Become an American National: A Complete Guide to the Process

Why would someone want to become an American national? Maybe you dream of the opportunities, freedom, and cultural richness that the United States offers. Or perhaps, you’re drawn to the legal protections and rights afforded by national status. Regardless of your motivation, becoming an American national is a significant and life-altering process.

Let’s unravel this complex yet rewarding journey together. Whether you're already residing in the U.S. or you're looking to relocate, this guide will help you navigate the often overwhelming process of becoming an American national.

What Does It Mean to Be an American National?

The term "American national" is often used interchangeably with "U.S. citizen," but there's a key distinction. American nationals are individuals who owe their allegiance to the United States but may not necessarily enjoy all the rights that come with U.S. citizenship. Nationals of the United States include people from American Samoa and Swains Island, along with citizens of the U.S. Proper. It's possible to be an American national without being a U.S. citizen, although most nationals do eventually seek full citizenship.

Why Become an American National Instead of a U.S. Citizen?

Some may wonder: if U.S. citizenship offers full rights, why would anyone opt to be just a national? The answer lies in the specific legal and personal benefits that national status offers. For example:

• Taxation: American nationals who do not reside in the U.S. full-time may have different tax obligations than full U.S. citizens.
• Travel flexibility: Nationals often find it easier to travel to and from U.S. territories without the same visa requirements as foreign nationals.
• Identity and allegiance: Some people feel a deep sense of loyalty and connection to American Samoa or other U.S. territories and want to retain that national identity without transitioning to full citizenship.

However, many American nationals later decide to become full U.S. citizens to gain additional rights like voting in federal elections.

Eligibility Criteria

Becoming an American national involves fulfilling certain eligibility requirements. These include:

• Birth: Individuals born in certain U.S. territories, such as American Samoa, are automatically granted American national status.
• Naturalization: Foreign nationals residing in the U.S. or its territories may become American nationals by going through a naturalization process. This includes filing paperwork, undergoing background checks, and demonstrating loyalty to the U.S.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the process and offers resources to help applicants through the stages of becoming an American national.

How to Apply for American National Status

To begin the journey toward becoming an American national, you will need to follow a series of steps. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

1. Eligibility Check: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria based on your current nationality, residency, or connection to U.S. territories.
2. File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This is the most crucial form in your application process. It contains your personal details, background information, and proof of eligibility.
3. Background Check and Fingerprinting: As part of the naturalization process, applicants are required to undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting, to ensure they meet the security and legal requirements.
4. Civics Test: You’ll need to pass a U.S. civics and history test, demonstrating your knowledge of the nation’s government, history, and values.
5. Oath of Allegiance: After completing the above steps, applicants must take the Oath of Allegiance, which finalizes their status as an American national.

This process can be time-consuming and may require the assistance of legal professionals or immigration services to ensure that everything is done correctly.

The Cost of Becoming an American National

Becoming an American national isn't just a commitment of time—it also requires financial resources. Application fees can range from $725 to $1,170 depending on factors like biometric services and additional paperwork. While this may seem expensive, the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront costs.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is not providing accurate or complete information on their forms. Small errors can result in delays, denials, or additional fees. Furthermore, applicants who fail the civics test may have to retake it, which can set back the timeline for their nationalization process.

It’s also critical to ensure that all documents are filed on time and that you meet all deadlines set by the USCIS. Missing a deadline could mean starting the process over from scratch.

Success Stories

Many people have successfully navigated the complexities of becoming an American national. Take the story of Joseph from American Samoa. Born and raised in Pago Pago, Joseph always dreamed of exploring life beyond his island home. After moving to California for work, Joseph decided to formalize his connection to the U.S. by applying for American national status. While the paperwork and waiting period were challenging, Joseph now enjoys the freedom to travel between the mainland U.S. and American Samoa, while still maintaining his unique cultural heritage.

Another example is Maria, who moved from Mexico to Puerto Rico before applying for naturalization. Maria's journey was different; she had to navigate language barriers, unfamiliar laws, and several trips to the local immigration office. However, with the help of an immigration lawyer, she was able to successfully become an American national.

Alternatives to Becoming an American National

If you’re considering becoming an American national but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, it’s worth exploring other options. These may include:

• Green Card Residency: A green card allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely without the full responsibilities of citizenship or national status.
• Dual Citizenship: Some individuals may qualify for dual citizenship, which allows them to retain their original nationality while gaining U.S. citizenship.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before you apply, consider the following:

• Do you plan to live in the U.S. or its territories long-term? If your plans involve staying in your home country or a non-U.S. territory, national status may be more beneficial than full citizenship.
• Are you prepared for the financial and time commitments involved? The process can take several months and can be costly.
• Do you fully understand the rights and limitations of being an American national? While American nationals enjoy many of the same rights as citizens, they do not have the right to vote in federal elections or run for federal office.

Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether becoming an American national is the right path for you.

Final Thoughts

The process of becoming an American national is an exciting and transformative journey. While it requires significant effort, the rewards—freedom, security, and the ability to live and work in the U.S.—are often well worth it. Whether you're seeking new opportunities in America or wish to formalize your connection to the U.S. from a distant territory, the steps outlined here will guide you toward achieving that goal.

Remember, no matter where you start, persistence and careful planning can help you reach the finish line. Whether you choose national status or citizenship, the U.S. offers a unique landscape of opportunities waiting to be explored.