What is a legal process to obtain citizenship?

The legal process is called NATURALIZATION.

The Naturalization Process

Several million noncitizens, or aliens, live in the United States. Some come to study, to work, or to visit relatives for a while. They remain citizens of their own countries and eventually return home. Other aliens, however, plan to settle here and become naturalized citizens. More than half a million immigrants-people who move permanently to a new country-gain American citizenship each year.

Aliens who want to become United States citizens must first sign a statement saying just that. This Declaration of Intention is then filed with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), an agency of the national government. For most aliens, the next step comes after living in the United States at least five years. (Aliens who are married to citizens wait only three years.) During this time, many immigrants take special classes to prepare for citizenship. At this time, if they are at least 18 years old and have lived for at least three months in the state where they seek naturalization, they may file an application for citizenship.

After the paperwork is checked, the alien has an interview with an BCIS official. Agency officials want to be sure the alien meets the necessary requirements and is of good moral character. The applicant must also take a citizenship exam that consists of questions about reading, writing, and speaking English and basic facts about the history and government of the United States. Afterward, the BCIS makes its decision.

If the application is granted, the final step in naturalization is attending a ceremony and pledging an oath of allegiance. The alien swears to be loyal to this country above all others, to obey the Constitution and other laws, and to perform military or other duties if needed. Then the person signs a document and is declared a citizen of the United States. If he or she has children under 18, they automatically become naturalized citizens, too.