The DREAM Act: Important Immigration Legislation
The idea behind the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM Act, is to provide these young men and women, who meet certain requirements, the opportunity to obtain conditional permanent residency.
What are the specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the DREAM Act?
* The individual entered the United States before the age of 16
* The individual must have lived in the United States for at least five (5) consecutive years prior to enactment of the DREAM Act
* The individual must have graduated from high school in the United States, or
have obtained a GED, or have been accepted into an institution of higher
education, such as a college or university
* The individual must be between 12 and 35 years of age when they apply for conditional permanent residency
* The individual must be someone who has good moral character
Immigration Direct
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
U.S. Citizen Benefits and Privileges
The Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen
*The Right to Vote
Voting in elections is one such privilege. New citizens are expected to participate in elections and to adhere to the principles of tolerance and understanding towards differing points of view, which is the philosophical basis of the system of government of the United States.
*A Way to Protect your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.
Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the lawful legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parent(s), automatically become U.S. Citizens when their parent(s) becomes naturalized.
*International Travel Made Easier
As a U.S. Citizen, you are not restricted on the amount of time you can spend outside of the U.S. and are not subject to obtaining a re-entry permit. Additionally, travel can be more convenient as many countries do not require Visas of U.S. Citizens.
*A Chance to Reunite Families
Certain immigrants are exempt from the numerical limitations imposed on immigration to the United States. Immediate relatives are: spouses of U.S. Citizens, children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) of U.S. Citizens, and parents of U.S. Citizens 21 years of age or older.
*Government Protection
In the event a Permanent Resident is ever accused of an illegal activity, they will remain within the authority of the USCIS and the Immigration Courts, and can be removed (or deported) for such activity. However, U.S. Citizens have the right to an attorney and a fair trial without the threat of being deported.
SOURCE:
US Citizenship Benefits
*The Right to Vote
Voting in elections is one such privilege. New citizens are expected to participate in elections and to adhere to the principles of tolerance and understanding towards differing points of view, which is the philosophical basis of the system of government of the United States.
*A Way to Protect your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.
Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the lawful legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parent(s), automatically become U.S. Citizens when their parent(s) becomes naturalized.
*International Travel Made Easier
As a U.S. Citizen, you are not restricted on the amount of time you can spend outside of the U.S. and are not subject to obtaining a re-entry permit. Additionally, travel can be more convenient as many countries do not require Visas of U.S. Citizens.
*A Chance to Reunite Families
Certain immigrants are exempt from the numerical limitations imposed on immigration to the United States. Immediate relatives are: spouses of U.S. Citizens, children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) of U.S. Citizens, and parents of U.S. Citizens 21 years of age or older.
*Government Protection
In the event a Permanent Resident is ever accused of an illegal activity, they will remain within the authority of the USCIS and the Immigration Courts, and can be removed (or deported) for such activity. However, U.S. Citizens have the right to an attorney and a fair trial without the threat of being deported.
SOURCE:
US Citizenship Benefits
Friday, August 12, 2011
American Citizenship Process and Benefits
An individual may become a U.S. citizen either by birth or through naturalization. Generally speaking, if a person is born in the U.S.A or born to U.S. citizen parents, he or she automatically becomes a citizen of United States.
The benefits and rights associated with American citizenship are many. One of the most important benefits is that you are given the right to vote. You may also apply for federal jobs that offer high range salaries, good benefits, and job security. You may sponsor and bring your family members to the United States and you may obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. You may also travel abroad with a US passport.
If you were born outside United States to U.S. citizen parents then you may claim American citizenship through your parents. Your birth certificate that is registered in the U.S. Consulate is the proof of your citizenship. If you require further proof you may obtain a U.S.passport. In addition, your parents may file a petition to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for you using Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
The benefits and rights associated with American citizenship are many. One of the most important benefits is that you are given the right to vote. You may also apply for federal jobs that offer high range salaries, good benefits, and job security. You may sponsor and bring your family members to the United States and you may obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. You may also travel abroad with a US passport.
If you were born outside United States to U.S. citizen parents then you may claim American citizenship through your parents. Your birth certificate that is registered in the U.S. Consulate is the proof of your citizenship. If you require further proof you may obtain a U.S.passport. In addition, your parents may file a petition to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for you using Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Benefits of Applying for U.S. Citizenship Online
How to Get US Citizenship?
Becoming a US citizen is no easy process and it sure takes a good number of years. First step to achieve this goal is becoming a permanent resident. Once a person becomes a Green Card holder, then filing the citizenship application, after becoming eligible, ensues.
In order to file the citizenship application, a Green Card holder should be at least 18 yrs old. They should have been a permanent resident of the US for at least 5 yrs (at least 3 years if married to a US citizen).If the permanent resident is a spouse of the service member of United States military, then they can file their citizenship application sooner than the stipulated time period.
