s for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language. The only people who are exempt from that are those who have been residing permanently in the U.S. for over 15 years and are 55 years of age or older, have been residing 20 years and 50 years of age or older, or have a physical or mental disability which impairs them from learning English. An applicant must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the history and the form of government of the United States. To demonstrate this knowledge and understanding the applicant must take a U.S. History test which consists of approximately 25 questions. When the applicant passes this test they must take the Oath of Allegiance. By taking this oath, the applicant swears to support the Constitution and obey the laws of the U.S., renounce any foreign allegiance and/or foreign title, and bear arms for the Armed Forces of the U.S. or perform services for the government of the U.S. when required. This is the process that is taken to become a citizen of the United States. In certain instances, where the applicant states that he or she is opposed to any type of service in the armed forces based on religious teachings or belief, the INS, or Immigration or Naturalization Service, will permit those applicants to take a modified oath. This is the process for becoming a citizen of the United States. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that there were 10.525 million legal permanent residents residing in the United States as of April 1996. Approximately 5.776 million of these immigrants were eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Legal permanent residents are entitled to live permanently in the United States but are not naturalized citizens, either because they have chosen not to apply for citizenship, or because they have not met the citizenship requirements. One of the most important requirements is residence in...
