A naturalized US citizen is a person who was not born in the United States but has gone through the process of becoming a US citizen. Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant to the United States can become a US citizen. To become naturalized, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing, a legal permanent resident of the United States, and have had a status of a legal permanent resident in the United States for five years before applying. A minimum physical presence in the territory for two and a half years is required, and absences of over six months reset the time frame. The naturalization process involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, including being a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) of five years, married to a US citizen, a US military service member (active duty or veteran), or a child of a US citizen. Once a person becomes a naturalized US citizen, they can exercise their rights as an American citizen, including the ability to vote, serve on a jury, apply for federal jobs, become an elected official, obtain government benefits, and much more.