What to Know When Applying for Citizenship Immigration Law Firms

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many immigrants. However, it isn’t the easiest thing to do. Before you can apply for citizenship, you must meet residency requirements. You must prove that you have lived in the country with a green card for a minimum of five years (three if you are married to a U.S. citizen). In addition, you must pass a test that demonstrates your ability to speak, read and write English, as well as show your knowledge of U.S. history and government. But that’s not all; you must also prove that you are a person of good moral character by having a clean criminal record.

While it may seem easy to get approved for citizenship if you meet all these requirements, the reality is far from it. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that in 2010, over 700,000 people applied for citizenship, and roughly 57,000 were denied.

Being a U.S. citizen grants you certain rights and privileges, including greater job options, the right to vote and the chance to reunite with family abroad. Applying for naturalization is one of the most important decisions you can make, and you would not want anything to get in the way of that. In order to increase your chances of obtaining citizenship, seek the help of an immigration lawyer near you. Immigration lawyers help you prepare for your exam and will speak to the necessary agents and officials to secure you citizenship.