What Does It Mean to Become a Naturalized Citizen in Raleigh, NC? 

Raleigh, North Carolina, residents must follow the legal requirements to become citizens after moving to the US. It displays a dedication to the country’s values, not just following rules. Raleigh valued naturalization for improving local culture in this varied and inclusive community. We examine eligibility, application, and perks to comprehend naturalization.

Participants on this journey become key members of Raleigh’s social community, shaping local experiences. Naturalization is more than legal steps—it promotes diversity and unites society. This introduction introduces the naturalization process, analyzing its pros, cons, and effects on Raleigh, North Carolina’s identity.

Short Summary

• Gaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization comes with constitutional rights and benefits, including the ability to acquire citizenship for a child born abroad, eligibility for federal jobs, assistance in family immigration, and the privilege to vote in various elections. It provides a permanent place in America with reduced chances of deportation compared to immigrants.
• Eligibility for naturalization depends on factors such as age, residency, moral character, English proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. civics. The application process involves submitting Form N-400, attending an interview, and undergoing English and civics tests. 
• Special considerations exist for military service members and widows/widowers of U.S. citizens.
• The naturalization process includes verifying eligibility, submitting Form N-400 with required documents and fees to USCIS, attending an interview to assess language skills and civic knowledge, and awaiting approval or denial. The entire process typically takes between 18 to 24 months. 
• Immigrants applying for citizenship are advised to check for missing information, typos, and eligibility requirements in their application.

What Is a Naturalized Citizen? 

Individuals become US citizens by birth or naturalization. Naturalization makes you a “naturalized citizen.” This indicates you met naturalization requirements, which vary by situation. A statute can grant citizenship, or legal authorities must approve an application.

Why Is Having U.S. Citizenship Important?

When you become a U.S. citizen, you gain various rights and benefits outlined in the Constitution. These include the following:

• Acquiring citizenship for a child born abroad
• Children are under 18 and hold lawful permanent resident status, they will automatically become U.S. citizens.
• Becoming an elected official
• Qualifying for a federal job
• Assisting family (family members) to move to the U.S.
• Travel abroad without time restrictions. 
• You also get the privilege to vote in different elections (right to vote). 

Becoming a citizen through naturalization ensures your permanent place in America. Unlike immigrants, you can’t be deported, and your citizenship is secure, with rare chances of losing it, typically tied to dishonesty during the application process.

What are the Qualifications for Naturalization? 

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization depends on your specific situation and your green card type. Most applicants are either standard green card holders or individuals married to U.S. citizens.

Timelines

If you have a regular green card, you can apply for naturalization after five years, demonstrating continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years and being physically present for 30 months. The timeline for green card holders married to a U.S. citizen is three years, with continuous residence for at least three years and 18 months of physical presence.

Eligibility Criteria

The following are the criteria you must meet to become a U.S. citizen.

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Establish residency in your state or USCIS district.
• Show “good moral character” with no criminal convictions, tax payments, and no accusations of dishonesty or fraud.
• Pass an English and Civics test, with exemptions based on age, green card duration, medical disability, and age-related considerations.
• Be willing to serve in the U.S. military if required and enroll in the Selective Service System for males aged 18-25.
• Commit to taking the Oath of Allegiance and defending the U.S. Constitution.

Special Considerations

For non-U.S. citizens with military service or widows/widowers of U.S. citizens who died in service, application timelines are shorter, and eligibility criteria may be less strict. 

How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship? 

The process to become a U.S. citizen has several steps:

• Verification of Eligibility: Before applying for citizenship, meet the eligibility criteria.

• Application Submission: File Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, along with required documents and fees, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may have to provide fingerprints during an appointment for criminal background checks if needed.

• Interview: Attend an interview where USCIS evaluates your English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government. After the interview, USCIS may either approve or deny your application, request additional documents, or give you another chance to retake the English or civics test if needed.

The duration of the entire naturalization process typically takes between 18 to 24 months from start to finish.

Applying for U.S. Citizenship with the N-400 Form

If you’re an immigrant eligible for naturalization and wish to apply, here are the following reminders to guide you: 

• Check your application for missing information.
• Look for typos that might slow down your citizenship application.
• Confirms correct name and place spellings.
• Search data entry conflicts.
• Verify if you meet the eligibility requirements for the immigration benefit you seek. 

Call Us, and Let Us Unlock the Path to Citizenship!

Discover the naturalization process, rights, and duties. The lengthy application process can be daunting for immigrants ready to become naturalized citizens. Forget missing information, errors, and eligibility difficulties. Diener Law will assist you throughout.

Our N-400 U.S. Citizenship application package at Diener Law ensures a seamless experience. No more stress over paperwork – we’ve got you covered! 

Let Raleigh’s Diener Law, your trusted legal partner, simplify the process. Our skilled immigration lawyers provide a seamless citizenship process. Diener Law can help you achieve your American dream despite legal hurdles. Contact us immediately for personalized guidance and a free Immigration Solution Finder Tool.

Trust us to guide you through the process, addressing your concerns and turning your dream of citizenship into a reality. 

Aside from offering immigration services at Raleigh, we also offer personal injury legal services in our office at Durham, Mount Olive, Greenville, Santa Ana, Lynwood, Greensboro, Mount Olive, and Wilmington in North Carolina.