There is a pathway to U.S. citizenship but it is very complicated. U.S. citizens or permanent residents may help bring immediate relatives or preference relatives into the country. Immediate relatives are parents, spouses and minor unmarried children. Preference relatives include siblings and adult children. Immediate family members, who live in the U.S., may apply for a green card right away by filing form I-485. This is the application to adjust status. In addition, the sponsor must file a form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Consult an Immigration Attorney Nashville TN if there are problems with the paperwork. Attorneys make the immigration process easier and eliminate a lot of stress for petitioners. When individuals get their green card, they become a permanent resident. The green card gives people immigration benefits including permission to live and work in the U.S. legally. Green card holders must wait five years before applying for U.S. Citizenship. If one is married to a U.S. citizen, the waiting period is only three years. Permanent residents do not have the right to vote or seek public office. However, they must file taxes if employed. Eligibility for U.S. citizenship includes:
1. must have had a green card for five years
2. must be at least 18 years old
3. must have good moral character
4. must be able to speak and read English
Applicants must file a form N-400 and a copy of their green card to go forward with citizenship. The Immigration Attorney Nashville TN explains that all applicants’ backgrounds are strenuously investigated. However, Dawn A. Garcia Attorney At Law, puts clients at ease. She is experienced in working through immigration issues with the government. There is usually a wait of a few months before the government sets an appointment with the applicant. At the appointment, the applicant will be tested on their ability to speak English and their knowledge of U.S. history and government. There is a shorter test for applicants who are 65 and above and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years. People who are approved receive an appointment for a swearing in ceremony. If you need immigration help, contact an Immigration Attorney Nashville TN. Visit website for more information.
