Permanent residents in the United States may consider applying for U.S. citizenship for many reasons. The security and stability offered by citizenship can be very beneficial to you and your loved ones.
Benefits of U.S. citizenship
Some of the benefits of citizenship include:
- The legal right to vote
- The legal right to own a gun
- The ability to travel with a U.S. passport
- Becoming eligible for some government jobs
- The ability to help family members in other countries come to the U.S.
However, applying for citizenship is not easy, as it requires applicants to complete a 10-step process specified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Denial of U.S. citizenship
There are many people who apply for citizenship but are denied for a multitude of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Failing to meet the eligibility requirements listed in the N-400 Application for Naturalization (18 years old or older when filing, green card holder for at least five years prior to filing, located in the U.S. for at least 6 months a year for five years prior to filing, etc.)
- Failing to pass the English and/or Civics Naturalization tests
- Failing to establish good moral character (criminal history)
- Falling behind on your taxes
- Failing to pay child support
- Falsifying information on your application or committing fraud
Avoiding the denial
Applying to become a U.S. citizen can be an exciting and strenuous process. Even the most diligent of applicants can make mistakes that result in a denial of their application. An attorney specializing in immigration law can guide you through the process and make sure you give yourself the best chance at having your citizenship application approved.