Immigration Services for Clients in Marion & Polk Counties, and Throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest Since 2009
Many immigrants aspire to become U.S. citizens, seeing it as a pivotal step that opens doors to valuable rights and opportunities. This goal reflects a commitment to fully participate in American life, embracing the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
At Affordable Immigration, we understand that citizenship is a top priority for many residents. However, the naturalization process is complex and challenging to manage independently. Eligibility rules are strict. After meeting the qualifications, you must complete many steps that must be navigated effectively.
If you need assistance with the U.S. naturalization process, you can trust our team to have the knowledge, insight, and practical experience required to guide you through it. We have extensive experience helping clients at every stage of the process. We take immense pride in creating new U.S. citizens for our great nation.
Ready to begin? Reach Affordable Immigration online or at (971) 308-5892 for a free consultation with our Salem citizenship and naturalization attorney. Hablamos español.
What Are the Qualifications for Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
Under this agency, the requirements for naturalization include:
Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and capable of fulfilling civic duties to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Permanent residency: You must have held lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen; this demonstrates a commitment to U.S. residency. Absences of more than six months may disrupt an applicant's continuous residence.
Continuous residence: You must have lived continuously in the U.S. during your lawful permanent residency, maintaining a consistent presence that indicates your intention to remain in the U.S.
Physical presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last five years or 18 months out of the three years if married to a U.S. citizen, underscoring your connection to the country.
Good moral character: Good character implies adherence to U.S. laws and ethical conduct. This period is generally reviewed over the qualifying residency years before applying.
Residency in the applying state: You must reside in the state or district where you’re applying for at least three months, establishing a local connection to the community.
Knowledge of English: Demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak basic English is a requirement, allowing effective communication and integration into U.S. society.
Understanding U.S. history and government: You must pass a civics test that evaluates your understanding of American history and government, proving your readiness for civic participation.
“I was a stranger, and you took me in… then the righteous answered him, saying Lord… when saw we thee a stranger and took thee in?
Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
- Matthew 25:36-40
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The naturalization process involves several steps, each requiring attention to detail and careful adherence to regulations.
Determine eligibility: The first step is to confirm that you meet all the necessary criteria. This involves verifying your residency duration, age, language skills, and moral character.
Complete Form N-400: This is the primary application for naturalization. It collects essential information about your background and intentions. It is crucial to provide accurate details, as incomplete or incorrect submissions can result in delays.
Attend the biometrics appointment: After submitting your application, you will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. Your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected during this session for a necessary background check.
Prepare for the naturalization interview and test: One of the critical steps in the process is the USCIS interview, which includes a civics and English test unless exempted. It is vital to prepare thoroughly for these by studying the 100 citizenship test questions and brushing up on English comprehension and writing skills.
Receive a decision: After the interview, the USCIS will notify you of their decision. The decision will either grant, continue, or deny your application. If approved, you will move forward in the process.
Attend the naturalization ceremony: The final step involves attending a naturalization ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This solemn event marks your transition to full U.S. citizenship, granting you all associated rights and responsibilities.
Reporting the Birth of U.S. Citizens Abroad
Certificate of Birth Abroad
A Certificate of Birth Abroad, officially known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), is a document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents.
Eligibility: To obtain a CRBA, at least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth and meet specific residency or physical presence requirements in the U.S.
Application process: Parents must apply for a CRBA at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born. The application typically involves submitting proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship, the child’s birth, and parental relationship with the child.
Purpose: The CRBA establishes the child’s U.S. citizenship and can be used to obtain a U.S. passport and other official documents.
Eligibility: This form is for individuals who automatically acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents, either at birth or after birth, but before age 18. This can include children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents or children who became citizens when their parents naturalized.
Application process: Applicants must file the N-600 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing evidence of their citizenship claim, such as their parents’ citizenship status, the applicant’s birth certificate, and proof of the parent-child relationship.
Purpose: The N-600 is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, which serves as official proof of U.S. citizenship and can be used for various legal and administrative purposes.
The CRBA and the N-600 are crucial for individuals seeking to establish U.S. citizenship through their parents.
Becoming a U.S. citizen has many benefits, including stability, opportunities, and a greater sense of belonging.
These benefits include:
Voting rights: U.S. citizens have the exclusive right to vote in federal elections, which allows them to directly impact the democratic process and influence the future of their community and country.
Eligibility for federal jobs: Many federal government jobs are reserved for U.S. citizens, offering access to various career opportunities with competitive benefits and job security.
U.S. passport: A citizen can obtain a U.S. passport, which facilitates international travel and support in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. This can enhance your travel experience with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries.
Security against deportation: U.S. citizenship provides the security of knowing you cannot be deported. This stability allows citizens to live and work in the United States without fear of removal.
Sponsoring family members: Citizens can sponsor family members, such as spouses, children, and other relatives, for immigration. This allows them to seek permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Access to government benefits: Citizens may qualify for certain government benefits and protections, including access to federal financial aid for education, which can make higher education more affordable.
Access to scholarships: Many scholarships, grants, and educational funding opportunities are available only to U.S. citizens, expanding educational prospects and career development.
U.S. citizenship provides significant advantages that enhance personal and professional life, offering a deeper connection to the nation and its community. These benefits highlight the importance of citizenship as a foundation for a secure and prosperous future.
Turn to Us for Professional Help with the Naturalization Process in Salem
At Affordable Immigration, our skilled team is committed to empowering our clients’ immigration journeys with compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance. We can walk you through each step of the naturalization process, help you gather necessary supporting documents, prepare you for each phase, and address any issues that may arise.
With our proven track record and commitment to client success, we can be a trusted partner in helping you achieve your dream of U.S. citizenship.
Call (971) 308-5892 or contact us online to discuss your case with our Salem citizenship and naturalization attorney.
