What is the process by which foreign-born people aged 18 and older can become U.S. citizens?

Naturalization is the official process through which foreign-born individuals who are 18 years and older can become U.S. citizens. It involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, such as having lawful permanent resident status for a certain number of years, demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak English, and possessing knowledge of U.S. history and government. During the naturalization process, the applicant must also take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

In contrast, immigration generally refers to the act of coming to live permanently in a foreign country but does not include citizenship. Residency pertains to the status of living in a certain location, which does not automatically equate to citizenship. The term citizenship application is related to the process, but it is not the standard term used to describe the complete process of becoming a citizen. Naturalization specifically encapsulates all the necessary steps, legal obligations, and status changes required for a foreign national to achieve U.S. citizenship.