How to Become a U.S. Citizen

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<h1>How to Become a U.S. Citizen</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_immigrationattorneymichigan.aspx'>immigrationattorneymichigan</a></strong><br /><p>Being admitted to the United States as a permanent citizen requires extensive paperwork and a complicated legal process, but the benefits are worth the effort. Permanent residents are protected from deportation, allowed to vote in public elections, and allowed to apply for a U.S. passport. Each year, thousands of immigrants complete the rigorous testing and qualifications to gain citizenship by working with a qualified immigration attorney. Click here to contact an immigration lawyer in Michigan to begin applying for permanent citizen status today. There are several steps you will need to take to obtain naturalization. Determine Eligibility The first step in obtaining citizenship is being approved for a U.S. green card. There are only a few cases in which you will not need one, but this is generally the first step for aliens to become citizens. After being approved for a green card, immigrants must meet several additional qualifications, including having maintained a green card for several years (typically five) and residing in the U.S. for at least half of those years. You are also not allowed to have spent more than six months out of the country at a time during your residency. You will also be tested on your ability to speak, read and write English. Beyond the language, you are also required to pass a test on U.S. history and the U.S. government. You must also be 18 years of age and have demonstrated good moral character, such as having paid taxes and child support. You must also have a clean criminal record. File Forms If you have determined that you are indeed eligible for full citizenship, you must then submit the necessary N-400 form with a copy of your green card attached. These forms also include a fee of several hundred dollars, so be prepared with some savings before applying for citizenship. Also, be sure to have all necessary forms ready, including a passport and all prior employment and residency information. You may also need to verify dates you have been out of the country for any travels. Have an attorney look over your forms before submitting them, since mistakes could result in delays in the already lengthy naturalization process. Final Steps Once you have completed your form, you will need to be fingerprinted because a background check is required. After you complete your fingerprinting, an appointment date will be set for an interview with a USCIS officer. The officer will review your answers with you and confirm them and then test your knowledge of English, U.S. history and the U.S. government. Your attorney will likely have information on classes and websites to help you study for this test. Once you pass, you will be required to attend an oath ceremony in which you will swear loyalty to the U.S. and be given a certificate to verify your naturalization. This will be a public event and you will be allowed to invite family and friends. Being admitted as a United States citizen is an exciting event and will have lifelong benefits. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer in Michigan to simplify the process and allow you the greatest possibility of being approved. Contact an attorney today to begin your journey to full citizenship and permanent residency. </p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book. When Weston was little, he would have to sneak a book light into his room so he could read until the wee hours of the night. For more information : <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.immigrationattorneymichigan.com/">Immigration lawyer Michigan</a><p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How-to-Become-a-US-Citizen_314398.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Become a U.S. Citizen_314398.aspx</a></p>

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