In 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held ceremonies all over the world and in the United States to welcome 818,500 new citizens.
Interested immigrants should clearly understand what a naturalized citizen is and its eligibility requirements if they want to become U.S. citizens.
This post will discuss the process of naturalization and the advantages of becoming a naturalized citizen.
Understanding Naturalization
Naturalization is a legal process for eligible immigrants to become U.S. citizens. A naturalized citizen gets all the rights and duties of a regular U.S. citizen, like being able to vote, run for public office, and get a U.S. passport.
Legal permanent residents (green card holders) who meet certain residency, character, and knowledge requirements can usually become citizens. Completing an application, passing a background check, attending an interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance are the steps involved in becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for naturalization:
- Individuals must be 18 to apply.
- A lawful American permanent resident for five years or three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen is required. This will guarantee your permanent residency in America.
- Morality is also important. You cannot apply with serious criminal convictions.
- Understanding U.S. history and government and reading, writing, and speaking simple English are also required. Older or disabled applicants are exempt.
- Swear allegiance to the U.S. constitution.
You can begin organizing all required paperwork and documentation if you meet these requirements. Immigration lawyer Dayton C. Meadows V states that eligibility requirements for naturalization can be complicated, especially for unique cases. A skilled immigration lawyer can help applicants understand the requirements, avoid common mistakes, and increase the chances of becoming U.S. citizens.
The Application Process
Completing Form N-400, an Application for Naturalization, is the first step in the naturalization process. Personal information like your address, employment history, and family information is required. Be honest when filling out the form; discrepancies and inaccurate information will only delay the process.
You will need to pay fees after submitting the form. The cost of filing a Form N-400 petition by paper is $760. Online filing costs $710.
The USCIS will then send you a letter confirming receipt of your application and providing the date of your biometrics.
Follow the instructions to get your biometrics, which include fingerprints for the USCIS Allotment of Background check.
The next step of the process involves an interview where you would be asked about your application and take civics and English tests.
The oath ceremony notice is sent after your application is approved.
To successfully complete the application process, prepare and organize your documents and strictly adhere to the instructions.
Benefits of Naturalization
You and your rights are granted protection under the U.S. Constitution as a naturalized citizen.
You can apply for government jobs and receive benefits with your new citizenship.
Naturalization grants you a U.S. passport, which is among the top 10 most powerful passports in the world. Having a U.S. passport makes it easier to travel to other countries.
Bringing a member of your immediate family to the United States for better opportunities is another advantage of becoming a naturalized citizen.
The Importance of Citizenship
Citizenship bonds a person to their country. It fosters belonging and responsibility.
Keep in mind that citizenship comes with civic duties that you should fulfill as a naturalized citizen. Some of these duties include voting and paying taxes.
Having the right to vote is an important aspect of citizenship. Voting gives you the power to decide how laws and regulations would affect your daily life. It allows you to have a voice in choices that affect how the nation’s citizens are served in terms of health and education.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to increase your chances of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen by hiring an immigration lawyer. An immigration lawyer’s expertise about the naturalization process can give you better chances of becoming a citizen. A lawyer will help you complete the necessary requirements needed for the naturalization process.
