Immigration and Naturalization Process Introduction

Before you speak to an Immigration Attorney, you may like to understand the process a bit and be able to ask pertinent questions when you are ready for your consultation.

The Immigration and Naturalization process can be intimidating, more so when it might be your citizenship that hangs in the balance. A qualified Naturalization lawyer will be able to walk you through the process and guide you toward whatever is necessary every step of the way.

Becoming a citizen of the United States does not have to be a traumatic process, as long as you have the right attorney on your side.

The following article offers some brief, but valuable, insight into the naturalization process. It is not intended to be a substitute for legal counsel, merely an introduction that will enable you to choose an Immigration representative wisely.


The Steps of the Naturalization Process
By Donny Quinn
January 11, 2011

Although current political discussions may lend a frightening tone to naturalization, statistically, completion is easier than some may think. In 2002, naturalized citizens comprised 32 percent of foreign-born residents, as reported in "Immigrant Families and Workers: Trends in Naturalization," a brief prepared by the Immigration Studies Program at the Urban Institute. An additional 35 percent were legal permanent residents, eligible for naturalization after meeting criteria. At 27 percent, illegal immigrants comprised the smallest remaining group.

Permanency and Age
1. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires two stipulations of all naturalization applications: lawful permanent resident status and 18-year age requirement. The length of LPR status depends on marriage status and military service: unmarried applicants without military service require five years, married applicants require three years and military-enlisted applicants require one year. The only way to obtain naturalization without prior permanent residency is through military service during a designated period of hostilities.

N-400 and Photos
2. If a disability bars you from naturalization, request a waiver when filing your N-400. Five major types of questions are on a naturalization application, or N-400. These questions provide information about: your identification, your citizenship, the last five years of your life, your family and matters that could make you ineligible for naturalization. When providing information pertaining to the last five years, you must list your residences, workplaces, schools of attendance and international trips. When providing family information, you must list all of your marriages and children, despite the person's age, marital status and blood relation. The final part of the form contains a series of yes-or-no questions on topics such as criminal history and drug-related offenses.

When you send your N-400 form to the nearest USCIS office, you must include two passport photographs, which help immigration employees verify your naturalization application. You must mail the photographs and application within 30 days of the date the photograph was taken.

Fingerprints
3. After the USCIS processes your application and photographs, you will receive a letter instructing you to come to the USCIS office for electronic fingerprint registration. The FBI uses your fingerprints to verify your criminal history. If you have no outstanding criminal warrants in other countries, you will receive a letter instructing you to attend a naturalization interview.

Interview and Oath
4. The interview process ensures candidacy for U.S. citizenship. The interviewer asks you a series of questions relating to your application, including questions determining character and willingness to swear allegiance to the United States. If evidence is needed to support your application, the interviewer asks for it at the interview.

During the interview you complete an English exam and a civics test, which is given in whatever language you wish. To pass the civics test, you must correctly answer six out of the 10 questions asked -- all 100 possible questions are listed at USCIS.gov. If you pass the test and interview, you return your permanent resident card and take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
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