Moultrie Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States (a green card holder), then you may apply for citizenship after living in the U.S. for a certain amount of time and meeting specific criteria. Citizenship is important. You will have the right to vote, and it is much more difficult to deport a U.S. citizen than it is a green card holder. Those intending to stay in the U.S. for the rest of their lives can benefit from applying for full U.S. citizenship.
Our Moultrie citizenship & naturalization lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. can help legal permanent residents apply for U.S. citizenship. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know before you apply.
Requirements for Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship
There are specific rules that apply to green card holders who apply for citizenship in the U.S. You will need to establish that:
- You have lived in the U.S. for five years continuously OR
- You have lived in the U.S. for three years continuously and are married to a U.S. citizen
Additionally, you will need to establish that:
- You were physically in the U.S. for at least 30 months over the last five years
- You resided in your USCIS district of filing for at least 3 months
- You can read, write, and speak English
- You have an understanding of U.S. history and the government
- You have demonstrated good moral character for the past five years
- You have demonstrated good moral character since applying for naturalization
- You are on board with the principles of the U.S. Constitution and interested and “well-disposed” to the happiness of the American public
A skilled immigration lawyer will ensure that your application is complete and everything that USCIS is looking for is included. Failure to include everything can result in delays of months or years.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
While a green card gives you the right to live and work in the United States, it does place certain limitations on you. Once you apply for U.S. citizenship, those limitations are lifted. Further, once you’re a U.S. citizen it becomes nearly impossible to deport you unless you engage in open rebellion against the U.S. government.
Privileges of U.S. citizenship include:
- The right to vote in local, state, and federal elections
- The ability to bring family members to the U.S.
- Acquiring citizenship for children born abroad
- The ability to travel on a U.S. passport
- Running for political office (except President)
Talk to a Moultrie, GA Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer
For more information on becoming a fully-naturalized U.S. citizen, call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today to discuss your next steps in more detail.
