Citizenship
DREAM Act – The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act
The Dream Act is good for many unfortunate young people who entered this country with their parents, through no fault of their own. It's good legislation if it passes because it provides a pathway for legalization for people who grew up here and have already become "Americanized." It further provides status for people without disqualifying criminal history, and those who complete 2 years of college or military service can received Green Cards. Its a step in the right direction. However, due to the political climate right now its seems this legislation will not pass any time soon.
Fountas & Associates
3340 Pepper Lane, Suite 103
Las Vegas NV 89120
Phone:866-375-9039
Understanding Immigration & Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which citizenship is acquired by an individual who was not a citizen at the time of birth. Naturalization is difficult to achieve alone and thus, an immigration and naturalization service is often employed by those seeking such status.
Naturalization requirements
To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:
- Lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident holding a green card for at least five years
- Been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the past five years
- Must not have spent more than a year outside of the U.S. during that period
- Primary home must not be in another country
If you are applying for naturalization in Corpus Christi, you must have lived in Texas for at least three months. You also must be at least 18 years of age and willing to swear your loyalty to the U.S. and belief in its principles and Constitution.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen
The naturalization process involves a series of steps that can become confusing, which is why many applicants seek aid from an immigration and naturalization service. In Corpus Christi, the experienced professionals at The Whittle Law Firm can guide you through this process. After initial submission of the naturalization forms, supporting documents, and required application fees, the applicant will be contacted for a fingerprint appointment and then for an interview appointment where the naturalization test is administered.
Passing the naturalization test
Your Corpus Christi immigration lawyer can help you prepare for the interview appointment, in which you will be tested in reading, writing, and speaking English, as well as in U.S. history and government. Your ability to speak English will be assessed in the interview as you answer questions about your background and application.
It is required that you read at least one out of three sentences correctly in English and write at least one of three sentences correctly in English. Finally, six out of ten questions pertaining to U.S. history and government must be answered correctly to pass the test.
The Whittle Law Firm - Corpus Christi Immigration Lawyers
5151 Flynn Pkwy. Suite 308
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
Phone: 361-232-4329
Fax: 361-887-6999
Naturalization Services—How to Become a U.S. Citizen
An immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen by going through a process called naturalization. Each person has particular circumstances that can make their naturalization process unique, which is why consulting an immigration attorney is wise prior to filling out an application and beginning the process.
Naturalization requirements
The general requirements you must meet before applying for citizenship include:
- Lawful permanent residency for five years (application submission is allowed 90 days prior to meeting the residency requirement)
- Lawful permanent residency for three years if married to a U.S. citizen
- Lawful permanent residency for four years if legal status acquired through asylum
- Residence in a particular United States Citizenship and Immigration Services district (USCIS) District prior to filing
- Qualified military under wartime status, completing five years of honorable military service (no residency or physical presence requirements)
- Qualified military under peacetime status with at least one year of completed service and application filed while still in the service or sixth months after separation
- 18 years of age
- The ability to read, write, and speak English
- Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
- Good moral character (violent felony or drug convictions usually make a person ineligible)
- Understanding of the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Favorable disposition toward the United States—a loyalty oath must be taken
Citizenship application forms are available at the USCIS website (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD).
Citizenship test
Passing the citizenship test is a key factor and final step before taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance where you are officially recognized as a U.S. citizen. The test has oral and verbal portions to test your command of the English language. You must also correctly answer questions about U.S. history and government.
Advantages of a naturalization law firm
A skilled Providence immigration lawyer can provide valuable assistance, such as:
- Reviewing your citizenship application to make sure all necessary details are provided
- Helping you with documentation to show residency requirements were met
- Suggesting guidelines for test preparation
- Advising on consequences of criminal convictions or prior immigration violations
Prior to applying for citizenship, immigration violations or criminal convictions may go unnoticed. Background checks, FBI fingerprinting, and cross-referencing agency databases allows the USCIS to do a thorough examination of permanent residents applying for citizenship.
Seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable Providence immigration attorney prior to beginning the naturalization process may be vital to avoid triggering deportation and removal proceedings or other stops and delays.
New Immigration Laws Disputed
It has been in the news everywhere: The immigration law trying to curb illegal immigration into the United States will take effect next month. Anyone who is a non citizen must carry proof to show they are legally residing or living within the U.S. Police in AZ are able to stop and ask questions to ANYONE deemed to be illegal within the country. It seems that this law is left to the White House to settle immigration issues sprouting up along the South of the United States.
Border residents have been addressing their concerns of having trash left by those illegally crossing, drugs, and violence. However, although the citizens on the border are concerned with the trash, police are concerned that relations within the Hispanic community will turn sour. Additionally, people are concerned that the new law will take away from other serious laws that the police should be focusing on. Nashville immigration attorneys would agree.
The new law faces civil lawsuits. Additionally, law professors have been trying to untangle the issues. And the Obama administration is considering a court challenge by the U.S. Department of Justice. The reason is, the federal government should be the ones overseeing immigration, not local police.  Perhaps those looking should get a Nashville citizenship attorney to help them earn citizenship legally.
