USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) enforces strict requirements for people seeking US citizenship. Applicants must show that they comply with immigration laws and have good morals.
Citizenship is the main thread that unites Americans. There are certain essential rights and responsibilities that every American citizen has, such as: voting in elections and following state, federal, and local laws.
If you are interested in becoming a US citizen, here is how to get citizenship in usa.
Advantages of obtaining US citizenship
An American citizen can enjoy many rights compared to foreign citizens in the United States. Here are some of these rights:
– Being able to travel through all states without the need for a visa.
– Get a US passport that allows you to travel freely around the world.
– Receive consular assistance anywhere in the world.
– Receive common medical assistance in social security hospitals like any other American.
– Be able to become an active part as a member of the army, navy or air force (if you wish).
– Spend on junk food and medicine without having to pay taxes for it. There is no limit to how much you can buy in a year of free filling meals and medicines from the federal government.
– Be able to access most jobs without restrictions due to your immigration status (if you are still in the process of obtaining citizenship). In general, once you have been elected as a citizen, you can find almost any type of ordinary job to earn a living. Of course you will not be able to enter directly as an army officer or some professions like doctor or lawyer, but you will be able to look for any ordinary job you want.
– Be able to request a business identification card (electronic signature) to verify your identity online. With these digital credentials you can carry out commercial transactions with the federal government such as registering .com / .net / etc. domain names, buying real estate, renewing your passport, issuing bank checks and even applying for loans.
Responsibilities of American Citizens
– Defend and support the United States Constitution
– Be informed of the problems that affect the community
– Defend the State when necessary
– Obey and respect state, federal and local laws
– Paying taxes
– Fulfill military obligations (if eligible)
What are the requirements to obtain US citizenship?
Foreigners can obtain US citizenship through naturalization; however, there are a number of requirements that must be met:
1. Being of legal age
The foreigner who wishes to obtain United States citizenship must be over eighteen years of age. Elderly applicants who are US residents may qualify to apply for US citizenship without having to take the civics test.
2. Legal residence
Foreign nationals seeking US citizenship must be legal residents of the US for at least five consecutive years before they can apply for naturalization. If the applicant has a student visa, they may qualify as a legal resident after starting work. The law also allows aliens such as parents and spouses of legal residents to qualify to become legal residents, after which they may be eligible for naturalization.
3. US Citizenship Test
All applicants for naturalization must pass a US citizenship test. The exam has 100 questions based on the United States civics course material. The questions start with a basic level and progress to more difficult ones. Applicants must obtain 60% correct to pass the exam (70% if they are elderly).
4. Physical presence
The applicant must have been physically present in the US for at least half of the five years prior to applying for naturalization. Physical presence is proven through documents such as passports, visas, and other official records.
5. Good moral character
Applicant must demonstrate good moral character. This is proven by references, negative comments in the immigration file, and other official documents.
6. Respect American customs
The applicant must demonstrate respect for American customs and traditions. This is proven by positive comments in the immigration file, references, and other official documents.
7. English language
The applicant must demonstrate that they are fluent in English as a second language. This is proven by an online exam, study certificate or official exams.
8. Learn about the government and history of the United States
The applicant must demonstrate that as a legal resident they have studied and understood the federal government, US law, the history and institutions of the country, as well as other related subjects. This is proven by positive comments in the immigration file, references and other official documents.
9. Pledge of Allegiance
Finally, the applicant must swear allegiance to the United States and fulfill all obligations as a citizen. This oath is taken before an immigration officer or a judge in the presence of witnesses.
How to apply for naturalization?
You can choose to apply online or on paper. Next, we explain how to get citizenship in usa and do the process in both ways:
File a return online
Start by creating a USCIS online account, then:
– Select as type of filling “Form N-400, Application for Naturalization”
– Choose your language and country to start completing the process. Most questions have default answers but you also have the option to comment on each one.
– When finished, print the form and sign in the corresponding boxes. Then attach all the documentation that supports your request such as affidavits, transcripts, positive comments and other official documents.
