Naturalization (becoming a US Citizen) is a multi-step process. You don't have to become a citizen to live here legally but you do have to go through the immigration process, apply for and be granted resident alien status. My husband moved here from Canada in 1980 and has yet to become a US Citizen, though he pays his taxes like everybody else, but he did come in legally on a K-1 petition (fiance)and got his green card (they're not green any more, btw.) Permanent Resident Card, which is commonly known as a Green Card, is evidence of status as a lawful permanent resident with a right to live and to work permanently in the United States, to travel in and out of the counrty without a visa, to work at any job, and to accumulate time toward U.S. citizenship. It also is evidence of registration in accordance with the United States immigration laws. The Permanent Resident Card is also called Form I-551. The U.S. admits about 900,000 legal immigrants annually.
Full naturalization requires :
a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States (3-5 years);
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.
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