What are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S Citizen?
Green card holders are lawful permanent residents who have nearly all of the rights of American citizens. However, there are many benefits of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen if you and your family plan to stay in the country the rest of your life. An attorney focusing on immigration in North Carolina
Some of the rights that are applicable only for citizens are:
- Working: Naturalized citizens are free to take any job offered and receive the same employment protections and wages as natural born Americans.
- Voting: Only U.S. citizens can vote in national elections.
- Bringing family members to the United States: Citizens have priority over others when petitioning to bring family members to U.S.
- Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad: Generally, a child born to an American citizen overseas is automatically a U.S. citizen. However, according to U.S. immigration laws. certain requirements must be met.
- Traveling abroad with a U.S. passport: A U.S. passport provides access to help from the American government when you are overseas.
- Becoming eligible for federal jobs: A job with the federal government job requires U.S. citizenship.
- Retaining residency: Naturalization is the only way to remain a U.S. resident forever. Unlike citizens, if green card holders spend too long a time outside the U.S, they may lose their permanent resident status. This has become a serious problem after the 9/11 attacks.
- Deportation: There is a high risk of being deported if a green card holder is convicted of crime. North Carolina immigration attorneys may be able to intervene on your behalf if you are threatened with deportation.
- Government Benefits: There are several federal benefits available only to citizens. Naturalization is the only process to ensure receiving them.
- Tax Consequences: For estate tax, a U.S. citizen is not treated same as a permanent resident.
- Federal Grants: Many federal grants are available to U.S citizen applicants that are not available to permanent residents, i.e., green card holders.
- Becoming an elected official: Natural or naturalized citizenship is required for elected officials all the way up to president. An American president must be a natural citizen born in the United States.
- Showing your patriotism: Becoming a U.S. citizen demonstrates your devotion to your new country.
For information about how to apply for United States citizenship with the help of a North Carolina citizenship lawyer, or any other immigration related issues, contact the firm that provides the best immigration services.
Employment and the F1 Student Visa Status
The F1 student visa is issued to non-immigrants who wish to pursue an education in the United States. The F1 visa is generally a non-working status visa. But there are certain restricted circumstances under which a person having an F1 student visa can be employed. In North Carolina, an immigration attorney can help.
Conditions allowing for work under an F1 student visa
A student having an F1 student visa can be employed only if an I-20 form issued by the school's designated school official (DSO) certifies that the student is authorized for employment. Students are authorized to work only if they are seeking employment that is I-20 authorized. I-20 authorized employment includes the following:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Other off-campus employment that is authorized by the DSO
- Work through the sponsorship of an international organization for which an employment authorization document (EAD) is required
Seek help from an immigration attorney
All I-20 authorized employment have specific eligibility requirements. Contact a North Carolina immigration attorney having experience in practicing immigration law in United States to know more about the eligibility factors for I-20 authorized employment. F1 visa holders may also obtain more information on these options from the Designated School Official (DSO) at their university or college.
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.
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