U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization Facts

Who is Considered a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)?

A LPR, also known as a "green card holder," is someone who is a non-US citizen who is legally authorized to be present in the US to live and work permanently. LPR status can be lost if the person commits certain crimes or decides to give up residency and live in another country.

How can LPRs become US Citizens?

If a LPR is at least 18 years old and has been present in the US for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen), they may qualify to become a US citizen. This process of becoming a US citizen is called "naturalization." Requirements include continuous residence (including demonstratable physical presence), being of "good moral character," the ability to speak, read, and write in basic English, and knowledge of US history and government. Depending on an individual's circumstances, some criteria may be different.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit the USCIS website.

• You can file to bring family members, such as children, parents, and siblings to live in the United States.
• The process of reuniting your spouse and children usually will be much faster if you are a citizen.
• Becoming a U.S. citizen can help your children. Any of your unmarried LPR children living with you under 18 years old will automatically become citizens when you do.
• You can vote in all elections.
• You can be elected to public office.
• You can live and travel outside of the United States without losing your citizenship.
• Many federal jobs require you to be a U.S. citizen.
• Traveling to some foreign countries may be easier for a citizen of the United States.

• You may lose your citizenship in your native country, unless your native country allows you to have dual citizenship (citizenship in 2 countries).
• If you become a citizen, you may have difficulty maintaining ownership of property in another country.
• You may lose your right to vote in your native country.