Becoming a naturalized US citizen is a complicated and time-consuming process. You must submit extensive paperwork and must also submit documentation to prove that you meet the requirements necessary to become a naturalized US citizen.
What You Must Do Before Becoming Naturalized
To apply for naturalization, you must first be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. After this time has passed, you will be able to file paperwork to begin the naturalization process. However, you will not necessarily become naturalized yet.
Hiring a Lawyer Can Make the Process More Efficient
You are not required to hire a lawyer to become a naturalized US citizen. However, many immigrants choose to hire lawyers to assist them with their documentation so they can ensure there are no delays in processing paperwork. Even worse, the US government might deny your application entirely.
Important Documents to Remember
You must also pay for a biometrics exam when submitting your form and paying fees. If you are married, you must include a copy of your marriage license. If you were arrested for a crime, but the crime was expunged, you must include documents relevant to this. If you have registered with the selective service, you must include relevant documents pertaining to this.
The Citizen Interview Comes with Other Requirements
You will also participate in a citizen interview and are expected to bring several documents. These include your green card, any court documents, your tax returns, passport, travel documents, and possibly other forms of documentation. You must gather all of this before you are then allowed to take your oath of allegiance.
Why Naturalization Is Important
The advantage of naturalization is that you cannot be deported because you will now be considered a US citizen and will have all the rights and responsibilities of a citizen. You will also have access to jobs that are only available to US citizens as well as other benefits including:
- The right to vote
- The right to bring family members to the United States
- The right to participate in a jury
Therefore, if you intend to live in the United States on a permanent basis, it's important to go through this process. However, if you are not able to successfully complete the required steps, your application for naturalization might be denied or at least delayed. Then, you might have to wait months before you can experience the benefits of naturalization.
Contact a law office, such as the Law Office Of Orlando Mondragon, to learn more.
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