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Naturalization is the way in which an immigrant becomes a citizen of the United States after meeting a series of requirements.
This is a lengthy process and once completed, it grants the new citizen a series of important rights and duties; at Conexión Legal we want to tell you what you should know about this procedure so that you are not a victim of fraudulent promises.
7 facts about the naturalization process
1. Who can apply?
First of all, it should be noted that the naturalization process applies to people who have permanent resident status; an undocumented immigrant is not a suitable candidate for this regardless of the number of years they have been in the United States.
2. What are the basic requirements?
- Have permanent resident status.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a history of good moral character, meaning you have not been convicted of an excludable felony or be a repeat offender of civil violations.
- Have knowledge of how the U.S. government functions including its laws, government agencies and language.
- Have continuous residence in the United States, meaning you have not been absent from the country for more than 6 months in the last 2 years.
3. Is it an in-person procedure?
It is not required to be in the country to begin this process; it is sufficient to complete form N-400 and submit it virtually, or present it at the nearest U.S. immigration office.At Conexión Legal we offer free advice for immigration cases; contact us through this channel via the WhatsApp icon or Schedule Your Consultation and explore solution alternatives for your case.
4. What are the benefits?
Once this process is completed successfully, the following benefits will be received, among others:
- Right to vote in federal elections.
- Initiate family petition processes; citizens have priority when initiating this type of family reunification procedures.
- Citizenship for children born abroad; in most cases this citizenship is granted automatically.
- American passport; traveling with this document provides the support of the U.S. government in any country where you are located.
- Employment opportunities; with the naturalization process you can be selected to hold federal positions.
5. What are the duties acquired with naturalization
The obligations acquired when completing this procedure include:
- Swear allegiance to the North American country.
- Support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the country.
- Serve the country if required.
- Participate in political processes by exercising the right to vote.
- Serve as a juror if required.
- Demonstrate tolerance to differences in ethnicity, religion and culture among others.
6. How long does the process take?
The naturalization process can take more than 6 months, so it is recommended to start the process in advance since it will not be effective until the loyalty oath is taken.
7. What happens if the application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can apply again once the deadline specified in the notification is met; if rejected due to language proficiency or lack of knowledge of the country's laws, you can apply as soon as you acquire the necessary preparation. In any case, you must start the process from the beginning, including completing the form and paying applicable fees.
In whatever your case may be, always seek the assistance of a trusted attorney who can explain to you in detail the step-by-step process; remember that at Conexión Legal we have a large team of Spanish-speaking attorneys who can provide you with the necessary guidance if you need it.
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