How to Become a US Citizen: A Clear, Practical Guide for Immigrants

For immigrants, becoming a US citizen is about much more than paperwork. It is about stability, opportunity, and finally having a full voice in the country you call home. While the naturalization process can feel intimidating at first, knowing the steps involved and getting expert assistance can make your experience more successful.

目前获得公民身份的障碍

Because of current White House administration policies that often seek to deter and persecute immigrants rather than helping them obtain citizenship, the naturalization process is now more challenging than it has been in previous years. Here are some of the current barriers to citizenship for immigrants in the United States.

漫长、复杂、昂贵的过程

对于大多数移民来说，获得公民身份的途径涉及多个复杂的步骤，如建立合法永久居留权、满足资格要求、熟悉申请流程、面试和测试。这些步骤可能耗时、复杂，而且往往费用高昂。.

更严格的 “良好品德 ”评估

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented stricter policies for assessing “good moral character,” a key requirement for naturalization. This could lengthen processing times and give officers greater discretion in denying applications.

更难的公民资格考试要求

Recent changes to the civics test required for naturalization have increased the difficulty of the exam and expanded the number of questions applicants must answer, creating a higher bar to pass this core step in the citizenship process.

影响获得法律地位和公民身份的政策

更广泛的移民政策变化为合法永久居留权、临时签证和获得美国公民身份制造了障碍，包括放慢处理速度和扩大对申请人背景的审查。.

这些因素都使得移民申请美国公民身份的道路更具挑战性和不确定性。.

移民能做什么

The US government provides clear guidance on the naturalization process, and many community organizations are available to help along the way, including trusted nonprofits such as 密歇根联队.

如何申请美国公民身份

Here’s the step-by-step process for applying to become a US citizen.

第一步：确保您符合资格

Before you apply for citizenship, you must confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for naturalization. Most applicants must:

年满 18 岁
持有绿卡的合法永久居民
作为永久居民在美国居住至少五年，或与美国公民结婚至少三年
在美国持续居住并有实际存在
展示良好的道德品质
能够读、写和说基本的英语，某些情况除外
充分了解美国历史和政府

有些申请人可能有资格获得豁免或便利，包括老年人或有某些残疾的个人。.

第二步：填写 N-400 表格

The formal application for citizenship is Form N-400, or the Application for Naturalization. Applicants can file online or submit a paper application by mail.

该表格要求提供有关您的居住历史、就业、家庭和美国境外旅行的详细信息。美国公民及移民服务局（USCIS）强调准确性和诚实性，因为不一致的信息可能会延误处理或导致日后出现更多问题。在递交表格之前，最好收集一些证明文件，如绿卡副本、纳税记录以及任何相关的结婚或离婚文件。.

第三步：支付申请费或申请豁免

标准入籍申请费为几百美元，但具体金额可能会有变化。例如，截至 2025 年 8 月，费用为 $760。.

If paying the full fee poses a hardship, some applicants may qualify for a fee reduction or waiver based on income or participation in public assistance programs.

第四步预约生物识别

After the USCIS receives your application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, the USCIS collects fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background and security checks. This step is routine and usually brief, but it is required before moving forward in the process. Btw, the photo taken here will be used on your naturalization certificate.

第五步：准备面试和测试准备面试和测试

The naturalization interview is one of the most important steps, so it is important to prepare thoroughly. During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions to confirm your eligibility. You will also take two tests as part of your naturalization exam:

英语测试，包括口语（没有特定测试，而是在面试过程中进行）、阅读（3 次朗读句子的机会）和写作（3 次默写句子的机会）。
涵盖美国历史和政府的公民考试（申请人必须正确回答多达 20 个问题中的 12 个问题；当正确回答第 12 个问题时，考试结束。）

If you do not pass one portion of the test the first time, the USCIS allows a second attempt, which reduces pressure for many applicants. Note: the officer conducting the interview does not make the final decision, only a recommendation. Some officers will tell you what their recommendation is, others will say, “I cannot make a decision in your case today”.

People who are 50 years old+ AND who have been a lawful permanent resident for 20+ years at the time of filing are exempt from the English and literacy requirements (and do NOT take an equivalent in their own language). The same applies to people who are 55 years old and have been residents for 15 years. These people may also take an interpreter to the interview (family members are not recommended as they may be rejected by the USCIS officer on the basis of ethical conflict).

Also, people who have a chronic physical, mental or developmental disability can have their doctor or psychologist complete form N-648 explaining how they are incapable of learning English or the civics test. This is very difficult to obtain, and does not apply to an applicant merely because they have high blood pressure or a broken leg.

第六步：接受决定并宣誓

After the interview, the USCIS will issue a decision. If approved, the final step is attending a naturalization ceremony and taking the Oath of Allegiance, at which point immigrants officially become US citizens. Once the oath is complete, new citizens receive a Certificate of Naturalization and gain full rights, including voting and eligibility for certain federal jobs.

如何获得帮助

While it is possible to apply for citizenship on your own, many immigrants choose to work with nonprofits that offer 法律服务, citizenship classes, and application support. These organizations help applicants understand requirements, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident walking into interviews and tests.

密歇根联合组织就是这种基于社区的支持的有力例证。该组织通过其法律服务和入籍课程，帮助移民准备申请、学习公民考试，并清晰而有尊严地完成入籍程序。对于那些希望得到可信赖的指导和文化上的支持的移民来说，非营利性公民计划可以将复杂的程序变成一个易于管理、增强能力的旅程，从而充分参与美国公民生活。.

通过密歇根和睦家获得成为美国公民的帮助

密歇根联队 is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken health care and immigration systems, protect our environment, end mass incarceration, and make essential services accessible to all.

Our citizenship classes are at the heart of our mission. Our team is dedicated to helping immigrants obtain citizenship, affording them essential rights and protections enjoyed by US citizens.

Through our citizenship classes and English classes, we equip adult immigrants with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the naturalization exam. By doing so, we aim to help them secure full US citizenship so they can access valuable rights and protections such as voting, federal job opportunities, retirement security, education options, and active participation in civic life.

Join us in our quest to create a more just and inclusive society for all. You can do this in whichever way works best for you. You can also join us as a Michigan United member or donate today!