Entering the United States with the intent to become a citizen is a process. While it may prove a lengthy road to traverse, if the goal is becoming a naturalized citizen, you may want to explore some of the ways you and your family can go about it.
There are a few options or paths to becoming a citizen and finding the way forward that works for your situation can help achieve citizenship more efficiently and with less worry.
Green card
The most common way to enter the U.S. and stay is by obtaining a green card. This document allows you to stay and work in the country for a set number of years. If you have a green card, you can continue forward on your path to naturalization, which means you have obtained full citizenship rights as an American. The following are a few eligibility requirements for obtaining a green card:
- You have immediate family in the U.S., including a spouse or parents
- You have verified employment in the U.S.
- You are the victim of human trafficking
- You seek political asylum
A green card allows you to remain in the U.S. as long as you continue to fulfill the obligations associated with it and is the most popular step towards naturalization.
Military service
You may also become a naturalized citizen if you served in the U.S. military for at least one year and received an honorable discharge from service. You should also provide proof that you are a lawful permanent resident and have followed the laws of the country for at least five years.
There are many myths about what happens during the naturalization process, so continuing to educate yourself or getting help to complete your application may prove beneficial to reaching your end goal.