U.S. immigration and naturalization are entities that have to work closely together. Anyone who has migrated to the U.S., and lives there for a certain amount of time, is eligible to become a lawful U.S. citizen via naturalization. A naturalized person has access to the same services and privileges that born U.S. citizens enjoy. These include the right to employment, voting rights, and the ability to run for office.
How the Process Works
Anyone who has been a permanent U.S. resident or green card holder for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years is eligible for naturalization. The applicant should not have left the U.S. for over six (6) months at any given time.
Other requirements are:
- Applicants should be 18 years old or older.
- Applicants should reside in the state that they are applying from for no less than three (3) months before submitting the petition.
- After submitting the petition, applicants must continue to reside in the U.S.
- The applicant should have a clean criminal record and overall good moral character for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Applicants have to pass an oral and a written examination called the English and Civics Exam which allows them to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. government and history, in addition to the English language.
Persons who meet all the requirements have to file a form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. Applicants will also be asked to provide certain documents and will be interviewed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department. The next step is taking the Oath of Allegiance, once the paperwork and interview are completed and the exam has been passed.
You are Not Alone in This Process
If you considering naturalization as your pathway to citizenship, the U.S. immigration and naturalization processes can be tricky. However, you can discuss your individual situation with an attorney at the Davis Law Firm. Our attorneys can assist you with preparing for the naturalization application, exams, and interview. For more information, contact us at 210-444-4444.