Additionally, the applicant should have maintained continuous residence in the US for at least five years. This continuous residence time limit refers to the 5 years that immediately precede the time of filing the citizenship application.
Moreover, the applicant should be sufficiently fluent in English unless inhibited by some physical or mental impairment. Possessing sufficient knowledge about the United States government and its Constitution is also mandatory. Finally, the applicant should be a person of good moral character.
Online Completion of the Citizenship Application
All that a person needs to complete their citizenship applications online is to have access to the internet. Choosing the immigration service provider amongst the many available is the next step. After deciding on this, the applicant should be clear whether he/she should file Form N400 or Form N-600.Once done with this, the citizenship application process is all set to begin.
- Log on to the website of the online immigration service provider
- Create a user account
- Follow the instructions and provide all the requested information
- Print and submit the completed citizenship application to the USCIS
Benefits of Applying Online
There are so many advantages of applying online that the number of applicants who take this route is on the increase. Though an additional fee for guidance for completing the citizenship application is demanded by the service providers, it is definitely worth it.
While filing the citizenship application through online method, the applicant is instructed at each and every step as to how to proceed. An applicant may miss out some portions of the highly elaborate form, even though he/she checks it thoroughly. Human errors like these cannot be eliminated totally. Online preparation helps avoid this problem as an applicant will not be able to proceed on to the next step if any portion of the form is left empty without entering the required details.
Submitting an error free form will ensure a quick processing of the citizenship application. This is done in an effective manner by online preparation of applications. The application process does not stop here. Once the citizenship application is cleared for interview, the applicant has to prepare for it. Abundant materials are available on the internet in the form of e-books and DVDs that are highly useful for the applicants to acquaint themselves with the citizenship test.
Going for online preparation of citizenship application is indeed a good choice as the applicant can very well be assured of his/her application being not rejected.
Friday, July 29, 2011
How To Get Proof of U.S. Citizenship
In order to qualify for the benefits of being a U.S. citizen, one must be able to provide proof of citizenship.
Proof of citizenship can be documented in a variety of ways. Among the most common documents that establish US citizenship are:
* A U.S. Birth Certificate;
* A U.S. Passport;
* A Certificate of Citizenship; and
* A Naturalization Certificate.
If you were born in the United States, you were a US citizen at birth. You do not need to apply to USCIS for any evidence of citizenship. Your birth certificate (issued where you were born) is proof of your citizenship.
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. Qualifying individuals who are 18 years and oder may submit an “Application for Naturalization” (N 400 Form) to become naturalized citizens. If you are already a naturalized U.S. citizen, then a copy of your naturalization certificate will prove your citizenship.
Proof of citizenship can be documented in a variety of ways. Among the most common documents that establish US citizenship are:
* A U.S. Birth Certificate;
* A U.S. Passport;
* A Certificate of Citizenship; and
* A Naturalization Certificate.
If you were born in the United States, you were a US citizen at birth. You do not need to apply to USCIS for any evidence of citizenship. Your birth certificate (issued where you were born) is proof of your citizenship.
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. Qualifying individuals who are 18 years and oder may submit an “Application for Naturalization” (N 400 Form) to become naturalized citizens. If you are already a naturalized U.S. citizen, then a copy of your naturalization certificate will prove your citizenship.
Friday, July 22, 2011
US Green Card for Family
Though journey of getting a green card for family seems to be easy, figuring out the exact steps and process becomes very tedious. Getting a green card and immigrating into the US to achieve citizenship has become a hot topic these days as many of the people aspire to live and work in the US. So is uniting with the family also becoming essential for many of those who prefer to live together with their family folks. Generally a person who is already a US citizen will be eligible to sponsor a green card, family unity being important to them. .
Getting green card for family:
One of the initial thoughts of getting a green card can be by using the relationship with a family member to apply. The path in obtaining the green card through family is possible if that family member is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
To petition for a green card, family member has to first file an immigration petition. There should be enough proof that the petitioner who is a US citizen or permanent resident has qualifying relationship with the applicant. There are two conditions in which an applicant can apply for a green card. If the family member is in the US while filing the petition, the applicant can change his/her status to permanent residency or if the family member is outside the US while filing the petition, he/she is eligible for consular processing through the consulate or Embassy in their native country.
The green card for family member can be obtained for immediate relatives of the US citizen or a permanent resident. Generally, Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative, is used to file for the relative by the US citizen family member. The immediate relative refers to the spouse or child of the US citizen or the permanent resident. The applicant can be an immediate relative if the he/she is a child and is under the age of 21 years of age and is unmarried and it can be spouse or the parent of the US citizen. The family member can be either the child or the siblings and in particular child can be married/unmarried. The immediate relatives of U.S citizens generally the spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21) go to the front of the line and are also exempt from having to wait for a visa number. Instead, once the visa petition is approved the visa number becomes available to them automatically.
