There are many advantages to becoming a U.S. citizen—including helping family members immigrate to the United States, traveling with a U.S. passport, and voting in U.S. elections. Millions of lawful permanent residents are eligible to naturalize but need support to take the important step of becoming a U.S. citizen.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides critical support to organizations helping immigrants navigate the naturalization process. We provide trainings and technical assistance, publish the top practitioner’s guide, Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship: The Essential Legal Guide, engage in federal and local advocacy. Through the national New Americans Campaign, we also develop and disseminate best practices in providing access to naturalization services.

Latest in Citizenship and Naturalization

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Changes to the Expedited Naturalization Process for Military Service Members

03/29/2018
Citizenship and Naturalization
In October 2017, the Department of Defense issued new policies that impact lawful permanent residents and other non-U.S. citizens in the military. This practice advisory discusses how these policies affect those who seek to enlist, and those who currently serve in the military, including in the Reserve Components. This practice advisory was jointly authored by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center...
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Acquisition & Derivation Quick Reference Charts

02/14/2018
Citizenship and Naturalization
These three charts outline the different requirements for acquiring and deriving citizenship. Because the law governing acquisition and derivation has changed many times and is generally not retroactive, these charts detail what the eligibility requirements are depending on the time period in question. Each chart has extensive footnotes that provide explanations about the legal requirements,...
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the New Naturalization Application

01/11/2018
Citizenship and Naturalization
On February 4, 2014 the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) introduced a new N-400 (Rev. 9/13/13), Application for Naturalization form that was updated in April and December 2016. All naturalization applicants must use the new form only. To help attorneys, BIA accredited representatives, and others learn how to complete this new form, we have developed a step-by-step guide.
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Warning for Immigrants About Medical and Legalized Marijuana

01/08/2018
Crimes
Asylum
Citizenship and Naturalization
Enforcement
Family-Based
Immigrant Youth
LGBT
Removal Defense
DACA
U Visa/T Visa/VAWA
Community Resources
As of January 2018, 28 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, and 8 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Immigrants may reasonably think that using marijuana according to these state laws will not hurt their immigration status. Unfortunately, that's wrong!! It is still a federal offense to possess marijuana, and...

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