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February 11, 2021Although she may have gone through some recent trouble, America is known for her resilience and her ability to bounce back. Millions of people want to become American citizens. However, it takes a lot of effort and a really good attorney.
You have to go through a few steps to become an American citizen. It can be helpful to know what kind of documentation you will need before you begin the process.
The Steps of Naturalization
When you hear the term naturalization, you can’t help but think of metamorphosis and probably a rather slow one. Before you become a citizen you must have a green card for at least five years.
There are several ways to get a green card. It is helpful if you have a high school diploma and if you hail from a country that has a very low immigration rate to the United States. If you are from an eligible country, you can enter a lottery that takes place every fall.
You can also be sponsored by a spouse or other relative. You can be sponsored by an employer who wants to hire you. The employer will have to establish that they were unable to find an American citizen to do the job.
Requirements for Applying for Citizenship
If you have had your green card for 5 years and it is not expired or about to be expired, you may begin the process of becoming a citizen. You must be able to speak English and at least 18 years of age. You will also have to learn the basics of American history. You should be able to find classes in English as a second language and American history classes online.
You must not have been out of the U.S. for more than 30 months. You will have to apply in the state where you reside and you must have lived there for at least 3 months.
The other requirement is a bit trickier to prove and that is that you are of good moral character. This is generally based on not having any run-ins with the law while you have been in the states. You can find out a bit more about this requirement here: https://srkhanlegal.com/
The Application Process
You will have to fill out and submit form N-400 and pay a fee. The fee is $640 to submit the actual form and $85 for recording your biometrics. If you have served in the United States military the fee will be waived.
You will have to go to your biometrics appointment where they will collect your fingerprints and take images of your face. They also may record our voice for identification purposes.
You will then have an interview at your local USCIS office. You will receive a notice on the internet or in the mail informing you if your citizenship has been granted, denied, or continued.
If it is continued you will need to provide more information. If your citizenship is granted, you will take the oath of allegiance.
President John F Kennedy once said, “Immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” Immigrants coming to the United States and gaining citizenship is an important part of what our country is about.
Authoritative Sources:
https://pixabay.com/photos/ellis-island-new-york-america-652868/