How Do Most People Become U.S. Citizens?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:13:02 GMT

One way in which citizenship may be achieved is by birth in the U.S., or birth to parents who are U.S. citizens. If neither of these situations applies, one may pursue naturalization: the process that one undergoes in the pursuit of citizenship. In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.

Do I Really Need To Divulge All Details About My Criminal History, Even If A Charge Has Been Expunged? What Are The Consequences If I Do Not?

Sun, 11 May 2008 06:32:24 GMT

Yes. You need to always be honest on all of your immigration applications regarding all:

Arrests (including those by police, Immigration Officers, and other Federal Agents);
Convictions (even if they have been expunged); and
Crimes you have committed for which you were not arrested or convicted.

Even if you have committed a minor crime, Immigration may deny your application if you do not tell the Immigration officer about the incident. It is extremely important that you tell Immigration about any arrest even if someone else has advised you that you are not required to do so.

How Do I Become A Naturalized Citizen?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:39:03 GMT

If you are not a US citizen by birth or did not acquire citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. If you are are 18 years and older, you use the "Application for Naturalization" (Form N400) to become naturalized. If you acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N600) to document your naturalization. If you are an adopted child who acquired citizenship from your parent(s) use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child" (Form N643) to document your naturalization.

How Do I Know If My Immigration Problem Involves The Department Of State, Uscis, Or The Department Of Labor?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:01:13 GMT

The answer depends on whether the problem involves a visa, a petition requesting permission to enter the United States, or labor certification.If the problem involves a visa, it probably involves the Department of State, which is the only federal agency than can issue a visa. There are two types of visas:

Nonimmigrant Visa: a multicolored stamp placed in the passport, allowing the bearer to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose, identifies this visa.
Immigrant Visa: not stamped in a passport, but is a packet of documents surrendered to an immigration officer at the port of entry. The packet includes an approved petition filed by an individual, a business or an organization (such as a religious group) seeking to sponsor an immigrant's entry into this country.

If the problem involves a petition requesting permission to enter the United States as an immigrant, or under certain circumstances, as a nonimmigrant, such as for employment or as a fiancé, the situation involves USCIS.

If the problem involves labor certification, it involves the Department of Labor.

How Long Does It Take To Become Naturalized?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:41:44 GMT

The time it takes to be naturalized varies from one local USCIS Service Center to another.

Should I Hire A Lawyer?

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:28:04 GMT

Yes, whether you are filing forms because you were a child born abroad to one or two parents who are U.S. citizens, filing for natural or adopted children born abroad, or if you are applying for U.S. citizenship by naturalization, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer. Immigration laws are very complicated and the requirements are very strict. If you fail to follow the instructions to the letter or do not file the proper form, your application could be denied. Let a LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified immigration law attorney guide you through the process and alleviate many of the complications that would otherwise arise. Avoid the confusion and extra complications.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Becoming A U.S. Citizen?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:26:21 GMT

The advantages of becoming a citizen of the United States are many. The following is a list of some of the benefits that clients seek:

The right to vote;
The reuniting of families;
Protection of children’s right to remain in the U.S.;
Freedom to travel with U.S. passport;
SSI (Supplemental Security Income), based on certain contingencies.

What Are Some Of The Responsibilities Of A U.S. Citizen?

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:59:35 GMT

Some of the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen include:

Participate in jury duty or armed forces if called upon;
Pay taxes;
Respect the rights of others;
Obey the law.

What Are The Prerequisites To Obtaining U.S. Citizenship?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:40:08 GMT

Certain guidelines determine whether or not one is eligible to obtain U.S. citizenship. They include:

Age: applicant must be at least 18 years old;
Residency: applicant must be a permanent resident and have resided in the U.S. continuously for the past three years;
Good moral character: full disclosure of all facts pertaining to one’s character is necessary, including an applicant’s criminal history;
Attachment to the Constitution: a demonstrated commitment to upholding the U.S. Constitution’s principles;
Language: the ability to read, write, and speak some English;
U.S. Government and History knowledge: passage of the Immigration Test;
Taking the Oath of Allegiance.

What Are The Requirements Must A Foreign National Who Wants To Visit The U.S. satisfy?

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:36:18 GMT

A nonimmigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose. Nonimmigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued. They may have more than one type of nonimmigrant visa but are admitted in only one status.

General requirements for foreign nationals seeking temporary admission include, but are not limited to, the following:

The purpose of the visit must be temporary.
The foreign national must agree to depart at the end of his/her authorized stay or extension.
The foreign national must be in possession of a valid passport.
The foreign national, in most instances, must maintain a foreign residence.
The foreign national may be required to show proof of financial support.
The foreign national must be admissible or have obtained a waiver for any ground of inadmissibility.
The foreign national must abide by the terms and conditions of admission.

What Is A Green Card?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:20:39 GMT

A green card is, technically, a United States Permanent Resident Card. This card serves as identification for one who is a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the U.S. Holders of this card may conditionally reside and work in the U.S. This card was previously referred to as the Alien Registration Receipt Card and still may be called form I-551. Although the green card has not been green since 1978, the term remains commonly used.

What Is An Immigration Visa?

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:59:31 GMT

Immigrant and nonimmigrant are the two types of visas. The granting or denying of visas helps achieve the goals of immigration laws. Nonimmigrant visas are granted to those who do not intend on staying permanently in the U.S., and usually are tourists and business visitors. There are eighteen types of nonimmigrant visas, and most of these are not limited in number. Those who hold immigrant visas are entitled to stay in the U.S. permanently and eventually apply for citizenship. Immigrant visa holders may work in the U.S. Congress establishes limits on the number immigrant visas available.

Where Can I Be Fingerprinted?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:44:33 GMT

After the USCIS has received your application, the USCIS will notify you of the location where you should get fingerprinted.

Who Determines Whether Or Not My Request(S) For Entry Into The U.S. Will Be Granted?

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:05:14 GMT

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency responsible for approving immigrant entry into the U.S. USCIS is a bureau within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Many of the functions carried out by what was formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice are now performed by USCIS. The Executive Office for Immigration Review reviews decisions made by USCIS.

Who Has Citizenship By Birth?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:29:49 GMT

Persons who are born in the United States are citizens at birth unless they are born to foreign diplomats.

A person who is born abroad to TWO US citizens is a US citizen if both parents were US citizens at his or her birth and at least one parent lived in the US at some point in his or her life.

For those born abroad to only ONE US citizen, if you are born outside the United States after November 14, 1986 and only one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth you may qualify for citizenship if: (1) Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the US before you were born, and (2) 2 out of 5 of these years were after his or her 14th birthday.

If you were born outside the United State before November 14, 1986 and only one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth you will qualify for citizenship if: (1) Your citizen parent lived in the US for at least 10 years before you were born, and 2) 5 out of 10 of these years were after his or her 14th birthday.

Who Is An Alien For Purposes Of United States Immigration?

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:48:23 GMT

An alien is any individual who is not a citizen or a national of the U.S. Within the category of alien are several distinctions:

Legal alien: one who is permitted to remain in the U.S. based on certain terms
Resident alien: one who is permitted to reside in the U.S. either temporarily or permanently
Nonresident alien: one who is permitted to visit the U.S.
Illegal alien: one who resides in the U.S. unlawfully, either as a result of illicit entry or an excessively long stay that outlasts the duration granted by a non-immigrant visa

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