Know the key steps to the naturalization process
If you have lived and worked in the U.S. for several years, chances are your family is already well established. They may all be permanent…
Naturalization process in five easy steps. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
If you have lived and worked in the U.S. for several years, chances are your family is already well established. They may all be permanent residents, or maybe you live in a household split between two nationalities.
SEE ALSO: DACA is improving the financial well-being of Dreamers, survey finds
Whatever your situation, you are not alone. According to the Department of Homeland Security, nearly 9 million permanent residents across the country are eligible for U.S. citizenship, yet less than 10% actually apply every year.
For many its lack of information or fear over legal issues involved, said Raul Hernandez, Citizenship Coordinator for Catholic Legal Services. Also, the application is now longer, more complicated and more detailed.
Dozens of legal professionals recently came together to help eligible residents in South Florida file their applications, as part of the national New Americans Campaign. Thats where immigration experts gave VOXXI advice on how to overcome most of those challenges, and avoid delays with your naturalization process.
1. Mismatching Information
Issues can arise when applicants provide information that doesnt match with previously filed forms.
Permanent residents are eligible if they have resided in the U.S. for five years. They must show personal records for that time period and sometimes even longer.
Learn how to avoid delays with your naturalization process. (AP Photo)
USCIS has the entire immigration file in front of them, said Immigration Lawyer Randolph McGrarty. Very often they compare what an individual said many years ago, when they were asking for residency or asylum.
McGrarty recommends requesting a copy of your entire immigration file before you file the application. You can access those records free of charge through the Freedom of Information Act. Just submit a request on FOIA.gov.
2. Declaring Everything
The most common cause for delays or rejected applications is failing to declare all the requested information.
They [USCIS] look into every single detail, every line, said Hernandez. During the interview, they are going to check everything you wrote.
According to Hernandez, one common mistake is excluding seemingly minor traffic violations. Expunged criminal records are also no exception.
You are told that once your case is expunged, that its as though it never happened, said McGrarty. Its a little bit misleading because it doesnt count for immigration purposes.
Dishonesty can make or break your case, even if you truly believe the information is not important.
Some people feel they dont need to declare all previous marriages because they happened in another country, said Hernandez. You have to declare all marriages and divorces, no matter what country.
3. Complicated Forms
Many eligible residents are overwhelmed by the lengthy, 21 page application.
Before you start the process, its a good idea to know exactly what information you will need. You can find the list of requirements online, by visiting NewAmericansCampaign.org.
Once you have all your paperwork together, you can attend one of the dozens of citizenship clinics offered by the New Americans Campaign every month. They are currently assisting applicants free of charge in the cities of Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Jose.
They also have a nation-wide network of non-profit legal organizations that can help you for free, or for a minimal fee. Just visit their site, and enter your zip code to find assistance in your area.
4. Language Requirement
One of the requirements that often discourage eligible applicants is speaking English fluently. However, McGrarty says there is plenty of help and even some exceptions to the rule.
We recognize there are certain difficulties in that, he said, so for certain long term residents who have been here for many years, they are exempted.
The elderly and those with learning disabilities or medical conditions can go through the process in their own language.
For those who dont fall in those categories, McGrarty recommends contacting their local community college. Those institutions regularly offer English classes for very low prices.
5. Faster Process
The good news is: processing times have been greatly reduced during the past few years.
Its very fast compared to a decade ago, said McGrarty, The USCIS did a very good job at reducing the backlog.
This means that if you file your forms correctly and meet all the requirements, you can now achieve your American dream in as soon as three months.
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