The U.S. State Department will determine the availability of the visa number once the petition is filed. If available, you can apply for a green card. The availability of the visa number can be tracked through the Visa bulletin. Getting the residence card or becoming a U.S. immigrant with the help of family members requires a whole different process and formalities as well. The most important thing in this case is that the application is not considered valid unless and until the supporting documents are valid and establish the requirements set forth by the USCIS.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The U.S. Citizenship Form N400
Want to become a US citizen and enjoy the advantages? As a US citizen, you have the right to vote in the US federal elections. You can also petition your family members for permanent stay in the US. You can also obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. Additionally, you have the right to enter and exit the US without any restrictions. These are a few of the many advantages you can enjoy as a US citizen. Having so many advantages of being a US citizen, it's time to know the citizenship process.
You can become a US citizen either by birth or through Naturalization. Persons born in the US are automatically citizens of the US and persons born to US citizens can also claim citizenship subject to certain conditions. Naturalization is a process where a person not born in the US becomes a citizen voluntarily. To get naturalized, you need to file form N400, Application for Naturalization.
Citizenship application Form N400:
As mentioned earlier, N 400 is the citizenship form that needs to be filed for Naturalization. All the eligibility requirements for filing the citizenship form has to be met before applying. You need to be a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if married to a US citizen and living with the citizen spouse for the past three years. You need to meet other requirements too. You need to be 18years or above.Additionally, you have to fulfill the Continuous residence and Physical Residence Requirement. A prolonged absence from the U.S. will break the continuity of your residence in the U.S. for naturalization purposes, although it may not affect your ability to return to the U.S. as a permanent resident. You should have resided in your current state for at least 3 months. Your current state is the state where you are submitting the citizenship form for naturalization.
The N-400 citizenship form can be downloaded from the USCIS website for free. But considering the sophisticated process involved, many private websites help applicants in preparing the citizenship form by charging a nominal fee.
After you submit the citizenship form to the USCIS, within 30 days, you will get an Application Receipt Notice with a 13-character Application Receipt number. This Receipt Notice is the proof that USCIS has received your completed citizenship form and that it is being processed. With this number, you will be able to check the status of your case. You will be then notified about the date you need to appear for fingerprinting. Meanwhile , national security background checks are conducted and finally you need to appear for an interview. In the interview, your English knowledge will be tested, so will the civics related to the US. If the US immigration officials are fully satisfied, your case will be approved. If rejected, you will be notified as how soon you can reapply using the same N-400 citizenship application form. Approving or rejecting your case depends on the transparency and truthfulness of your case. So in the best interest of the applicant, it is strongly advised to be honest in all your disclosures.
You can become a US citizen either by birth or through Naturalization. Persons born in the US are automatically citizens of the US and persons born to US citizens can also claim citizenship subject to certain conditions. Naturalization is a process where a person not born in the US becomes a citizen voluntarily. To get naturalized, you need to file form N400, Application for Naturalization.
Citizenship application Form N400:
As mentioned earlier, N 400 is the citizenship form that needs to be filed for Naturalization. All the eligibility requirements for filing the citizenship form has to be met before applying. You need to be a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if married to a US citizen and living with the citizen spouse for the past three years. You need to meet other requirements too. You need to be 18years or above.Additionally, you have to fulfill the Continuous residence and Physical Residence Requirement. A prolonged absence from the U.S. will break the continuity of your residence in the U.S. for naturalization purposes, although it may not affect your ability to return to the U.S. as a permanent resident. You should have resided in your current state for at least 3 months. Your current state is the state where you are submitting the citizenship form for naturalization.
The N-400 citizenship form can be downloaded from the USCIS website for free. But considering the sophisticated process involved, many private websites help applicants in preparing the citizenship form by charging a nominal fee.
After you submit the citizenship form to the USCIS, within 30 days, you will get an Application Receipt Notice with a 13-character Application Receipt number. This Receipt Notice is the proof that USCIS has received your completed citizenship form and that it is being processed. With this number, you will be able to check the status of your case. You will be then notified about the date you need to appear for fingerprinting. Meanwhile , national security background checks are conducted and finally you need to appear for an interview. In the interview, your English knowledge will be tested, so will the civics related to the US. If the US immigration officials are fully satisfied, your case will be approved. If rejected, you will be notified as how soon you can reapply using the same N-400 citizenship application form. Approving or rejecting your case depends on the transparency and truthfulness of your case. So in the best interest of the applicant, it is strongly advised to be honest in all your disclosures.
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