THE CAREFUL PATH OF BEING GRANTED AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP

There is so much talk today about illegal immigrants and other alien stories, but the path of citizenship is not an easy one and maybe it should not be that. Most of us everyday citizens give little thought to being a U.S. citizen. We became citizens when we were born on United States soil. But what if we were not born here, what would we have to do to become citizens? The answer in most cases would be the naturalization process. In 2005, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalized 604,280 lawful permanent residents. The law says a person must be at least 18 years old and meet the many stringent requirements set by Congress. To even apply, a foreign national must have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence (having a Green Card). After being a permanent resident for five years (there are some exceptions to this waiting period) the individual may file for the naturalization process. You will not be eligible if convicted of an aggravated felony, one or more crimes involving moral turpitude, or other crimes involving incarceration. That would include possession of drugs.

Once an applicant has met the minimum requirements, and that may take a year, he or she must be tested in a series of face to face questions on the Constitution of the United States, on your ability to read and write, speak and understand English and the fundamentals of history and government. There are exceptions to some of these requirements, including residency for at least 20 years, and being over the age of 65. After all of these are met, the individual is subjected to a final examination and background check by the FBI (this can sometimes take a long while) and then the big day is scheduled at Federal Court House and the oath of allegiance to the United States. You must renounce any foreign allegiance and foreign title, and to bear arms for the country if called upon, or to perform services for the government when required. After the oath, the newly naturalized citizen is entitled to all the rights and privileges accorded a native born, with two exceptions: You cannot be President or Vice President. The best one though is that you can vote in any election for public office and even run for office, if you so desire. All of this has almost a sacred feeling and the happiness that comes from the process will stay with you forever.