What you should know about naturalization

Published: January 7, 2022

With U.S. Citizenship, one can enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution. These guarantees include the right to suffrage and the right to live in the United States permanently without the need for renewal. Most people think that only those with a blood relationship to U.S. Citizens can acquire U.S. Citizenship. This statement is a hoax. By legal fiction, even immigrants may become U.S. Citizens.

Naturalization Defined

Naturalization is the process by which USCIS grants U.S. citizenship to lawful permanent residents after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Upon naturalization, one unlocks access to better jobs, enhanced financial stability and preference when filing a petition in favor of family members.

Eligibility

Immigrants with no blood relation to any U.S. Citizens may apply for naturalization under multiple circumstances. Here are examples:

• Green Card holders who stayed in the United States for at least five years from the issuance of their permanent residence visa
• Immigrants, whether documented or not, who married U.S. Citizens
• Immigrants who served or is serving the U.S. Military

Reading and Writing English

Aside from completing the necessary documents, applicants should also possess the ability to read and write the English language. Immigration officers will assess these skills during the interview process. They will also ask questions about basic American civics and history.

Swearing Allegiance to America

At the end of the naturalization process, applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and its Constitution. Because of this, the applicant will be pledging loyalty to the American flag and all its laws and ideals. In other countries, owing allegiance to a specific country means relinquishing one’s previous citizenship. But since the U.S. immigration law does not have explicit averments against dual citizenship, applicants may keep their original citizenship.

Naturalization is a technical and tedious process. One mistake can gravely sabotage your chances of becoming a U.S. Citizen. To minimize any chances of legal and administrative error, work with ALG Lawyers. We are a team of Los Angeles immigration lawyers dedicated to helping immigrants achieve the coveted American Dream. If you have the time now, do not wait any moment booking your first consultation.