Why do you want to become a U.S. citizen?

When the USCIS officer asks why the applicant wants to become a U.S. citizen, the applicant should respond with personal, honest reasons that reflect commitment to the United States and its values. There is no single correct answer; sincere reasons vary widely. Common reasons include: voting rights and full political participation; ability to run for elected office (except for the presidency, which requires natural-born citizenship); ability to petition for family members to immigrate (citizens can sponsor parents, married children, and siblings, while permanent residents have more limited petitioning rights); freedom from the risk of removal or loss of status that affects permanent residents; ability to travel with a U.S. passport including visa-free access to many countries; eligibility for federal jobs that require citizenship; ability to pass citizenship to U.S.-born children automatically; permanence and security of status; commitment to American values and identity; gratitude to the country for opportunities received; and desire to participate fully in civic life through jury service and other duties.

The officer is testing the applicant's basic English communication ability and confirming commitment to the country, not evaluating the wisdom or rhetorical polish of the answer. A simple sincere statement is best. Examples of acceptable answers: "I want to vote and participate in the country I have lived in for many years," "I want to feel fully part of the country where my children were born," "I want to be able to bring my parents to live with us," "I want the security of citizenship after building my life here," "I love this country and want to be a full citizen of it," "I want to serve as a federal employee in a position that requires citizenship," or "I have lived here for 20 years and want to formalize my commitment."

The applicant should not feel pressured to give a politically charged answer or to disparage their country of origin. Many naturalized citizens maintain affection for their country of origin while embracing American citizenship. The question is not asking the applicant to choose between two countries (which is unnecessary since the United States typically does not require renunciation of other citizenships in practice, though the Oath includes formal renunciation language).

Applicants who have prepared thoughtful answers in advance often find this question easy. Applicants who feel nervous can practice the answer with a friend or English tutor. The officer typically does not ask follow-up questions unless the answer is unusual. The interview is conducted in English, and the applicant's ability to articulate personal reasons in English supports the basic communication test.