U.S. citizenship
is a life-long goal of
many people around the world.
The United
States encourages immigration and welcomes
new citizens, but becoming a U.S.
citizenship requires determination and
hard work.
A citizen of the
United States is a native-born,
foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes
allegiance to the United States and who is
entitled to its protections.
People
born in the United States are usually US
citizens. Certain people born abroad are US
citizens based on family ties.
Legal Permanent Residents of the US may be
able to become US or Naturalized citizens
based on the length of their residency and
good moral character.
Why Become a
United States Citizen
United States
citizens enjoy many privileges that those
with legal resident status do not have.
As a citizen, you are entitled to unique
rights and privileges which include the
right to vote, having a U.S. passport , the
U.S. government's protection while abroad
and the right to petition for green cards
for your children and close relatives.
Only U.S.
citizens can be elected as a federal
official, or be eligible for federal jobs.
Once an immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, he
or she has priority over others to bring
his/her family into the country and can more
easily naturalize his children that were
born abroad.
As a
U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported or lose
your citizenship even if you commit a crime
or choose to live elsewhere in the world,
unless you misrepresented yourself to attain
citizenship or were ineligible at the time.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship
To
apply for citizenship you must meet the
following factors:
Lived
in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident
for at least five years
has been married to a U.S. citizen for
at least 3 years.
Present in the U.S. for half of those years
18 years or older
Did
not make any other country your permanent
home during the time you resided in the
United States
Provide evidence
of good moral character
Display knowledge
of U.S. history and government
Demonstrate the
ability to read and write basic English
Establish
knowledge of and attachment to the U.S.
Constitution
Role of a
Citizenship Attorney
The Sheena Law
Firm will represent you throughout the
naturalization process to becoming a US
citizen. We help clients with all of the
requirements necessary to qualify for US
citizenship, such as the requirements for
physical presence in the US, US government
and history comprehension, and basic English
language skills.
We make
certain all the required forms are completed
correctly. We also can arrange for any
appointments, such as medical exams, photo
sessions, and fingerprinting appointments
and we will accompany you to the US
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
office.
We will also
explain the importance and satisfaction
gained from becoming a US citizen.
The Sheena Law Firm will be with you
each step of the way on your journey toward
becoming a naturalized American citizen.
Ways to Become a
U.S. Citizen
A
person can be or become a U.S. citizen in
several ways:
Born in the United States or
one of it's
territories
Parents are both U.S. citizens at the time
of your birth
Become Naturalized then apply & become a U.S. citizen
Children born and residing
outside the US
Adoption by US citizen
parents
Both of your
parents are naturalized when you are a minor:
Be 18
years of age
Have
lawful permanent residence and continuous
residence in the U.S. for five years (three
years if one obtained a green card through
marriage to a U.S. citizen)
Be
physically present for half those years
Have good
moral character
Belief in
the fundamental principles of the United
States Constitution
Be able
to read, write, and communicate in English
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
U.S. history and government
Documents needed to file
for Naturalization
Completed online
naturalization questionnaire
2 CIS standard photos
Photocopy of front and
back of permanent resident card
CIS filing fee and
fingerprinting fee
IRS printout as
evidence of tax filings
Proof of Taxes Paid for
all tax years submitted
Court-certified
criminal records (if applicable)
Selective Service
registration (if applicable)
If
application is based on marriage to a USC
for 3 years: - Evidence of that bona fides marriage
- Birth certificates for
children - Mortgage or lease in both names etc
When
it comes time for your
citizenship hearing and your
citizenship test, you can
move forward with
confidence knowing that the
Sheena Law Firm prepared you to the fullest
extent possible.
We
will also examine any
obstacles to citizenship
including criminal
convictions. We
have years of experience
with criminal issues
and may be able to take
action to resolve them in a
favorable manner.
If you have questions about an immigration
matter and wish to speak with an Immigration
Attorney contact The Sheena Law Firm
today.
