Understanding Citizenship
A citizen is a person who is a member of a nation or state. A person may have multiple citizenships. Citizenship in the United States is possible through a number of pathways.
U.S. citizenship is a privilege that many people strive for. Obtaining United States citizenship has many benefits, including voting rights, freedom from deportation, and more. Citizenship is automatically attainable after five years of permanent residency in the U.S. It can also be earned by serving in the military.
If you are trying to obtain citizenship in the U.S., an experienced immigration attorney can provide valuable information and advice.
How Does Someone Get Citizenship?
U.S. citizenship can be acquired in four ways, and it is essential to know the requirements of each path. The paths to becoming a United States citizen include the following:
- Naturalization: This path requires that the person has been a lawful permanent resident for five years, is 18 or older, speaks English, and passes a civics test.
- Parents: A child born in the United States automatically gains citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen or permanent resident. Foreign-born adopted children are also entitled to U.S. citizenship.
- Marriage: When you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for a Green Card and then naturalize to become a citizen after three years through naturalization.
- Military service: U.S. army veterans can also become citizens by naturalization if they have served honorably in the armed forces.
Citizenship Through Naturalization
Additional requirements must be met if an individual wants to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. For example, a naturalization applicant must demonstrate a “good moral character.” In other words, it means that an applicant hasn’t been convicted of certain crimes such as murder, illegal gambling, or intentionally lying to the U.S. government.
As soon as an immigrant is naturalized, their children will automatically obtain citizenship, even if they were born in another country.
Bear in mind that obtaining citizenship through naturalization or any other path requires more than simply filing the appropriate documents. In addition, once an individual becomes a naturalized citizen, there is still the risk of revocation of naturalization. That’s why it’s beneficial to hire an experienced naturalization lawyer to assist you through the process.
Citizenship Through Marriage
Getting married to a U.S. citizen is also one of the common ways people obtain their citizenship status. If your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for three years, and you have been married and living with them during that 3 years, you may be eligible to obtain citizenship.
Citizenship for Military Service Members
A member of the U.S. Armed Forces can apply for U.S. citizenship. A U.S. military service member can obtain naturalization if they have served for at least a year or been in active service during hostile times. However, in both scenarios, applicants have to meet certain requirements. When it comes to children and spouses of military service members, they are also eligible to apply for citizenship.
Consulting with a citizenship attorney can make the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence easier.
Is the Citizenship Process Costly in the U.S.?
To become United States citizens, individuals may have to pay the following fees:
- Application fee for an individual or a sponsoring organization
- Biometrics and fingerprinting fee
- Legal fees
At the moment, for filing a naturalization application (form N-400), individuals have to pay $640 filing fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, a naturalization applicant may also have to pay an additional $85 biometric fee for having their picture and fingerprints taken.
Applying for citizenship comes with various immigration issues. A local law firm of citizenship attorneys can help you with the citizenship and naturalization process and help you understand which fees may apply in your case.
HOW DOES THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS WORK?
The process starts with the applicant submitting the application, which an officer then reviews. If it is approved, the applicant will receive a notice of approval or a request for more information.
Highly experienced immigration lawyers can explain nationality law and help naturalization applicants prepare for immigration court.
DO YOU NEED A CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION LAWYER?
Applying for U.S. citizenship can be confusing and overwhelming. To overcome this, finding a lawyer who can help you through the process is vital.
Verifying that the immigration lawyer is certified by the American Bar Association can help you ensure they have met the qualifications needed to practice immigration law in Missouri.
Citizenship lawyers can help you:
- Determine your green card or citizenship eligibility
- Gather and file the required documentation for your citizenship application
- Prepare for your citizenship interview and civics test
- Represent you in court
- Appeal a rejection
- Advocate for your eligibility even if you have a criminal conviction
Citizenship lawyers can make the difference between an approved application and one that is rejected. Contact KC Immigration Lawyers now to book your free consultation and learn more about the citizenship and immigration services we offer.