Schedule a Meeting with Our Naturalization Lawyer in San Francisco

The Benefits and Challenges of Becoming a U.S. Citizen in San Francisco

Not everyone who holds a green card longs to become a U.S. citizen. Each individual has their personal immigration goals. For some, that goal is to be a card-carrying American citizen. Naturalization unlocks all the benefits that a life in San Francisco can offer. While the process can be a bit challenging, the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen are priceless.

Here are some of the benefits of naturalization that green card holders don’t have:

• Voting Rights: Naturalized U.S. citizens can vote in all federal, state, and local elections. This right allows them to fully participate in how the country is governed.
• Enhanced Job Opportunities: Many federal jobs are only available if you are a  United States citizen. The naturalization process can open up a world of job opportunities that aren’t open to green card holders.
• Protection from Deportation: U.S. citizens can’t be deported. Naturalization provides security and protection.
• Smoother International Travel: A United States passport makes traveling abroad easier since U.S. citizens have fewer visa requirements.
• No Need to Renew Your Residency Status: Green card holders must renew their status every ten years, which involves fees and processing time. Once you’re a naturalized citizen, there’s no renewal process.

Not everyone will have issues when applying for citizenship. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues that can negatively affect the outcome:

• Criminal Convictions: Certain kinds of legal issues could affect filing for citizenship.
• Application Errors or Omissions: Incomplete applications or those with errors, no matter how minor, can cause delays or denial.
• Tax Issues: Green card holders must file U.S. taxes on all income, even if income comes from another country. Failure to pay taxes can negatively affect their application for naturalization.
• Failure to Meet Continuous Residence Requirement: Leaving the country for extended periods without first filing for advanced parole could cause problems when applying for citizenship.

Our naturalization experts can help solve these issues and develop a winning strategy for achieving your dream of becoming a United States citizen.

How the Naturalization Process Works

A green card doesn’t automatically provide the benefits that citizenship does. To receive the full benefits of living in the United States, green card holders must file for naturalization. Becoming a U.S. citizen isn’t mandatory, and many immigrants remain lawful residents without pursuing citizenship. For those who want to become citizens, they must first meet these requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) for at least five years.
• Generally required to have lived continuously in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Must have been within the country for at least 30 months of the five years before applying.
• Must have lived in the state or USCIS district where applying for at least three months before filing.
• Applicants must show good moral character, typically proven by a lack of criminal history.
• Required to show an ability to read, write, and speak basic English (there are some exceptions based on age and residency duration).
• They are required to pass a U.S. civics test to demonstrate basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.
• Must be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Here’s what to expect when applying for naturalization:

1. Submit Application: After meeting all the eligibility requirements, you must initiate the process by filing Form N-400 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
2. Attend Biometrics Appointment: Once the application has been accepted, you’ll receive an appointment to have a photo and fingerprints taken. They will be used to run a background check.
3. USCIS Interview: You’ll be scheduled to meet with a USCIS officer for an interview. During the interview, you will talk about your background and why you want to become a U.S. citizen.
4. Exams: Part of the naturalization process requires passing an English language and United States civics test. The language exam tests your English fluency. The civics exam will test your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
5. Oath of Allegiance: Once your application is approved and you’ve passed the required exams, you’ll get an invitation to attend a naturalization ceremony. You will take the Oath of Allegiance, which signifies your commitment to the United States and its laws.
6. Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization: You’ll receive a Certificate of Naturalization. This document officially proves you are a citizen of the country. You use this certificate to apply for a U.S. passport.

Contact a San Francisco Citizenship Attorney Today

If you want to fully live and experience the American dream, naturalization is a must. Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen does have its challenges, but its benefits far outweigh any hurdles you’ll have to face. Working with a San Francisco naturalization lawyer can help you reach your immigration goals without unnecessary stress.

Schedule an appointment with MyImmigration today.