The basic eligibility requirements for naturalization have been in place for many years and remain unchanged by the Immigration Act of 1990. The “general requirements” for naturalization are as follows:
- Admission to the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident;
Eighteen years of age; - Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately preceding the filing of the application and after admission for permanent residence (the “statutory period”);
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least fifty percent of the time during the statutory period (i.e. thirty months);
- At least three months residence in the state or INS district where the application is filed;
- Good moral character during the statutory period;
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language (unless exempt from this requirement);
- Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. government and history (the “civics” requirement);
- Attachment to the principles of the Constitution and “well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S.”;
- Willingness to take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. without mental reservation;
- Intention to reside permanently in the U.S..