Naturalization is defined as a process that allows foreign-born individuals, who are eligible to obtain citizenship in the United States, to apply for and be granted United States citizenship. Upon obtaining citizenship, these individuals are granted the right to vote, the right to hold government jobs, the right to travel with an American passport, which provides entry without a visa into many countries, and various other American rights.

There are many general eligibility requirements a person must fulfill before they submit an application for naturalization. The applicant must:

Some exceptions apply to these rules. Moreover, United States citizenship does not expire nor do citizenship documents have to be renewed at any time.

Under certain circumstances, minor children of U.S. naturalization applicants may also be immediately eligible and included in a naturalization application. Another key benefit of naturalization is that, once granted U.S. citizenship, an applicant has the ability to petition for other immediate family members to receive citizenship as well, and through a faster process.

Aside from any of the above requirements for eligibility, if you have a conviction that is considered deportable, and you apply for naturalization, not only will your naturalization application be denied, but you could also end up in deportation removal proceedings.

Working with an experienced U.S. citizenship and naturalization attorney from Malik & Associates, PLLC can help ease the burden of preparing forms, gathering documentation, and applying for naturalization or citizenship.