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  Becoming a citizen of the United States is a dream for many people. Not only can they work and live in the United States, but they can get benefits only a citizen can acquire. Being a citizen also provides those the opportunity to run for office as senator or work for the government in jobs with the postal service, immigration or even the Department of Homeland Security. Two ways that one can become a citizen of the United States are by birth or by naturalization.
  
  

Citizenship by Birth

• People who are born in the United States and outlying territories are automatically citizens. This means persons born in the 50 U.S. states and major and minor outlying territories. Children who are born on U.S. soil and its territories are said to have the right of jus soli, meaning "law of soil", and are protected under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "All persons born in the United State are citizens of the United States." Jus soli has become an issue because this right is also extended to children born of foreign parents, whether or not they came to the country legally or are living in the country legally or illegally. However, children born on U.S. soil to foreign head of states or foreign diplomats do not obtain U.S. citizenship under jus soli.
  
  

Citizenship by Naturalization

• Another way to acquire citizenship is by naturalization. A child born in another country to parents who are both U.S. citizens are also qualified to apply for citizenship. In this case, jus sanguinis, or "rule of the blood," applies. All that is required is for the parents to apply for a U.S. passport on the child's behalf to make sure the child's citizenship is formally recognized. If only one parent is a citizen, jus sanguinis may or may not apply, and the case is thoroughly studied by a U.S consul to be considered before the child is classified as a natural born citizen. Acquiring citizenship by naturalization can also be done through adoption by U.S citizen parents of a child from another country. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 was created and grants those children the ability to automatically become U.S. citizens when they are brought back to the United States.
  
  

Military Service and Other Factors

• Service to the U.S. military, no matter what branch, will also qualify a person to apply for citizenship by the naturalization process. If a one is a veteran, then it is important that he was discharged honorably. Legal permanent residency of at least five years also qualifies a person to become a citizen. However, if a person traveled outside the United States during his five-year residency, it can't be for more than a year for him to qualify. Lastly, marriage to a U.S. citizen is a qualifying factor for application. One should be married to this citizen for at least three years and be a lawful permanent resident to avail of the citizenship.
  
  

In Summary

• Once you find yourself to be qualified, you may start your application process. Forms may be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Service website or from the USCIS office in your locality. You will have to take a naturalization exam to test your knowledge of U.S. history and government as well as your English skills. Once you pass your examinations and interviews, you will be scheduled for an oath taking to become an American.