The Benefits Of Citizenship: Why It’s Worth Pursuing

Becoming a U.S. citizen means that an individual has completed the naturalization process and has been granted legal status as a citizen of the United States.

This process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and passing certain tests, including a civics and English language test.

As a U.S. citizen, one gains the right to vote in elections, apply for federal employment, obtain a U.S. passport for international travel, and sponsor family members for immigration to the United States, among other rights and privileges.

U.S. citizens are also subject to certain responsibilities, such as paying taxes and serving on a jury when called upon.

While the naturalization process can be lengthy and require significant effort and resources, it is a worthwhile pursuit for those who wish to fully integrate into American society and enjoy the benefits and protections of U.S. citizenship.

The fact that there are over 7 million people who may qualify for U.S. citizenship, yet only an average of 700,000 applications are received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) each year is quite surprising.

This means that there are potentially millions of individuals living in the United States who are missing out on the many benefits of being a U.S. citizen, such as the ability to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and sponsor family members for immigration.

How Do You Become A U.S. Citizen? What Is the Process?

There are exams involved in the naturalization process for becoming a U.S. citizen. The specific tests and requirements depend on factors such as the applicant’s age and how long they have been a permanent resident in the United States.

Typically, applicants must pass both an English language test and a civics test, which assesses their knowledge of U.S. history and Government.

For those who are not fluent in English, this can be a daunting challenge. However, there are exemptions available for those who have been in the U.S. as permanent residents for a certain number of years and are over a certain age.

For instance, if an applicant is over 50 years old and has had a residency for 25 years or more, they may qualify for an exemption from the English language test.

Additionally, those who are over 65 years old and have had a residency for 15 years or more may also qualify for an exemption.

It’s important to note that the naturalization process is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the requirements can vary based on individual circumstances.

Seeking the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney or another legal professional can help ensure a successful and smooth naturalization process.

What Level Of English Proficiency Is Required To Pass The Test?

The level of English proficiency required to pass the U.S. citizenship test is not overly advanced. You don’t have to be an expert in English literature or grammar, but you should be able to write a simple sentence, capitalize the first letter, use proper punctuation, and spell most words correctly.

The English test is mostly conversational, and the sentences they ask you to write are usually taken directly from the Civics exam. 

Additionally, during the exam, the USCIS officer will ask you questions about your personal information, such as your birthplace, birthday, and date of entry into the U.S., to assess your ability to understand and respond in English.

To show your proficiency, it would be best for you to repeat the question back to the officer in English when answering.

There are also some tricks and strategies that immigration counselors can provide to help you demonstrate your English proficiency during the exam.

What’s The Format Of The Questions Asked During The U.S Citizenship Exam?

The Civics test for U.S. citizenship consists of 100 possible questions, which are provided to the test taker ahead of time to study and memorize.

During the test, the examiner will ask 10 questions, and the test taker must answer at least 6 of them correctly to pass.

The questions are elementary and relate to social studies, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the identity of the U.S. President, Vice President, and other Government officials.

The exam can be challenging for everyday Americans, but the U.S. Government provides resources, such as MP3 files for studying, to make it easier to prepare.

What Resources Are Available To Help Prepare For The U.S. Citizenship Exam?

The U.S. Citizenship exam resources are available to anyone for free on the USCIS website. The website provides resources for both the Civics exam and a sample interview for both the Civics and English language questions.

Clients who hire for naturalization are provided with links to these resources. It is important to note that people should not have to pay for these resources as they are readily available for free, and individuals should be cautious of those who take advantage of the undocumented or immigrant population by charging for these resources.

How Do You Determine When You Are Eligible To Apply For U.S. Citizenship?

In general, someone can apply to become a U.S. citizen after they have been a legal resident of the United States for five years.

When someone holds a Green Card and is within 90 days of their fifth anniversary of having the Green Card, they are eligible to apply for citizenship. 

However, those who are married to a U.S. citizen and obtained their Green Card through that marriage, and who are still married and living with that citizen, are eligible to apply for citizenship after only three years.

If someone got divorced from a U.S. citizen, they would have to wait the full five years before they can apply for citizenship.

This is because they must show that they are still living with the person who originally sponsored them for their green card to qualify for the three-year option.

How Does The Removal Of Conditions On A Green Card Affect The Citizenship Process?

If you have a conditional permanent resident card, it is only valid for two years, and you cannot immediately apply for citizenship. Instead, within two years from when the card is expiring, you must apply to remove the conditions by submitting an I-751 form.

However, your three- or five-year countdown for citizenship eligibility starts from the date you first received your Green Card, regardless of whether the conditions have been removed or not.

It is possible to apply for citizenship before you even get your 10-year Green Card, as some removal of conditions applications can take a long time to process, sometimes up to two years or more.

In such cases, some clients have received citizenship before getting their 10-year Green Card and closed out the case for the Green Card.

How Becoming A U.S. Citizen Benefits An Individual & What Are Its Privileges?

Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with many benefits. One of the most significant benefits is that you become eligible for many federal programs that are not available to non-citizens, including financial aid and Government assistance. 

U.S. citizens have the right to vote, which means that they can directly influence who represents them and the laws that impact them and their families.

Another benefit of being a U.S. citizen is that you never have to pay another dime to USCIS or renew your Green Card.

U.S. citizens are also provided with stronger protection under the U.S. Constitution than non-citizens, including access to different amendments that do not apply to non-citizens.

It’s also important to note that once you become a U.S. citizen, it’s very difficult for the Government to take away your citizenship, providing a sense of security and stability.

Does U.S. Citizenship Affect A Person’s Ability To Retire In Another Country?

