Seven Years Of Us Citizenship: My Cityzen Story

which one is us cityzen for 7 years

The Cityzen app, which offers 5 free drinks a day at 5 different bars in Las Vegas, has been in use for 7 years. The app also mentions entry to nightclubs. In terms of sports, a Cityzen can also refer to a player for a team based in New York City, such as a midfielder for NYCFC.

Characteristics Values
What is it? A mobile app that offers free drinks and mentions entry to nightclubs
Where is it available? Las Vegas
How many free drinks? 5 free drinks a day at 5 different bars
Who is it for? People who like free stuff
Who is behind the app? Jay, a former Student Body President at NC State University

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Naturalization is the process of voluntarily becoming a US citizen

The first step in the naturalization process is to determine if you are already a US citizen or if you acquired citizenship from your parents after birth. If not, the next step is to review the eligibility requirements, which include being married to a US citizen and lawful permanent resident for three years, serving in the US military, or being the child of a US citizen. Applicants must also have lived continuously in the United States as a green card holder for at least five years or three years if married to a US citizen.

Once the eligibility requirements are met, applicants must complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with the required fees. After submitting the form, applicants may be required to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and a background check. The final step in the naturalization process is a citizenship interview and exam, which includes a two-part naturalization test: an English language test and a civics test.

During the citizenship interview, a USCIS officer will verify the information provided in the application and administer the naturalization test. The interview usually takes place at the nearest USCIS office, but for those applying from abroad, it may be held at a US embassy or consulate. After successfully completing the interview and exam, the final step in becoming a US citizen is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

In addition to the standard naturalization process, there are other pathways to citizenship, such as through military service or marriage to a US citizen. These pathways may have different requirements and timelines, so it is important for applicants to review the specific guidelines for their situation. Overall, the naturalization process can be complex and time-consuming, but it offers immigrants the opportunity to become full-fledged US citizens with all the associated rights and responsibilities.

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Citizenship by birth in the US

Citizenship by birth, also known as birthright citizenship, is a highly debated topic in the United States. The first section of the second article of the US Constitution mentions "a natural-born citizen", implying that citizenship can be acquired by birth. The Fourteenth Amendment also explicitly endorses jus soli citizenship, which is the principle that a person's citizenship is determined by their place of birth.

However, there is political opposition to this concept, particularly for children of undocumented immigrants. Despite this, most legal observers agree that the Fourteenth Amendment supports jus soli citizenship for all children born in the US, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Upon taking office in 2025, President Trump issued an executive order stating that the federal government would not recognize jus soli citizenship for the children of non-citizens. This order was challenged in court and blocked by a federal judge as "blatantly unconstitutional."

In general, a person born in the US who is subject to the jurisdiction of the country is considered a US citizen at birth. There are, however, additional requirements for children born abroad to US citizens. For example, a child born on or after November 14, 1986, will obtain citizenship if their US citizen father has a blood relationship with the child, was a citizen at the time of the child's birth, and agreed in writing to provide financial support until the child turns 18.

Additionally, the US citizen parent must have resided in the US or its territories for a specific period before the child's birth. The required duration has varied over time and depends on factors such as the parent's gender and age during their time in the country. For example, a child born on or after June 12, 2017, will obtain citizenship if their mother was a US citizen at the time of birth and had lived in the US for five years, with at least two of those years being after the age of 14.

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Citizenship through derivation

For children born outside the U.S. but currently living in the country, they can acquire citizenship under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The following conditions must be met on or after February 27, 2001:

  • The child must have at least one parent, including an adoptive parent, who is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization.
  • The child must be residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
  • The child must be lawfully admitted, physically present, and maintaining lawful status in the U.S. at the time of application approval and naturalization.

On the other hand, children born outside the U.S. but residing abroad can also become U.S. citizens through derivation. In this case, the requirements are slightly different:

  • The child must have at least one parent or grandparent who is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization.
  • The child must be residing outside the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent or, in the case of the parent's death, a person who does not object to the application.
  • The child must be lawfully admitted, physically present, and maintaining lawful status in the U.S. at the time of application approval and naturalization.

It is important to note that the law in effect at the time of the child's birth determines their citizenship status. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part H, for detailed information on specific time periods and eligibility requirements.

To prove derivative citizenship, individuals can obtain a Certificate of Citizenship from the USCIS. This certificate serves as proof of citizenship and can be used to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a U.S. passport. In the absence of this certificate, additional documentation may be required, such as proof of the child's relationship to the U.S. citizen parent, proof of permanent resident status, and proof of the child's age.

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Citizenship through acquisition

In the United States, a child can acquire citizenship if they meet certain requirements. The child must be residing in the United States and be in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent before their 18th birthday. The U.S. citizen parent must also have resided in the United States or its territories for a continuous period, with the required duration ranging from one year to ten years before the child's birth. The specific duration depends on when the child was born and whether one or both parents are U.S. citizens. For example, for a child born on or after November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States or its territories for five years before the child's birth, with at least two of these years after the age of 14.

In addition to the residency requirements, there are also requirements related to the parental relationship. At least one parent must have a genetic or gestational connection to the child, and both parents in the marriage must demonstrate a parental relationship. This can be established through various documents, such as medical, tax, or educational records. If these requirements are not met, the child may still be able to obtain citizenship as a child born out of wedlock.

It is important to note that the requirements for citizenship through acquisition can be complex and may depend on individual circumstances. The information provided here is a general overview, and specific cases may vary. For definitive guidance, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consult with an immigration specialist.

In certain cases, the oath requirement for citizenship may be waived by the USCIS for children under 14 years of age. Once the application is approved, the USCIS issues a Certificate of Citizenship. Additionally, the child of a U.S. government employee temporarily stationed abroad is considered to be residing in the United States for the purposes of acquiring citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

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Citizenship through military service

Military service members and their families can get assistance with citizenship and naturalization. Since 2002, more than 187,000 members of the U.S. military have been naturalized, both at home and abroad. Naturalization ceremonies have taken place in more than 30 countries, and in the last five years (fiscal years 2020–2024), over 52,000 service members have been naturalized.

If you are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you meet all the requirements of either section 328 or 329 of the INA, you may apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, under the section that applies to you. You will not have to pay any fees for applying for naturalization under INA 328 or 329. As a current or former member of the U.S. military, certain other naturalization requirements may not apply to you. For example, if you served honorably during a designated period of hostilities, you may not have to reside in or be physically present in the U.S. for any length of time before you apply for naturalization.

To apply for citizenship, you will need to submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. If you are currently serving, you will also need to submit a completed Form N-426 at the time of filing your N-400. If you are not currently serving, you will need to submit a photocopy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, NGB Form 22, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service, or other official discharge documents for all periods of service.

In addition to the above requirements, you must also demonstrate that you were separated from service under honorable conditions, be a lawful permanent resident at the time of your naturalization interview, meet certain residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak English (unless qualified for a waiver or exception), demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (unless excepted), and demonstrate good moral character for at least five years before filing your N-400 through the day you naturalize. Finally, you must demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law, unless waived.

Frequently asked questions

The Cityzen app offers 5 free drinks a day at 5 different bars.

Cityzen is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based internet/web services startup.

The Cityzen app offers free drinks and entry to nightclubs in Las Vegas.

Jay spent 7 years as an engineering and planning consultant before co-founding Cityzen.

Mike Bloise is a full-stack software architect at Cityzen.

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