– Submit your forms at the local entity authorized by the federal government to receive applications such as USCIS or IRS. You can also send the package by mail.
File a paper return
– Start by filling out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and sign in the corresponding boxes.
– Then attach all the documentation that supports your request such as affidavits, certificate of studies, positive comments and other official documents.
– Mail the package to the address indicated on the form. Please note that forms and documents in Spanish must be submitted in person.
After the presentation
– Notice confirming that your application has been received
– Date of Biometrics services
– Notice confirming the date of your interview
– Notice about the decision that has been made
US citizenship for spouses
Under immigration law, a legal resident of the US must stay for at least three years as a lawful permanent resident before applying for US citizenship for their spouse; however, there are exceptions if the marriage takes place within the United States.
The procedure is the next:
– Submit an affidavit (Form I-130) stating that you want your spouse to be considered a lawful permanent resident of the US.
– Attach evidence of marriage such as a certified copy of the marriage certificate and positive comments.
– Submit an affidavit (Form I-130) indicating that you want to obtain US citizenship for your husband or wife.
– Remember to include phone numbers as well as updated addresses on both parts of the application. The procedure can take a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year.
US citizenship for parents
Under immigration law, as a US citizen, you have the option of obtaining lawful permanent resident status for your parent. For this it is necessary:
– Submit an affidavit (Form I-130) indicating that you wish to be considered as a sponsor and ensure that you are within the maximum limit at the time of submitting applications.
– Attach evidence of the relationship such as a certified copy of the birth certificate, positive comments and other official documents.
– Submit an affidavit (Form I-130) indicating that you want to obtain US citizenship for your parent.
– Attach evidence of the relationship such as a certified copy of the birth certificate, positive comments, and medical history. Remember to include phone numbers as well as updated addresses on both parts of the application. The procedure can take a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year.
US citizenship for minor children
Under immigration law, certain minor children born outside the United States are entitled to United States citizenship if they meet certain requirements.
– Submit an affidavit (Form I-130) indicating that you wish to be considered as a sponsor and ensure that you are within the maximum limit at the time of submitting applications.
– Attach evidence of the relationship such as a certified copy of the birth certificate, positive comments and other official documents.
– File an affidavit (Form I-485) requesting US citizenship for your minor child.
– Attach evidence of permanent residence such as a certified copy of the birth certificate, positive comments and other official documents.
Double nationality
Dual citizenship is when a person has legal citizenship of two different countries. US immigration law does not prohibit dual citizenship, but it does require all US citizens to submit to US state obligations.
How is the process to acquire dual citizenship?
There are several ways in which a person in the United States can acquire dual citizenship. These include:
– Birth abroad to parents with US citizenship.
– Naturalization as a US citizen after being born abroad.
– Marriage with a person who has dual citizenship.
– Acquisition of dual citizenship through permanent residence in another country.
If you have different passports, it is important to keep them up to date and use them as appropriate. To travel abroad, you must present your US passport and show that you have the right to re-enter the country. If you travel without a US passport, you may be detained at the airport and deported.
Conclusion
It is common for a person to want to know how to get citizenship in usa as part of their long-term plans, either because they want to consider the financial and social benefits of being a US citizen or simply for personal reasons such as being a citizen of this first world country.
It would be helpful if you also kept up to date with US citizenship requirements, such as tax obligations. You risk losing your citizenship if you do not fulfill your citizenship duties in this country. Remenber that there are inmigration lawyer in the American visa, Superior Justice has people qualified for these task.
Sleepless Attorney Law Firm
Our law firm has more than 30 years of experience in cases to obtain United States citizenship. Our team is made up of highly qualified lawyers with an impeccable track record.
If you have any questions about obtaining or maintaining US citizenship, call the Law Offices of Sleepless Attorney. Our immigration attorneys can help you understand the process and requirements for you to legally apply for US citizenship for you or your family. Contact us through the following form:
You can also communicate through (909) 319-7103 / 1 (800) 559-7170, visit us at 228 West C Street Ontario CA 91762 or send us an email explaining your case to info@sleeplessattorney.com
