Naturalization Process

Naturalization is one of the ways of becoming a citizen in the United States of America.  Children of immigrants and resident aliens can also become a citizen of the United States by being born in one of the fifty states, or if the parents are citizens.  Persons not born in the United States may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal required naturalization process.  This option is also available to persons that did not acquire their U.S. citizenship as a child through the citizenship of their parents.

The increasing numbers of individuals seeking US citizenship has caused immigration law to triple in size.  Since there are millions of individuals seeking US citizenship, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has a set limit as to how many can become US citizens and how many can acquire US Visas.

If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for military citizenship under special provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  Generally, service in the U.S. Armed Forces means service in one of the following branches:

• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• National Guard
• Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve

Topics related to US Immigration and Naturalization includes:

• Citizenship
• Naturalization
• Green Card
• Temporary Visas
• Work Visas
• Student Visas
• Deportation
• Resident Aliens

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a citizen of the United States is a native-born, foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes allegiance to the United States and who is entitled to its protection.  In addition to the naturalization process, the United States recognizes the U.S. citizenship of individuals according to two fundamental principles: jus soli, or right of birthplace, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood.

If you have been convicted of a crime, you should indicate so to your Immigration officer.  This applies to records that have been expunged, convictions, arrests by police, arrests by Immigration Officers, and arrests by any other Federal Agents.  Even if the offense committed was a minor crime, Immigration can deny your application request if you do not tell the interviewing officer of the event.

Do you have questions about the Naturalization Process?  Contact one of our Naturalization Lawyers today!