immigration officials to work out a solution.
Some of the requirements are to submit recommendations from friends and those in the community on your behalf, documents showing your ability to work, and education. Fines and other penalties may be involved. Most are required to return to their home country for a time and re-enter legally with a green card. The time spent in the home country could be several months or longer.
What to Expect
Those seeking to become American citizens find it a challenging process even when done legally from the beginning. The U.S. government requires a tremendous amount of paperwork and the fees to apply and continue with the process can run into the thousands. It can take years to get approved even after you meet all eligibility requirements to apply.
Be aware that some forms and processes are on pause with President Donald Trump taking office. Pauses shouldn’t last more than a month or so while deportations continue.
Most find a need to hire an immigration attorney for the process to run smoothly and that is another cost.
Yet, thousands do it every year. Here are some resources to help in the journey.
https://www.uscis.gov/
https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/how-to-become-a-u-s-citizen
https://www.rescue.org/article/how-immigrants-and-refugees-become-us-citizens