An estimated 13.2 million Permanent Residents live in the United States. Of these 13.2 million, more than an estimated 9 million Permanent Residents are eligible to become American Citizens. If you have been a lawful Permanent Resident for at least the last 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship today. Permanent Residents who are married to American Citizens may only need to wait 3 years to apply for Citizenship.
Permanent Residents have many of the rights of American Citizens but not all. U.S. citizens have the highest level of benefits. Therefore, non-citizens emigrate to the United States in hopes of one day becoming a permanent U.S. citizen, also referred to as the process of naturalization. The process of naturalization includes a $680 filing fee, a significant amount of paperwork, fingerprinting, and a very detailed interview process. However, once you receive citizenship status, you have several rights, including the following:
●Citizens cannot be deported to their home country; however, the one way in which they can in fact be deported is if the individual commits fraud in obtaining citizenship.
●As a U.S. citizen, you can vote in every election.
●You can apply for loans, scholarships, grants, and any other type of financial assistance that a U.S. citizen can apply for.
●As a U.S. citizen, you can file immigration petitions for your family to join you in the U.S. You can also obtain citizenship for your children who are born outside of the U.S.
●You can travel freely within the U.S. or internationally.
●You can obtain health and other medical insurance, retirement insurance, and any other type of benefit you wish to have.
●You can work as a federal or state employee.
The pathway to Citizenship starts with a thorough consultation with an attorney who specializes in immigration law. At the Law Offices of Erika Salter, we provide our clients with a plan and a commitment to their immigration endeavors. We are knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated to your case representation. Contact us online, by phone or in person today to know more about the opportunity to become an American Citizen.