"Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant." USCIS

U.S. Citizenship can be obtained in one of four ways:

• Birth in the United States or its territories
• Birth to U.S. citizen parents
• Naturalization (the grant of citizenship after an application and exam), or
• Naturalization of one's parents

Naturalization Process

A foreign citizen or national can become a U.S. citizen through a process called naturalization.

Citizenship requires allegiance to the United States. In return, a citizen is entitled to U.S. protection. U.S. citizenship provides you with significant rights beyond a green card. These include:

• Travel abroad without fear of jeopardizing your visa status
• Right to vote
• A U.S. passport
• Protection against deportation or removal from the U.S.
• Extending legal residency for your spouse, parents, minor & unmarried children without delay
• Petitioning for other family members
• Government Protection
• Holding Public Office

 At a high level, there are three basic steps to naturalizing, or becoming a citizen:

• File an application
• Pass a naturalization examination
• Participate in an Oath Ceremony

What if I don't qualify for citizenship?

Not everyone will be eligible to become a naturalized US citizen. Certain criteria must be met.

Malee Ketelsen is an experienced attorney who can help you with the naturalization process as well as advise you when not to pursue naturalization due to other factors such as crimes committed abroad or a criminal record in the U.S.; in some circumstances, you could lose your legal residency status. In cases such as these, you may be better off retaining your permanent resident status rather than applying for U.S. citizenship.

 Sample INS Citizenship Test

Contact Malee about your immigration situation.

 

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