Age

Since the 1950s, an applicant for naturalization has been required to be at least 18 years of age. This requirement does not apply to some children with U.S. citizen parents, however. They receive special provisions because the parent applies on the child's behalf for the benefits of naturalization.

Mental Capacity

During the naturalization process, an alien is required to renounce his or her former governmental allegiance and to pledge allegiance to the U.S. To do this, an applicant must be legally competent under the laws of the state of his or her residence. Therefore, if an applicant is either in a mental institution or is declared legally insane, he or she cannot meet the requirements for naturalization. Once a person has been found legally incompetent, he or she must provide evidence to show that competency has been restored.

Naturalization applicants who have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as those who have biological mental impairments not resulting in legal incompetence are able to take the oath of allegiance. Additionally, they are exempt from the English literacy and U.S. government and history knowledge requirements for naturalization.

English Literacy

In addition to being of the requisite age and mental capacity, a naturalization applicant must pass an English literacy test, demonstrating that he or she can read, write, and speak the English language. Complex usage is not required. Instead, only an understanding of ordinary usage is necessary. Reading and writing skills are tested through a written examination, and speaking skills are tested during each alien's naturalization interview.

Several categories of applicants are exempt from the English literacy requirement: (1) those who cannot physically comply with the requirements; (2) those over 50 years old who have legally lived for 20 years or more in the U.S.; (3) those over 55 years old who have legally lived for 15 years or more in the U.S.; (4) those who are entirely deaf, and; (5) those who have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as those who have biological mental impairments.

Knowledge of U.S. History And Government

The final objective requirement for naturalization is knowledge of fundamental U.S. history and governmental form. This test, which may be given orally or in writing, is adjusted based on each applicant's background, including his or her age, education, and length of presence in the U.S. The test must be given in English unless the applicant: (1) is exempt from the literacy test and the applicant does not understand English well enough to conduct a valid history and government test; or (2) has passed the literacy test but an English history and government test would be inaccurate or incomplete.

Applicants who are older than 65 who have lived at least 20 years in the U.S. and certain applicants from Laos receive special consideration on this test, meaning that they are examined at an easier level.

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