It is the process by which a permanent resident becomes an American Citizen.
People have a misconception of what this process is currently. Previously, USCIS immigration officers were very strict and even arrogant during interviews. Today, USCIS officers are kind and respectful to applicants.
Gone are the days when officers wore blue uniforms and people fainted when they entered their interviews. Residents should consider becoming an American Citizen to assert their rights but also very importantly so that they are not deported.
Unfortunately, statistics show that they are not naturalized out of choice or lack of interest. Since Donald Trump became president of the United States, residents began to submit their applications for naturalization for fear of being deported.
If the resident does not meet the above requirements, he or she must submit an N-400 application for naturalization, starting five years after obtaining residency.
There are people who do not dare to naturalize because they do not speak or write in English. They should know that this is not a problem. The law allows applicants to take the test in Spanish under one of the following conditions:
The resident must be over 50 years of age and have been a resident of the United States for 20 years.
If the resident is over 55 years of age, he or she must have been a resident for only 15 years.
If the resident is over 65 years of age and has been a resident for more than 20 years, he or she may take the test in Spanish, and will also be allowed to take a simpler test (20 questions instead of 100).
For all of the above cases, the applicant must present evidence that supports his or her situation.
It is also important to mention that USCIS will request during the interview that the applicant provide sufficient evidence to prove that he or she resided in the United States during the time indicated in order to be able to take the exam in Spanish. Some options for evidence that may be presented are: Documents that support the purchase of a property, rental contract, utility bills, bank accounts, tax returns, work documents, school documents, etc.
Another reason why a resident does not become naturalized is because of arrests. The law requires that the resident be of good conduct during the five years prior to the application for naturalization. If you were arrested, it is important to review your criminal records to determine whether or not you are eligible. Caution must be exercised in these cases because a criminal record can put a resident in deportation proceedings or even outside the United States.
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