So you’ve got your US citizenship.  What if you didn’t and you wanted to become a US Citizen.  Think you got what it takes?  How much do YOU really know?

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/gallery/081408_citizenshipexam/

Ouch, I did horribly.  How did you do?  Be a good citizen, don’t take your rights for granted.

An excerpt from the US Citizenship & Immigration Services site:

Citizenship

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. - XIV Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant.  Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:

• By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents, or
• By Naturalization.

In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.

Exploring the site a little further, I found the link for the requirements to become a Naturalized US Citizen.  Doesn’t “naturalization” just sound a bit disconcerting?  I mean, why does someone have to be “naturalized” into a country?  Why not simply “update my citizenship” -like a license?  To be honest, I don’t think there is anything “natural” and seems almost Orwellian.  BUT, I am not complaining! USA! USA! USA!

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

• • a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
  • residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
  • an ability to read, write, and speak English;
  • a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
  • good moral character;
  • attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
  • favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under “Related Links” and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

If I understand this correctly, some of these are only requirements for those who *want* to become naturalized.  Meaning, those who do NOT desire citizenship do NOT have to exhibit any of these qualities, including the “favorable disposition toard the United States.”

And that’s why I *truly* <3 the US and makes me proud to be an American.  You don’t have to to join us, or become one of us, or even like us.  Despite that, we sure as hell will protect your right to hate us.