The process by which people from foreign countries become U.S. citizens is called naturalization. There are three steps in this process:

1. File an application. The application asks for biographical information about the person. The person has his or her fingerprints taken, and provides photographs and legal documents.
   
    
   
2. Take a naturalization examination. The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. government and history. The applicant must also pass an English test.
   
    
   
3. Appear for a court hearing. The applicant appears before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen. The judge will listen to the applicant’s reasons and will decide on naturalization.
   

To become a citizen, or to be naturalized,
a person must meet certain requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
  
   
  
• Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years.
  
   
  
• Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S.
  
   
  
• Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English.
  
   
  
• Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history,
  government structure and the Constitution of the U.S.
  
   
  
• Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.