What are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?
A U.S. citizen has many constitutional rights as compared to residents with green cards or temporary visas. However, getting U.S. citizenship is not an easy process. There are many eligibility factors that decide if a person can apply for United States citizenship. Although it is possible to successfully become a naturalized U.S. citizen, most people can use the help of an experienced immigration attorney to help them understand and meet all of the criteria.
Criteria for citizenship
An immigrant applying for U.S. citizenship must be a resident for five years, have a clean criminal record, and pass the citizenship test conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Moreover, the applicant must pass the test using English language. But there are some exceptions based on the applicant's age and the amount of time the applicant has stayed in U.S. There are many additional requirements as well.
The benefits of citizenship
An experienced immigration lawyer can assist you with the citizenship application process so you can enjoy the following rights after you become a citizen of United States:
- Hold a government job
- Hold a public office
- Rights to vote
- Receive government benefits
- Live and work permanently in U.S.
- Sponsor family members to immigrate to the United States
- Hold a U.S. passport
To know more about the process and benefits of U.S. citizenship, contact one of the well-known immigration lawyers in Philadelphia who has experience in handling immigration cases in U.S.
Experienced Attorney Can Help with Your Citizenship Issues
The process of obtaining legal immigration status or citizenship in the United States is very complex. An experienced and skilled Philadelphia immigration law firm can help you identify the proper visa and guide you through completing the entire application.
U.S. Citizenship Application Process
Although it is possible to apply to become a naturalized citizen without help, there are many ways an experienced immigration lawyer can make the process go much more smoothly for you. And if you have a legal issue in your past, an attorney may be invaluable in clearing your record. You can expect a Philadelphia immigration law firm to:
- Help you complete the citizenship application form accurately
- Submit your papers on time
- Give you sample questions from the citizenship test and explain the answers expected
- Keep you informed of the status of your application
- Represent you in front of immigration officials and if required, in immigration court
- Offer support services that include documentation submission and providing an office for conferences and discussions
If you are applying for naturalization in United States, you must fulfill the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extends an online eligibility worksheet to ascertain your eligibility.
Find an experienced citizenship lawyer in Philadelphia
Seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable immigration attorney in Philadelphia prior to beginning the naturalization process may be vital to avoid triggering audits, removal proceedings, or other stops and delays. Make sure your immigration attorney understands your native language, has successfully helped others obtain legal status , and has represented clients before the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Citizenship through Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process for acquiring U.S. citizenship. If you are applying for naturalization in United States, you must fulfill the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). More than one million immigrants went through U.S. naturalization in 2009 and became American citizens.
Before applying for naturalization, you should determine your eligibility. In most cases, you must be a permanent resident of United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides an online eligibility worksheet to help you determine your eligibility.
Although naturalization is ruled by federal law, petitioners apply with the help of immigration lawyers in their state. According to an immigration lawyer in North Carolina, following is an overview of the major factors determining eligibility when applying for citizenship:
- Number of years you have been a permanent resident (green card holder)
- Length of U.S. residency
- Uninterrupted time in the United States without taking a trip abroad
- Total time out of the United States
- Previous immigration history
- Any criminal charges or record
Once these factors are favorable, there are certain steps involved in the naturalization process. An experienced naturalization and citizenship attorney can guide you through the steps involved in this process. To apply for citizenship in North Carolina and to know the process involved in becoming naturalized, contact a citizenship lawyer who can assist you in understanding this complex process.
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 in a way that, through no fault of their own, brought about citizenship questions. 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." The article excerpt below was provided by immigration lawyers in Las Vegas, Fountas and Associates.
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.
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.
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