If you’re interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, knowing how immigration laws work is important. Therefore, this guide will go over some common naturalization laws you should know. If you are insure of any of these steps, consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Citizenship Through Marriage
You can become a permanent resident of the United States (meaning you get a green card) by marrying a U.S. citizen. You then can become naturalized yourself, though instead of waiting the full five years, a little known fact is that you can in fact apply in three years. You will still have to pass tests and follow laws, but the process can be shorter.

Naturalization by Birth
Perhaps the easiest way to become a U.S. citizen is to be born in this country. Not all countries use this law, where simply being born on U.S. soil grants you citizenship, something which can never be taken away. This does not help those who were born elsewhere, but if you have children on U.S. soil, even as a permanent resident those children will then be considered U.S. citizens.

Green Card Leads to Naturalization
It takes 5 years after getting your green card to become a U.S. citizen. This is the most common way to get your green card. How do you get the green card in the first place? You can be sponsored by family or an employer. If immediate family sponsors you and they are U.S. citizens, the process only takes a few months.

Breaking Laws
U.S. citizens cannot be deported, but permanent residents can. There are three main types of crimes: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, in that order of seriousness. It’s important to avoid breaking major laws because the worse the penalty and the greater the chance of jail time the more likely you will be deported. U.S. citizens have to follow laws too, but cannot be deported.

Protection of Citizenship
Citizenship, as just noted, grants you the right to live in the U.S. as long as you want, to leave whenever you want, and to never be deported for breaking criminal laws. You will still be punished for crimes, but you have protection from deportation.

Tests
In order be naturalized, immigrants need to take tests showing knowledge of  U.S. history and laws, an ability to read and write in English, and a willingness to swear an oath to this country.

Getting a green card may seem like a dream to many immigrants wanting to live in the land of opportunity, but being naturalized, becoming a U.S. citizen, is truly where all the opportunities are.

Why become a U.S. citizen? There are more jobs and opportunities for people of all skills. Children have more opportunity for higher education. By paying taxes you become eligible for benefits when you retire. And even better, the best jobs in the world are in the U.S., and you must be a citizen to get the majority of them. It’s really no secret, with about 1 million immigrants coming into the country every year.

What do you need to do to be eligible for U.S. citizenship?
There are many requirements you can get by talking with a lawyer, but the basic ones are pretty simple. -You have lived in the U.S. legally for at least five years
-You have been present for at least half of those last five years
-You’ve been a resident of the state or district your filing in for at least three months
-You have not spent more than a year outside the U.S.
-Your primary home is in the U.S.
-You are 18 or older
-You can speak, read, and write in the English language
-You can swear you believe in the U.S. and will be loyal to this country
-You can pass a test on U.S. history and government
-You have good moral character

That may sound like a lot, and it is. The laws can be complex.

What if one of these immigration laws do not apply to you?
Some, such as being a permanent resident for five years, are written in stone. Others you can improve upon, such as how you handle tests on U.S. history and government, as well as mastering the English language.

How do you pass all these and successfully earn U.S. citizenship?
Hiring an immigration  lawyer has immense benefits if you want to be naturalized as a U.S citizen. A good immigration lawyer can walk you through all the documents you have to fill out, all the questions you have to answer, and all fees you have to pay. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life changing event for many, and can be for you too.

How to Hire an Immigration Lawyer
If you’re interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, you must find one who can help with everything. By reading this blog, you are showing an interest in immigration law. Take that interest to hiring experts on immigration law. Ask for references from people you know with legal experience. Query several immigration lawyers and ask them how they can help. Also be sure to ask their workload, fees, and how much experience they have.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Naturalization happens to thousands every year, and most are a direct result of an understanding of immigration law. Now that you know you need an expert, start searching for the right immigration lawyer in your area.