US Citizenship

If you want to live and work in the United States, getting citizenship is an important part of protecting your rights. Making mistakes along the way could seriously affect your citizenship application. It’s important to understand what you need to do and how you need to do it.

The path to getting U.S. citizenship can be a lot of work. However, going through the naturalization process is necessary if you want to stay permanently in the United States. The immigration system can change at any time. For legal assistance when applying for citizenship under U.S. immigration law, talk to an immigration lawyer for legal advice.

Who Is Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?

Eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship take time and planning. U.S. immigration laws are complicated. In general, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old unless you’re coming with a U.S. citizen parent. You’ll also need to have a continuous residence in the country on a lawful permanent resident card (green card) for at least five years.

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the timeline is only three years. There is also expedited citizenship if you serve in the U.S. armed forces. You can qualify for naturalization after just one year of U.S. military service instead of waiting five years. During certain qualifying periods of hostilities, there is no minimum period for naturalization.

Your residency has to be continuous. Another requirement is that you have good moral character. Having certain information on your criminal record or lying during your application process could prevent you from passing the moral character portion of the process.

How Do I Become a U.S. Citizen?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) details the process to become a citizen. There are several steps to gain United States citizenship:

• Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Provide necessary documentation, like birth certificates and marriage certificates
• Complete a naturalization interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Fulfill your continuous residency requirements
• Take a citizenship test and an English test
• Pledge an oath of allegiance to the country, its laws, and its constitution

You’ll also have to pay fees for applications along the way. You may be eligible for a fee waiver.

For the U.S. naturalization test, you should review study materials for the civics test (U.S. government and history) and the English language test. However, there are some exemptions based on age or disability.

What Happens if My Application Is Denied?

When someone’s naturalization application is denied, it’s usually because of mistakes in the application process. Contact USCIS for an update on your case status. You may have to start the process over again to correct the errors, which could potentially add months or years to your quest for citizenship.

In some cases, you may be able to request an appeal hearing to dispute your denial if you believe you were incorrectly denied.

Other reasons for denial include having a lengthy or violent criminal record, lying during any part of your application process, having been previously deported, or being a security threat based on past activities or affiliations with certain groups.

Unless you’re denied because of criminal or terrorist-related activity, you can usually reapply to be a citizen of the United States.

What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?

Gaining U.S. citizenship will allow you to stay in the country as a legal resident for the rest of your life. You’ll be able to work, vote in elections, and even run for political office yourself. It will also allow you to help certain family members get immigration benefits and put them on the pathway to citizenship.

Citizenship provides you with all the rights and liberties of any other citizen, such as freedom of speech and freedom to practice your religion. In exchange, you’ll have to follow U.S. laws and pay your taxes. You can also get a U.S. passport.

How Can I Make Sure My Application Gets Approved?

The best way to increase your odds of approval is to correctly and honestly fill out your required paperwork. Because the rules for application are so strict, even the smallest mistakes could lead to a denial.

If you want to improve your chances of approval, an immigration attorney may be able to help. An experienced immigration and citizenship lawyer can have a better understanding of the process and may make it easier to complete your forms. A lawyer can also connect you to additional resources that will support you during the entire process.