Citizenship and naturalization is the culmination of the realization of the American dream. Citizenship provides many rights and requires new responsibilities.
At Maui Immigration Law, LLC, our immigration attorneys have helped countless individuals with the application process and preparing for the interview and the test.
If you need a citizenship and naturalization attorney, we will guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to learn more about the naturalization process? Contact our firm today to request an initial consultation with our immigration advocate.
The Benefits & Responsibilities of Citizenship
U.S. citizenship offers several benefits and comes with certain responsibilities. The benefits of citizenship include the right to vote, hold public office, travel freely with a United States passport, and children born after naturalization will be U.S. citizens. The responsibilities of citizenship include swearing allegiance to the United States, supporting and defending the Constitution, giving up allegiance to another country, and serving in the military, when required.
The Naturalization Process
There are three ways for an individual to become a citizen of the United States: by birth, blood, or naturalization. Naturalization is a legal process that allows a foreign national to become a citizen, as long as the individual meets several legal requirements.
The steps in the naturalization process include:
- Residence and Presence in the U.S. – The law requires an individual to enter the country legally and gain permanent resident status. The person must live in the United States for five years and be present in the country at least half of the time.
- Age Requirement – The law requires the applicant to be 18 or older. Parents may file on behalf of children under the age of 18.
- Literacy – The applicant must show that he or she can understand, speak, read, and write in English. In addition, applicants for citizenship must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government, and politics by passing an exam.
- Swear an Oath of Allegiance – The individual must pledge allegiance to the United States and renounce allegiance to any other country.
- Constitutional Principles – The applicant must be attached to the principles of the Constitution and believe in representative democracy.
- Moral Character – The person must show good moral character. Some factors that show lack of moral character may include drunkenness, perjury, and polygamy.
Maui immigration lawyer Kevin J. Block will be with you every step of the way to help make the dream of citizenship a reality for you. U.S. citizenship is an important milestone. We’re ready to partner with you for this process and help ensure you meet this achievement as efficiently as possible.
If you are worried that past criminal conduct or other complications may prevent you from being eligible, please call our office at (808) 244-5858 today. We can help you assess your options.