There is a big conversation happening in U.S. society about birthright citizenship, which is the right that states that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen. President Trump recently signed an executive order trying to end this for children born to parents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including those on temporary visas like religious workers. It has caused a lot of debate and legal challenges in the federal courts. It is still unclear how this will play out, as lawsuits are ongoing and the U.S. Supreme Court will soon begin its review of this legal issue. For now, religious workers born outside the U.S. can become U.S. citizens by applying for naturalization under the general provisions for naturalization.

If you are a religious worker — a minister, priest, monk, nun, or someone devoted to a religious role — you might be wondering how to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Becoming a U.S. citizen means you can vote, travel with a U.S. passport and never worry about renewing your green card. For religious workers, it is a chance to put down roots and keep serving your community without immigration stress. These are the current requirements:

1. The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for 5 years (but can apply for naturalization 90 days before their 5th year anniversary as an LPR). An applicant must also show residence in the state or service district having jurisdiction over the application for 3 months prior to filing.
2. As a general rule, the applicant must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months cumulatively during those 5 years as LPR. There is also a special rule for religious workers that may permit time residing abroad while performing religious duties to count as residence and physical presence in United States. It does require a separate application, Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes.
3. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage. Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the U.S. (civics).
4. An applicant must demonstrate good moral character. This means showing that he or she has been, and continues to be, a person of good moral character. There is no statutory definition of good moral character, but this normally means character which measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community in which the applicant resides.

To apply for naturalization, the applicant will need to submit Form N-400 (and Form N-470 if applicable) and pay a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee (currently $760). After the application is submitted to USCIS, the applicant will be sent a receipt notice, will be invited to come in for biometrics, and later on will be scheduled for a citizenship interview. During the interview USCIS will ask the applicant about the application they filed, their background information, test their English, and ask up to 10 questions about U.S. history and government. If the applicant successfully passes the interview, they will be invited to take the oath of allegiance to the United States and after taking the oath the applicant will become a U.S. citizen.

If you have any questions about this information and whether or not your religious worker meets the eligibility requirements listed above for U.S. citizenship, please contact your RIS assigned attorney.