Published: November 18, 2022
The number of individuals who acquired U.S. citizenship has dropped because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the country recovers, the number of approved applications peaked again. As of 2021, the USCIS approved 813,861 applications for naturalization. With the number of approved applications rising, this time might finally be the perfect moment for you to immigrate to America and become a full-fledged U.S. citizen.
The application for U.S. citizenship involves multiple steps requiring in-depth knowledge of immigration law and related practices. Avoid committing mistakes and incurring delays through the guidance of experienced and well-studied immigration attorneys at ALG Lawyers. Our legal team is constantly at your service.
5 Perks of Being a US Citizen
Applying to become a U.S. citizen requires heavy sacrifices and adjustments. However, after successfully becoming a citizen, you may unlock life-changing perks and possibilities. Here are some examples:
1. Live permanently anywhere in the U.S.
You gain the right to stay permanently within the U.S. territory. It includes the freedom to choose where to live as long as it is within U.S. borders.
2. Access to state of the art educational and health systems
The U.S. has the most advanced educational and health systems in the world and the ones accessible through U.S. citizenship are top performing ones. The country’s public education and health support system can greatly benefit immigrants.
3. Civil and political rights
After becoming a U.S. citizen, your civil and political rights will expand as well. One of the most notable right is the right to vote and run for a public office. Coordinate with a U.S. citizenship lawyer for clarifications.
4. Better employment opportunities
Many people attempt to immigrate to the U.S. for greener pastures. After turning into a U.S. citizen, you will now have access to some job opportunities offered by the U.S. government. These jobs can have significantly higher pay than regular jobs.
5. Petition others for permanent residency
As a U.S. citizen, you have the privilege to petition a non-U.S. citizen to become a permanent resident. Green card holders can petition someone to become a permanent resident but the scope of intending immigrants U.S. citizens can sponsor is wider. Ask for an immigration attorney to help you understand this matter.
10 Tips When Applying for US Citizenship
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a serious commitment. Try using these tips to help you succeed in your application process:
1. Double check all requirements.
The USCIS is strict with its documentary submissions. When the agency requires filing a specific form, you cannot interchange it with something else. Avoid submitting incomplete applications. If you do not satisfy the needed documents, the USCIS officer will return what you have submitted and your application will be delayed.
2. Submit ahead of time.
Never beat deadlines. Although you are technically allowed to file until the last day of submission, it is a risky choice. Whenever possible, submit ahead of time. A lot can happen between submissions, it is best to give yourself a time allowance to prepare for the worse.
3. Prepare for succeeding steps while waiting.
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a multi-stage process. After you accomplish a particular phase, spend your waiting time preparing for the next one. Organizing everything way before the eleventh hour is better to avoid rushing. Acquiring all requirements and handling other issues are already stressful. There is no need to add more worries to your plate.
4. Set time allowance in between appointments.
There are instances when you can personally pick dates for government appointments. When booking multiple appointments, especially when they involve different agencies, provide ample time allowance between them. Booking appointments too close to each other opens the risk of missing later schedules. Rescheduling can be a headache, especially when other closer dates are already filled.
5. Check if you can waive your filing fees.
Filing for U.S. citizenship can be costly so maximize every opportunity to earn money. One of the legal ways to save is to waive filing fees. There are a handful of eligible applicants may waive filing fees. If you are not eligible for a waiver, you could also ask for reduced fees.
6. Study the English language.
It is part of the naturalization examination that an applicant should demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. Besides a civics test, applicants also undergo an English test. Unless you qualify for an age or medical exception, you may not skip this requirement. It is advisable to regularly practice and study English before sending an application.
7. Do not be late in any appearances.
Never be late in any of your appointments with government agencies. Getting a new slot at the same appointment may take some time considering the bulk of applications for U.S. citizenship. This is common especially for immigration interviews. Whenever possible, do not have another appointment on days you have to be at government agencies for your naturalization application.
8. Maintain a good moral character.
A person applying for naturalization should have a good moral character. For an in-depth discussion about this matter, please consult with an experienced U.S. citizenship lawyer. This is a continuing requirement. You might forfeit your application if the USCIS deems you a person without good moral character.
9. Regularly update your address whenever moving.
The USCIS should always have your most recent home address because it is where the agency will send out correspondence regarding your application. When you decide to move while your application is pending, please ensure that you notify the USCIS in writing. Missing even one of the notices can pose serious threats to the success of your application.
10. Be open for adjustments.
Although there is a standard process for U.S. citizenship application, it is possible that the rules would change at any moment. For this reason, always coordinate with an immigration attorney to stay updated with changes in immigration law. Also, there are instances when your appointments would be rescheduled. Remain flexible and updated.
Who is a US Citizenship Lawyer?
A U.S. citizenship lawyer is an expert in immigration law, especially regarding the naturalization process. They provide legal assistance to applicants intending, among others, to acquire U.S. citizenship. They provide crucial information as to who may be eligible for U.S. citizenship and the process included in this endeavor. In short, they are a consultant, confidant, and mentor.
It is not difficult to find a U.S. citizenship lawyer in Los Angeles but getting in touch with an experienced and reliable one can tricky. If you want to connect with U.S. citizenship lawyers with long years of experience and proven credibility, trust ALG Lawyers.
Top-Tier Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers
A good citizenship lawyer is one that genuinely cares for their clients. They will readily respond to your queries, give sound advice, and render top-tier legal services. If you collaborate with ALG Lawyers, please know that you are in good hands.
Becoming a U.S. citizen means changing your life forever. Allow ALG Lawyers to help ensure this change will be as positive and hassle-free as possible. Our immigration attorneys will update you with every application, procedure, or litigation-related concern you leave in our care. If you have more questions, feel free to get in touch with us.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)