If you are planning to move to the United States with the mindset of becoming a permanent resident, it’s unfortunately not an easy process. There are a lot of steps. If you’re wondering how to become a US citizen, or you simply want to know more about the process, here’s some info on US immigration laws, and some factors attached to it:
Immigration attorney – an immigration attorney is a lawyer that deals with immigration-related cases. They tend to speak for their clients in the immigration court.
Immigration policies – these are policies related to United States immigration. These policies may change at any point since there are new changes and updates. If you are an immigrant in the United States, always take your time to check recent immigration policies; doing this will save you trouble that may erupt in the future.
Immigration and Naturalization
A lot of people do get confused with the two words just because the two words are related. Immigration is a process that requires an individual (immigrant) from moving from his/her home country to another country. An immigrant will have to subject himself/herself to a few conditions before he/she can naturalize and become a citizen of the United States.
To anyone who is planning to immigrate to the United States, the ESTA or visa is needed to gain access into the country. You will need an ESTA if your country is among the visa waiver program countries. Never forget to check your ESTA validity and get a new ESTA if it is necessary.
Naturalization
This is the simple act of granting citizenship. Naturalization requires a process that may take a few years. Becoming a citizen of the United States will give one upper hand. Note, a citizen is different from a green card holder. Becoming a citizen of the US will give one some rights that include the right to vote and the right to contest for any political position.
Applying for Naturalization
Are you now a US permanent resident and now ready to become a citizen? If yes, some requirements will make you eligible for the process. The requirements are:
Age – age is very important when it comes to applying for naturalization in the United States. To qualify, you must be 18 years or older.
Year of stay – in this regard, one must have stayed in any of the US states consecutively for a minimum of three years. This implies that one must have stayed in a particular state for three years or more. What is needed here is consistency.
Criminal record – of course, you must have a good criminal record before you can be considered. This means you must have a good criminal record from the day you entered the United States.
General knowledge – one who is planning to become a US citizen must have knowledge of basic US history.
Certificate of naturalization – to qualify, you must have received a certificate of naturalization and ready to partake in the naturalization test. You must pass the test before you can take the oath of allegiance to become a legal citizen.
ICE deportation raids are set to begin today in nine US cities. Please know your rights:
