An individual born in the United States is automatically a U.S. citizen. A foreign national who wishes to be a U.S. citizen must go through the process of naturalization. In order to naturalize, an individual meet the following criteria. He or she must be admitted into the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), live in the U.S. for at least five continuous years, reside in the state in which the petition is being filed for at least three months immediately prior to filing for U.S. citizenship, have a physical presence in the U.S. for a total of at least half of the period of required continuous residence, have continuous residence in the U.S. from the date of filing the naturalization application to the date of being sworn in as a U.S. citizen, have the basic ability to read, write, and speak English, have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government, have good moral character consistent with the values of the U.S. constitution, and be at least 18 years of age. Being an LPR entails getting a green card. A green card is issued to all permanent residents as proof that they are legally authorized to reside in the United States. A green card can be used to show employment eligibility in the U.S as well as to obtain a Social Security Card.