Naturalization is the process by which someone can apply to become a United States citizen.
That term is more than a simple definition. It’s a lengthy process towards becoming an American citizen. It involves paperwork and legal requirements.
There are multiple steps to naturalization or becoming a U.S. citizen that you have to know if you already live in the United States as an immigrant or have a desire to live in the United States as a full-fledged naturalized citizen.
Here’s a guide that tells you everything you need to know about becoming an American citizen.
Find Out If You Can Actually Become an American Citizen
Before you take any steps to become an American citizen, you need to find out if you are eligible.
If you are already living in America without a green card, you are ineligible. You first need to seek residence in American legally.
This means you need to obtain a green card, which is the first initial step toward becoming an American citizen. In order to obtain a green card, you need to:
- Access green card through family
- Access green card through employment
- Access green card through human trafficking and crime victims
There are some of the ways you can be a temporary citizen. You can also access a green card through other means.
Beyond having a green card, you also need to pass some tests in the United States that qualifies you to become a citizen.
You will need to:
- Length of time as a green card holder
- Moral Character
- Pass an English test
- Take a U.S. history & government test
After you’ve passed these steps, you can start applying for naturalization.
But before you take those steps, you need to know what can help you pass these tests and receive your green card faster.
Find Out What Steps You Need to Take to Make You Eligible
In order to become eligible, you may need to study some English and U.S. government. This can help you pass the test if you are studying to get your green card.
If you are residing in America illegally, you need to quickly find a way to make your living situation legal.
One of the ways you can make the process of receiving your green card faster is through the I-9 solution. This solution makes the process of filling out information seamless and more automatic instead of having to do it manually.
File an Application for Naturalization
After you have your green card, you need to file an application for naturalization.
However, this is just the beginning process. You need to do a few steps and pass them in order to be accepted as a citizen of the United States.
After you submit your application and it’s accepted, you need to have a background check to see if you have any criminal history.
Next, you need to have a citizen interview. This is when you get asked questions about your background or anything that may look suspicious on your application.
During the interview, you will be tested on English and of your knowledge of U.S. history.
After you pass the citizen interview, you are almost there! There is a waiting period, in which it’s absolutely critical that you don’t get commit a crime or your application will be denied.
There will finally be a ceremony where you are sworn in as a citizen. During this time, you have to pledge your allegiance to the United States of America.
The Benefit of Becoming an American Citizen
After you become an American citizen, you’ll realize that there are a lot of benefits that you can enjoy as a citizen.
One of the best benefits is that you can actively participate in voting. You can vote for government officials every couple of years.
In addition to voting, you can also participate in government politics. This means you can run a political campaign. You could run for mayor, senator, governor, and even president if you wanted.
Another benefit that can help you if you are trying to find a job is that you can receive federal benefits. You can receive a federal unemployment check or stimulus checks. This can keep you afloat while you are trying to find a permeant job after becoming a citizen.
You can also take extended trips outside of the country, especially if you want to visit family. It can help you do continually visits without worrying about getting back into the United States.
One of the best benefits of becoming a citizen of the United States is that you can become a sponsor for your family if they want a green card and want to visit the United States.
As a sponsor, you can help the rest of your family be on their way to becoming United States citizens. You can show them what they need to do when it comes to tests and preparing for the citizenship interview.
You Are on Your Way to Becoming an American Citizen
This article highlights everything you need to know about becoming an American citizen. While it may seem like a lengthy process, you’ll realize that there so many benefits of becoming an American citizen.
You’ll realize that being an American causes less stress because you won’t have to worry about being deported. You also have the opportunity to make changes in American politics or even be a part of American politics.
If you liked this article, you can check out more like it by visiting our blog.
