Many immigrants dream of becoming American citizens. The United States is a great country that offers many opportunities for those who live and work here. There are pathways to citizenship that you may follow in order to become a naturalized citizen. American citizenship provides many benefits. If you are an immigrant, you will certainly want to learn more about your options for U.S. citizenship. A knowledgeable immigration attorney is available to answer your questions and assist you through the process.
What is Naturalization?
Many people who come to the United States wish to live here permanently and become citizens. Naturalization is the process by which immigrants are able to become legal citizens of the United States. A naturalized citizen has most of the same rights as other citizens who were born in the country. Naturalization is provided through the Constitution. Congress was granted power to oversee naturalization through the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA). There are many advantages to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Advantages of Becoming a Naturalized Citizen
When you become a naturalized citizen, you will gain some important rights. Some of these include:
- Right to vote
- Access to governmental programs
- Access to financial aid
- Protection from deportation
- Ability to petition for family member visas
- Qualification for U.S. passport
As a U.S. citizen, you will be able to participate in the selection of our elected officials, including local, state, and federal. There are various governmental programs that you may be able to utilize, such as Medicare and Social Security. You may also qualify for some types of financial aid. When you are a citizen, you no longer need to worry about renewing your visa or getting deported. You will also be able to seek visas for family members, which may be easier to get when you are a citizen. You will be able to obtain a U.S. passport, which will make traveling much easier.
Eligibility to Become a Naturalized Citizen
Before you submit an application, you need to determine whether you are eligible for naturalization. You must meet the criteria for eligibility. For standard qualifications, the qualifications include:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years
- Must reside in the U.S. for 5 years immediately preceding application
- Must be of good moral character
- Must be able to speak, read, and write basic English
- Must have a general understanding of the government and history of the U.S.
There are other ways to qualify for naturalization. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or are the child of a citizen, you may be eligible to become a naturalized citizen yourself. Those who serve in the U.S. military might also be able to become naturalized.
Process of Naturalization
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will need to submit an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). Before you begin filling out the application, you will need to gather the necessary documentation to submit. You will need to provide a photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card. Although it is not required, you may find it easier to go through the process with guidance from an immigration attorney. There are a number of additional documents you will need to submit, depending on your eligibility.
You must also submit IRS (Internal Revenue Service) tax forms you have filed as a permanent resident. These must be official transcripts or IRS-certified tax returns for the last five years or three years if you are applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. You must also provide proof of mortgage or rent payments you made. If you have ever been arrested, detained, or convicted of a crime, you must include official documentation describing the incident. Your immigration attorney will help you understand which documents you will need to have ready to submit with your application.
Biometrics Appointment
After you submit your application and required documentation, along with the filing fee, you will receive confirmation of receipt from the USCIS. You will receive a document that schedules the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment includes taking your fingerprints and photographs. You will receive a booklet that outlines how to prepare for the English and civics tests, which will occur as part of your interview. Be sure to bring your Permanent Resident Card and valid photo ID to the appointment.
Interview
You will receive communication from the USCIS with the date, time, and location of your interview. You will meet with a USCIS representative who will ask you questions and administer an English test and a civics test. Be sure to bring the letter as well as any necessary documents requested and arrive on time. After the interview, you will receive a letter indicating a decision on your request for citizenship. You will be provided with a date, time, and location of your Oath of Allegiance.
Oath of Allegiance
The path toward citizenship culminates in taking the oath of allegiance to the United States of America. Once an applicant has been approved through the naturalization process, they will be sworn in as U.S. citizens. The final step in the process is to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. The oath requires you to renounce allegiance with any other country and pledge your support and loyalty to the United States Constitution. You must take the oath of your own free will. Now you are a naturalized citizen.
It is helpful to seek assistance from a qualified immigration attorney. Your lawyer will answer your questions and help guide you through the process. You may find it much easier to understand the requirements and what is needed with help from your attorney. If you wish to become a naturalized citizen, we are here to help. Our legal team understands the entire process and is here to meet your needs. Contact us today at Ibrahim Law Global at (708) 584-3043 to schedule a consultation.
