Dalton Citizen & Naturalization Lawyer
The first U.S. naturalization act was passed in 1790. It allowed any white alien, born outside the U.S., to apply for citizenship after they had lived in the country for two or more years, according to the Social Welfare History Project. Many changes have been enacted in the last two centuries—one, of course, banning discrimination based on a non-citizens race or other protected characteristics. These days, green card holders and other non-U.S-born people can apply for citizenship through naturalization, but the process is much longer than it once was; if you are married to a U.S. citizen and meet all requirements, you must live in the U.S. for three years before you become eligible. If you are not married to a U.S. citizen, the wait time is five years. Our Dalton citizens & naturalization lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. can help ensure you meet all requirements, fill out all necessary paperwork, and much more.
Requirements of Naturalization
There is a strict set of criteria for naturalization. The following are requirements that must be met in order for citizenship through naturalization, according to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
- Legal residence in the U.S. for three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen;
- Legal residence in the U.S. for five years if you are single;
- Have continuous residence in the U.S.;
- Be 18 years old, or older;
- Demonstrate good moral character;
- Have the ability to read, speak, and write English;
- Have knowledge of U.S. history and government;
- Demonstrate loyalty to the principles within the Constitution; and
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Benefits Of U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
While a Green Card enables you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, it does not provide all the rights and safeguards that U.S. citizenship through naturalization provides. For instance, a green card holder can be deported for any number of reasons, including crimes of “moral turpitude,” which simply means any reprehensible act. These offenses can be as minor as a misdemeanor. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens cannot be deported, no matter what they do. But the benefits of citizenship do not stop there, of course. Other benefits include being eligible to vote in elections, serving as an elected official, bringing family members into the U.S., citizenship for your children born outside of the U.S., traveling with a U.S. passport, and working for the state or federal government.
Call Dalton Citizen & Naturalization Lawyer Today for Assistance
Citizenship provides a sense of security that a green card never can. However, becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization can be an arduous process—one that is difficult in which to prevail if you are not represented by an attorney. If you believe you meet the criteria for naturalization, or believe that you soon will, the Dalton citizenship and naturalization lawyers at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. can help. Call us today at 404-523-3611 to schedule a consultation.
