How to become a U.S. citizen

The St. Paul hospital no longer exists, it is long since torn down. But, by virtue of being born there to U.S.-born parents, I have never been questioned about my citizenship.

Curious, I decided to look up the process for becoming a U.S. citizen if I had not been born here or did not have American parents. For those who come to these shores and want to become citizens, it's a little more complicated.

It's called the naturalization process and, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a person who wants to be naturalized must fulfill several requirements.

Generally, people seeking naturalization must be at least 18 years of age; have been granted lawful permanent resident status and have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years.

Additional requirements include the ability to speak, read and write the English language; knowledge of the U.S. government and history; and good moral character. Yes, there is a test. Try your hand at a couple of these questions:

•What did Susan B. Anthony do?

•There were 13 original states. Name three.

For more citizenship test information, go to www.usimmi grationsupport.org/citizenship-test.html.

There are exceptions to some requirements. For instance, spouses and children of U.S. citizens may become naturalized in three years rather than five years. Foreign-born children under 18 years, including adopted children, acquire citizenship automatically if they are lawful permanent residents and have at least one U.S. citizen parent.

Also, people who served honorably in the military during wartime may naturalize without first being permanent residents or without living here for a set length of time.

In 2009, more than 740,000 people became naturalized citizens, down from the more than 1 million in 2008. About 1 in 7 come from Mexico.