Becoming a U.S. Citizen in 2025

By Daryl K. Jones

We have spent mere months under the second administration of president Donald J. Trump, and already we have seen some massive overhauls to our government and its policies. We can expect more changes to come in the near future. However, none of these changes are getting the attention that the enforcement of our new immigration policies is getting.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, under president Trump ICE arrests have increased 627% as of February 26, 2025. The response from the immigrant community and their allies has been a mixed bag; equal parts fear and trepidation, part earnest supplication, and part newfound activism. Immigrants have been keeping their children from school and not reporting for work, due to fear that they may be deported and their families separated. Conversely, some organizations have idealistically taken up arms. For instance, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., (or CLINIC) has created a “Rapid Response Toolkit” to minimize the perceived damage caused by the newly instituted immigration policies. The toolkit is based on best practices and lessons learned from communities conducting rapid responses during ICE raids and arrests. It provides a plan of action for communities to support and guide people during and after a raid, as well as a how-to guide and a model notebook to help communities build an inclusive rapid response team. With all of this, coming to America may not be the draw that it once was for those who want to come here legally and become citizens the correct way. Here, we will explore the various ways for well-meaning visitors to our country to become United States citizens.

Naturalization

One of the methods to become an American citizen is by way of naturalization. There are several requirements that need to be satisfied before one can become a naturalized citizen.

Qualifying Age

To become a naturalized citizen the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Permanent Residency

The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident, or holder of a Green Card.

Continuous Residency/Physical Presence

The applicant must have established residency and maintained a physical presence in the U.S. for a period of three years if married to a U.S. citizen, and a period of five years, otherwise.

Character

Applicants must demonstrate GMC, or “Good Moral Character” to become a naturalized citizen. Keeping a clean criminal record, providing factual and complete information on the naturalization application, and being consistent and honest during the naturalization interview all go a long way to achieve that end.

English Language Proficiency and Civics Knowledge

The applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government. Applicants must also take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and provide biometrics such as fingerprints and a photograph during their appointment.

Citizenship by Marital Union

Marrying a U.S. citizen can expedite the path to citizenship for a foreign national, but it doesn’t guarantee automatic citizenship. A foreign national must first obtain a green card (lawful permanent residence) and then, after 3 years of marriage and living with their U.S. citizen spouse, can apply for naturalization.

Citizenship by Parent

Amendment XIV, Section 1, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution directs that all persons born in the United States are U.S. citizens. This is the case regardless of the tax or immigration status of a person’s parents, according to the Internal Revenue Service. A child can acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents, either at birth or after birth but before the age of 18, if certain conditions are met, such as the parent being a U.S. citizen and meeting residency requirements.

Military Citizenship

A green card holder who serves in the U.S. military for at least one year can qualify for citizenship, avoiding the extensive waiting period. A military member’s family may be eligible for certain immigration benefits through them. They can apply for a green card or even citizenship. Serving in the U.S. military can expedite the path to citizenship, with certain conditions, under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

There are many paths to citizenship, and consulting a qualified immigration attorney is the first step to navigating the process.