Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national. Once individuals have met the legal requirements for becoming citizens, they must submit an application form, with supporting documents and a $725 fee, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The IRC helps immigrants and refugees prepare their applications and documentation and guides them through the process, which can take nine to 26 months.  Over the past six years, the IRC has helped nearly 30,000 refugees and immigrants become U.S. citizens.

Applicants for citizenship will receive an appointment letter from the USCIS to be fingerprinted and photographed for the purpose of conducting multiple background checks and cross-checks by the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security. All applicants must be cleared before the USCIS schedules an in-person interview.

Applicants are interviewed by USCIS officers who ask questions about their applications, backgrounds, character, understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and willingness to take an oath of allegiance.During the interview, a USCIS officer will test an applicant’s ability to read, write and speak basic English as well as his or her knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. Here's a sample civics question:

Certain applicants, because of age, disability or length of permanent residency, are exempt from the English requirement and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

A USCIS officer typically asks applicants up to 10 questions (from a list of 100) covering principles of American democracy, system of government, geography, rights and responsibilities, and history. Applicants must answer six of the 10 questions correctly to pass the civics test.

The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. Applicants are tested on all three components during the interview.

The IRC conducts English and civic classes, one-on-one tutoring, mock interviews, and general information sessions to help applicants prepare for the test.

Finally, successful applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the United States at a public ceremony before receiving their certificates of naturalization. They are now U.S. citizens. These public ceremonies are often celebrations, a time when new citizens recognize the large commitment and effort they have made to achieve their goal.

Mulu Bahre, born in Eritrea, became an American citizen in January 2016, six years after the IRC resettled his family in Baltimore.

“It was a big change for me, it was also a big commitment,” he said. “The day I went to be sworn in, that was full of joy for me. I was really excited and knew that there were more opportunities ahead. It made me feel like I belong here.”