by Mokolo LawHow To Apply For USA Citizenship in Houston Texas
So many legal and permanent immigrants residing in the U.S.A. have a desire to fulfil “The American Dream”. Such a dream can never be fulfilled without being a citizen of the country. Being a lawful permanent resident, you could be lucky to be eligible to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. However, getting citizenship is a big mountain to climb, and you will need the help of an experienced immigration attorney and also have the proper understanding of the naturalization process.
How To Apply For USA Citizenship in Houston Texas
What Is Citizenship?
Citizenship is a legal status and relation between an individual and a state, granting rights and responsibilities. This status can be acquired through birth by U.S citizen parents, naturalization, or other means, such as declaration or inheritance. It is similar to naturalization. It has so many benefits and responsibilities that are beneficial to an individual. Its responsibilities are obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on juries.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
- The right to remain in the United States as a United States Citizen
- Eligibility for a U.S. passport to travel internationally
- Work without restrictions
- The right to vote, hold elected public office, and apply for certain federal and state jobs
- Avoiding green card renewal fees
- Receive protection from the government
- -The advantage of bringing in family members to the United States
- The opportunity for citizenship for your LPR children under 18 years of age.
What Is Naturalization?
Unlike citizenship, naturalization is the legal process through which one acquires the nationality or citizenship of another country. It’s a remarkable way for immigrants who want to become well-recognized citizens of their new nation. The ultimate goal of naturalization is to grant individuals the same rights and responsibilities as those with natural-born citizenship, allowing them to fully participate in the country’s social, economic, and political life.
How To Apply For USA Citizenship in Houston Texas Through the Naturalization Process
Before you can become a citizen, you need to apply and go through the naturalization process. Applying for U.S. citizenship in Houston, Texas, is a well-structured and long process that involves several key steps. And the steps are:
1. Eligibility
Before applying for citizenship, you need to determine your eligibility for naturalization and make sure you meet the compulsory criteria (unless they qualify for an exemption or apply based on their U.S. military service). While some criteria are straightforward, others take some planning. To be eligible for naturalization, you must:
- Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18)
- Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years
- Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply
- Have “good moral character”
- Be proficient in basic spoken and written English and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government
- Register for military service (if a male of a certain age) and be willing to perform civil service when required-Register for military service (if a male of a certain age) and be willing to perform civil service when required
- Swear allegiance to the United States
2. Prepare and Submit Form N-400
The Form N-400 is the official document to apply for U.S. citizenship, which is known as the Application for Naturalization. When filling this out, ensure you include the necessary documentation and the filing fee and the biometric services fee. And take note that free waivers are available for eligible applicants. The process to fill this form is:
- Applicant will create a free account and file online through the USCIS website.
- Or mail the completed form to the appropriate address listed on the USCIS direct filing addresses page.
3. Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, a biometrics appointment will be scheduled by USCIS at a local Application Support Center (ASC). At this stage, your personal information will be collected for the background check. Information like your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
4. Interview and Tests
USCIS will send you a notification of a scheduled date and location of your naturalization interview, usually at the Houston Field Office. At the interview, a USCIS officer will review your N-400 application, you will be tested on the English language, which includes reading, writing, and speaking components, and you will also take the civics test, covering U.S. history and government.
5. USCIS Decision
After the interview, USCIS will provide a written notice decision of your interview. The decision could be: your application is approved, additional documentation is needed, you need to retake the tests, or your application is denied.
6. Attend the Oath Ceremony
After approval, a naturalization ceremony will be scheduled, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. A. This is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen, and you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Denied Citizenship Application
Sometimes, after the application submission and the interview process is completed, it’s still possible to get a denial response from USCIS. Even if you met all the eligibility requirements, here are some of the most common reasons citizenship applications get denied:
- Missing documents or incomplete forms
- Having a criminal record
- Failing the language proficiency or civic knowledge tests
- Providing false information or misrepresenting facts on your application
Final Words On How To Apply For USA Citizenship in Houston Texas
If you’re ready to take the next step to become a naturalized citizen, contact a reputable Houston immigration and naturalization attorney for a consultation. At Mokolo Law Firm, we counsel each client about what to expect during the naturalization process, and answer all questions and concerns along the way.
Our goal is to provide legal guidance to permanent residents who apply for citizenship through the USCIS naturalization process, educate them to understand all the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship and finally to help them become U.S. citizens to fulfill their American Dream.
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