Immigration law concerns the ways in which citizens of foreign nations come to the U.S. to live and work. Naturalization law governs the processes by which people become U.S. citizens.
What is naturalization in immigration?
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
What is the difference between immigration and naturalization?
As the immigration debate goes on, many commentators continue to sloppily ignore the difference between the concept of naturalization and the phenomenon of immigration. … Immigration results naturally from allowing persons to exercise their property rights. Naturalization, on the other hand, is a political act.
What does the Immigration and Naturalization Service do?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.
What is a naturalization applicant?
Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign citizen or national can become a U.S. citizen. In order to be naturalized, an applicant must first meet certain criteria to apply for citizenship. Then, the applicant must complete an application, attend an interview, and pass an English and a civics test.
Who qualifies for naturalization?
In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
What are the 4 types of citizenship?
Usually citizenship based on circumstances of birth is automatic, but an application may be required.
- Citizenship by birth (jus sanguinis). …
- Born within a country (jus soli). …
- Citizenship by marriage (jus matrimonii). …
- Naturalization. …
- Citizenship by investment or Economic Citizenship. …
- Excluded categories.
What is the difference between US citizen and naturalized citizen?
A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. But a certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization.
How do I know if I am a naturalized citizen?
You may be a naturalized U.S. citizen if you had lawful permanent residency in the U.S. and you filled out an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), took a test on your knowledge of the English language and U.S. history, had an interview with INS or DHS, and took an oath of allegiance to the U.S. at a “swearing- …
Is naturalization same as green card?
For immigrants wishing to become citizens of the U.S., they must first obtain lawful permanent residence in the country. … Once an individual obtains a green card, if he wishes to take the next step to become a U.S. citizen he must apply through a process called “naturalization” which may take up to five years.
What happens if you call immigration on someone?
You are indeed at risk that your neighbor will contact U.S. immigration authorities (specifically, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE). However, nothing will happen immediately or automatically.
What does USCIS look for?
A.
USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
What are five qualifications for becoming a naturalized citizen?
All naturalization applicants must meet a number of filing requirements, described below.
- Age. …
- Residency. …
- Residence and Physical Presence. …
- Good Moral Character. …
- Attachment to the Constitution. …
- Language. …
- U.S. Government and History Knowledge. …
- Oath of Allegiance.
What are the benefits of naturalization?
What are the benefits of naturalization?
- Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. …
- Bringing family members to the United States. …
- Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. …
- Traveling with a U.S. passport. …
- Becoming eligible for federal jobs. …
- Becoming an elected official. …
- Showing your patriotism.