As a U.S. citizen, you can travel internationally with greater ease and flexibility. You can come and go as you please and don’t have to worry about the length of your trip or the frequency of your travel.

Additionally, if you have family or loved ones in another country that you need to take care of, you can spend an extended period abroad without worrying about losing your U.S. residency.

You can also retire in another country and return to the U.S. as you, please. This freedom of movement is a significant benefit of citizenship that is not available to permanent residents.

Can I Have A Dual Citizenship When It Comes To Becoming A U.S Citizen?

As far as the U.S. is concerned, dual citizenship is allowed, and individuals are not required to renounce their foreign nationality to become U.S. citizens.

It’s essential to check with their home country to make sure that there are no restrictions on holding dual citizenship.

Some countries may not recognize dual citizenship or may have specific requirements or restrictions for individuals holding dual citizenship.

For example, some countries may require their citizens to enter and exit the country on their passport, or they may limit the ability to vote, hold public office, or work in certain Government positions.

Regarding Mexico, individuals can hold dual citizenship in both Mexico and the U.S., and both countries recognize it.

It’s crucial to note that the rules regarding dual citizenship may vary by country, so it’s best to research the specific regulations for each country of citizenship to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Restrictions Based On A Person’s Criminal Records

When it comes to applying for U.S. citizenship, having a criminal record can impact an individual’s eligibility. Certain criminal convictions or arrests can make an individual ineligible to apply for naturalization and become a citizen.

One such example is any conviction or plea under the Controlled Substance Act, except for marijuana under a certain amount.

This is considered a deportable offense, which means that even if an individual hasn’t been put into proceedings, it could be deemed too risky to allow them to apply for citizenship.

Another consideration is the individual’s good moral character, which is an important factor in the naturalization process. 

There is a look-back period of three to five years, depending on whether the individual is married to a U.S. citizen, during which any arrests or criminal activity could count against their good moral character.

If an individual has had an arrest during this period, they may be advised to wait until after the look-back period has passed before applying for citizenship.

When applying for citizenship, it’s important to be honest and upfront about any criminal history, as failing to disclose this information could result in denial of the application or even deportation.

It’s crucial to seek legal counsel and understand how your criminal history could impact your naturalization process.

Navigating the immigration process can be complex, and understanding the impact of a criminal record on eligibility for citizenship can be particularly challenging.

It’s important to be fully informed about the potential risks and limitations of applying for citizenship, especially if you have a criminal history.

One key consideration is whether an individual should renew their Green Card if they have been advised not to apply for citizenship.

While the law requires that green cards be renewed until an individual is put into proceedings and their Green Card is taken away, renewing a Green Card could potentially subject the individual to additional review and scrutiny.

Starting The Process Of Obtaining U.S Citizenship & Moving To A Different City: Do I Need To Inform USCIS?

When it comes to applying for U.S. citizenship, having a criminal record can impact an individual’s eligibility. Certain criminal convictions or arrests can make an individual ineligible to apply for naturalization and become a citizen.

As an individual with a pending citizenship application, you are required to report any change of address to USCIS, even if it is within the same city or just a different apartment.

This is a condition of your Green Card, and failure to report a change of address may result in negative consequences for your immigration status.

Moreover, it is recommended that you request to have your naturalization interview scheduled at a USCIS field office closer to your new residence. If the interview is initially scheduled for a field office in your old city, you can call USCIS to request that it be moved to a closer location. Alternatively, your attorney can assist you in this process.

Once you become a U.S. citizen, you will no longer need to go through any further immigration processes. However, if you wish to sponsor a family member for permanent residence or other immigration benefits, you may need to go through certain processes depending on your specific circumstances.

It’s always advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through any immigration process.

Which Family Members Am I Eligible To Petition For If I Have The U.S Citizenship?

As a U.S. citizen, you can petition certain family members to come to the United States.

The family members you can petition for include your siblings, parents, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), and your spouse. For children, the petition is only available for those who are under the age of 21.

It’s important to note that the process can take a significant amount of time and may involve a waiting period.

The wait time can vary depending on the family member and their country of origin, and there may be annual limits on the number of Visas that can be issued.

Additionally, certain eligibility requirements must be met by both the petitioner and the beneficiary.

It’s also worth noting that fiancé(e)s are not eligible for family-based immigration petitions. Instead, there is a separate process for obtaining a K-1 Visa for a fiancé(e) to come to the United States to get married.

Overall, the process of petitioning for family members to come to the United States can be complex and time-consuming.

It’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that everything is done correctly.

Why Should Immigrants Consider Applying For U.S. Citizenship?

Obtaining citizenship comes with many benefits, including completing the immigration process, having the ability to travel freely, petitioning family members with a faster process, and being able to vote.

Individuals should also be aware of potential red flags that can impact their citizenship application, such as unpaid taxes or child support. 

It’s fundamental to have those issues resolved before starting the naturalization process. Once the paperwork is submitted, the naturalization process is generally quick, and a naturalization ceremony is a beautiful event that USCIS celebrates with applicants.

What’s The Current Status Of DACA?

Currently, there have been no major updates on DACA. The administration has recently issued the final rule on DACA, which aims to put Obama’s original DACA announcement into statute.

There is no news yet on the court case, which is what most people are waiting for. At the moment, the only process available is for renewal applications, although USCIS is still accepting initial applications, they cannot process them until the stay is lifted.

There is hope that the situation will change soon, and more options will become available for Dreamers.

If you have additional questions about your citizenship, or your specific case, you can contact us at (855) 502-0555. After a brief 10-minute evaluation of your case over the phone, we will let you know what options you have. You can also follow us on our social networks so you don’t miss our weekly broadcasts on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

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