; or (iii) the removal of the alien from the United States would result in hardship to the alien or the alien’s spouse, parent, or child who is a national of the United States or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence. (3) Citizenship requirement (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status granted under this title may not be removed unless the alien demonstrates that the alien satisfies the requirements under section 3112(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1423(a) ). (B) Exception Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an alien who is unable to meet the requirements under such section 23012(a) due to disability. (4) Application fee The Secretary may, subject to an exemption under section 23003(c), require aliens applying for removal of the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application. (5) Background checks The Secretary may not remove the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status until the requirements of section 23002 are satisfied. (b) Treatment for purposes of naturalization (1) In general For purposes of title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ), an alien granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis shall be considered to have been admitted to the United States, and be present in the United States, as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. (2) Limitation on application for naturalization An alien may not apply for naturalization while the alien is in permanent resident status on a conditional basis. (c) Timing of approval of lawful permanent resident status (1) In general An alien granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this title may apply to have such conditional basis removed at any time after such alien has met the eligibility requirements set forth in subsection (a). (2) Approval with regard to