Greg Abel: Berkshire Hathaway CEO Becomes U.S. Citizen in Iowa

Greg Abel, the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and a longtime Iowa resident, officially became a United States citizen during a naturalization ceremony in Des Moines. Abel, who took the reins of the legendary company from Warren Buffett, completed the legal immigration process alongside 28 others, highlighting the rigorous steps required to earn American citizenship the right way.

Iowa Business Leader Takes the Oath in Des Moines

Abel, who is originally from Edmonton, Canada, has lived in Iowa for many years. He chose to make his commitment to the United States official at a naturalization ceremony held at Principal Park in Des Moines. He was joined by 28 new citizens from 16 different countries, all of whom completed the legally mandated process to earn their place as Americans. Abel stepped into the role of CEO at Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, taking over for the iconic Warren Buffett.

What Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen Legally?

For those looking to follow the legal path to citizenship, the process is rigorous and demands strict adherence to the law. Naturalization is the voluntary process through which a foreigner becomes a U.S. citizen. It requires filing an Application for Naturalization, passing a naturalization test, and living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a green card holder, for at least five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, that requirement drops to three years.

The Naturalization Checklist: Residency and Moral Character

Before applying, green card holders must meet strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing. There are also specific residential conditions that must be met to prove commitment to the country.

• You must have been a lawful permanent resident for five years.
• You must show continuous residence in the U.S. for five years before filing.
• You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during that period.
• You must have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you are filing.

Beyond residency, applicants must show good moral character for five years and demonstrate a genuine attachment to U.S. constitutional principles. This is the foundation of assimilation that binds the country together.

English Skills, Civics Test, and the 2025 Changes

Assimilation into American society requires a shared language and understanding of our history. Applicants must have basic English skills and pass a test on U.S. history and government, known as the civics test. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services introduced the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test for green card holders seeking citizenship, which applies to applications starting October 20, 2025.

Travel, Taxes, and Selective Service Requirements

The government holds green card holders to strict standards of presence and responsibility. If you have traveled outside the U.S., you must show all foreign travel during the last five years. Applicants must bring all valid and expired passports, as well as any travel documents issued by USCIS, to their naturalization interview. Failing to bring these documents could delay the process.

There are also key obligations that come with the privilege of citizenship and residency:

• Income Tax: You must pay income tax, including federal and potentially state and local taxes, once you secure employment.
• Selective Service: Men aged 18 to 26 must register for the Selective Service, indicating their willingness to serve in the Armed Forces if called upon.
• Address Updates: You must notify USCIS of any address changes.

Maintaining continuous residence is critical. Absences longer than six months may disrupt your residency, while absences over twelve months will require you to restart the naturalization process entirely. Frequent trips outside the U.S., even if brief, could put your eligibility at risk. You must maintain physical presence, specifically being physically present for 30 months within the 5 years before your application, or 18 months within the last 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

What if a Parent is a U.S. Citizen?

If you have a parent who was a U.S. citizen, either by birth or naturalization, before you turned 18 years old, you may already have a claim to citizenship without going through the standard naturalization process. In that case, the form to file is Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.

How many people become U.S. citizens each year?

USCIS welcomed 818,500 new citizens in fiscal year 2024 during naturalization ceremonies held across the United States and around the world. While this was a 7% decrease from the previous year, the 3-year total stands at more than 2.6 million new citizens who chose to follow the legal process.

What disrupts the residency requirement for citizenship?

Absences from the United States can severely disrupt your residency requirement. An absence of more than six months can raise red flags, and an absence of over twelve months typically means you must restart the naturalization process from the beginning.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and requirements may change. Readers are advised to consult a qualified immigration attorney or visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov for the most up-to-date information.