The naturalization process isn’t always easy and straightforward. It takes an experienced Wisconsin immigration attorney to walk you through this process with ease. One of the most rewarding experiences as an immigration law firm is to see our clients achieve their goals of becoming United States citizens. If you are interested in taking the next step toward becoming a United States citizen, please reach out to Sesini Law Group.
What are the qualifications for the naturalization process in the U.S.?
If you would like to be a United States citizen and are over the age of 18, you will likely have to go through the naturalization process first. To be eligible for naturalization, you must fulfill one of the requirements below:
- You have permanent residence status for 5 years and have lived in the United States for those 5 years
- You have asylum and you have lived in the United States for 4 years
- You are the spouse of a United States citizen and have been a resident for 3 years
- You are a permanent resident serving in the military for 3 years
In addition to the above criteria, you also must satisfy the following:
- Residence and Physical Presence: In order to satisfy this requirement, the applicant may not have been absent from the United States for more than a year.
- Knowledge of the English Language United States History and Government: A part of the naturalization process includes an interview by a member of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. At the time of the interview, a test will be given to determine the applicant’s knowledge of these topics. In some circumstances, such as mental impairment or those over a certain age may be exempt from these requirements.
- Moral Character: All applicants for citizenship must show they are a person of good moral character. For example, persons who have been convicted of aggravated felonies or murder are barred from applying for citizenship
- Loyalty to the United States: After the applicant has been approved for naturalization, they must take the oath of allegiance in a ceremony that confers their citizenship.
Why would I want to go through the naturalization process?
Becoming a United States citizen comes with countless amounts of benefits including:
- The right to vote
- The ability to vote for public office
- The freedom of traveling through the world with a United States passport
- No restrictions when applying to jobs
- Improved immigration benefits
Contact our experienced Wisconsin firm
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.