Naturalization is the process an immigrant undergoes to become a U.S. citizen. Usually, naturalization takes several years to complete. In addition to filing forms, the applicant will need to take a test. For people in Texas who want to become U.S. citizens, understanding the path to naturalization is the first step to completing it.
Resources from USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several resources online for people who are interested in becoming U.S. citizens. The first step in the process is to make sure you’re not already one. Remember, the U.S. has birthright citizenship. Anyone who was born here is a U.S. citizen. Another way to achieve citizenship is through your parents, provided one of them is a citizen.
Not everyone is eligible to be a U.S. citizen. Determining whether you are eligible is crucial before you actually fill out a citizenship application. Also, make sure you understand your home country’s rules about citizenship before applying. Some countries, like Canada, allow people to be dual U.S. citizens. But not every country has such a reciprocal agreement.
There are several other steps involved for people who need assistance with their immigration status and naturalization. These can include personal interviews and biometric appointments. The requirements to become a citizen are always evolving. For example, right now, there are two civics tests in circulation: the 2008 and 2020 versions.
Speaking with an experienced attorney is one of the best ways to navigate the pathway to citizenship. It’s a complicated process, and informed assistance can be very helpful. A good lawyer may be able to help you get through the process with a minimum of headaches.