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.
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