Naturalization Requirements
May 2010 | 
Author: Sponsored links
Naturalization under the United States immigration system is the process through which an immigrant acquires U.S. citizenship. The US follows the concept of jus soli. They grant an outright US citizenship to every newly born on American soil. This is regardless of the citizenships of the parents. Hence, naturalization is required for someone who was not born as a citizen of the U.S.
A naturalized U.S. citizen enjoys all the freedom and protection of an American. They are given the right to vote, the right to have and use a U.S. passport, the right to serve on a jury in a court of law, and the right to hold public office in some instances.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a branch of the government that deals with immigration issues such as naturalization. Here are the eligibilities in applying for naturalization:
- Eighteen years of age or older
- A lawful permanent resident (“LPR” or green card holder) of the U.S.
- A continuous resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years at the time of application, and physically present for at least half the time of continuous residence. No single vacation should exceed 6 months.
- Must be a resident of at least 3 months of the state he or she files the application.
- The applicant must be of good moral character for the five years of permanent residence.
- Basic knowledge of American Civics.
- An acceptable fluency of the English language.
A lawful permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen is required of a shorter 3 years rather than 5 years of permanent residence to apply for naturalization. It also follows that the same applicant should have been continually present in the US for not less than half of the 3 year permanent residency.
U.S. military servicemen who are not American citizens may be exempt from the continuous residence requirement, though they must still file a proper application.
An applicant should also pass an interview or test which aims to gauge their English fluency and their knowledge of American Civics.
Finally, other requirements for naturalization include submission of photographs and fingerprints, as well as taking an Oath of Allegiance. Some religious groups would not want to do the pledge of allegiance, so the oath can be modified to fit them.
Truthfulness and honesty is a golden rule when applying for naturalization. In the first place, you are sworn that all information you give are true and going against this constitutes to fraud. Fraud is a certain path to denial of your application.
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When Shakira stated “that I am pretty much undocumented” is absolutely ridiculous. She came to our country with documents. When entering into the United States legitimately you must show your passport, which Shakira certainly did. By challenging Arpaio to come and get her because she left her passport at her 5 star hotel clearly indicates Shakira does not understand the Arizona Senate Bill 1070. By Shakria not carrying her passport or identification does not mean she will be arrested. One must engage in illegal activity to be arrested and asked for identification, which most likely Shakira will not be engaging in illegal activity. For someone to rally other individuals without fully understanding the SB 1070 is irresponsible. People (including Shakira) need to take the time to fully understand the law before grand standing to an audience who expects her to be informed. Shakira should respect the United State’s freedom of speech and should be fully educated on the law before leading an emotional charged crowd. This law is not new, it is enforcing what is already in place by the Federal Government. It is a Federal crime to be an illegal alien thus the term “illegal alien.” Crime has become an increasing problem in Arizona. The law is designed to punish criminals for being criminals not for being illegal immigrants. Which all members of our community should embrace. If the Federal Government would take illegal immigration seriously there could be alternatives for this law. But the Federal Government ignored Arizona’s immigration problem and decided they could not rely on the Federal Government for help. Arizona’s actions are directed against the members of the immigrant community that are criminals. Anyone, citizen or non-citizen, should agree that the increased violence around our boarders needs to be addressed. Immigrants and citizens need to work together to reduce crime. Shame on you Shakria for further inflaming a passionate subject that should be addressed rationally. Shame on you everyone else for not educating yourself on the SB 1070. For those of you that want to be educated you can read the full law here.