Staying and working in the United States is a long-cherished dream for many foreign nationals. If you are considering applying for American citizenship, you need to first understand the immigration laws, which is no easy task. For most applicants, the biggest challenge is to navigate the entire process, which can be baffling and time-consuming. When unsure where to start, consider meeting a reliable immigration attorney. Law firms in Salem, like Vanderwall Immigration, offer extensive support for clients, and you can always get a case review by meeting their lawyers. Here are some other things that can provide valuable insights.
Discover the benefits of American citizenship
First and foremost, you get voting rights once you become a citizen in the US. You then have a role in shaping up the policies by taking part in local, state, and federal elections. With American citizenship, you have access to federal jobs and government benefits. The list includes federal financial aid for education, Social Security, and Medicare. You can also sponsor your immediate family members for green cards, including your child under 21, spouse, parent, and siblings. If you are an American citizen, you don’t have to worry about being deported from the country. Not to forget, you have one of the most powerful passports in the world!
Understanding requirements and eligibility
Firstly, a foreign national just cannot apply for American citizenship when they want. They must fulfil the necessary requirements before they can get a Green Card. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can apply for US citizenship if you meet the essential criteria. Firstly, you have to be 18 years old or older and must been a permanent resident for a certain time. You should have basic knowledge of the country’s civics and history and should be able to speak, talk, and write in English. You must have a good moral character and should meet the continuous residence requirements.
Reasons for denials
It goes without saying that the US citizenship application process is demanding. You have to be absolutely accurate with everything, but despite all the good effort, applications are often denied. Reasons include –
- One doesn’t meet the citizenship requirements: The USCIS has strict requirements, which we have briefly discussed above. If you fail to meet them, your application may be denied.
- There are application mistakes: With numerous documents and forms to complete, people often make mistakes with their applications, which can lead to denials. Ensuring everything is done right is imperative, and if you don’t offer the supporting documents, you are still at risk of losing your chance of getting American citizenship.
- The applicant doesn’t have English proficiency: As we stated earlier, you should be able to talk, write, and read in English during the naturalization process. Your application could be denied if you fail to show an adequate understanding of the language or lack proficiency.
- The applicant failed the civics and history test: You must also pass a civics and history test, which involves answering questions about US history and government. If you fail the test, your application will be denied. The best way forward is to prepare enough.
- The applicant has a criminal background: Having a good moral character is necessary, which means if you have a history of crime or criminal records, your application could be in jeopardy. The USCIS takes this very seriously. In such cases, applicants may consider submitting a waiver or rehabilitation evidence, but that doesn’t always guarantee a positive outcome.
Meet an immigration lawyer in Salem immediately if you are worried about getting a Green Card or need a head start for the application process.
