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Benefits to Naturalization

According to U.S. law, if you are a legal permanent resident of a state you are not required to become naturalized. You can live as a permanent resident indefinitely. But there are many benefits to naturalization that may lead a legal permanent resident to consider the naturalization process.

The attorneys of Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, PA can provide you with effective immigration naturalization advice to help you decide if naturalization is the best course for you.  And if you decide to apply for citizenship, our New Jersey immigration naturalization service can provide guidance on successfully completing your application. 

Benefits of naturalization

 Some rights and privileges reserved for naturalized citizens include:

• Voting—Naturalized citizens are permitted to vote in federal elections. Many states also restrict voting rights to those immigrants who have been naturalized;
• Reuniting families—Naturalized citizens may sponsor certain relatives to live as permanent U.S. residents;
• Citizenship—Children born abroad or children under 18 are U.S citizens when naturalized citizens are their parents;
• Travel—Naturalized citizens face no restrictions on the length of time they may spend outside the United States;
• U.S. passport—Holding a U.S. passport allows you to obtain assistance from a United States embassy when abroad;
• Eligibility for elected office or federal jobs—Most government jobs and elected offices require citizenship or naturalized citizenship; and
• Criminal activity—Naturalized citizens accused of illegal acts have the right to an attorney and trial without the threat of deportation.

NACARA & Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

NACARA is a special immigration and naturalization program that applies to native Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and nationals of the former Soviet Bloc countries. The program lets certain individuals apply for a suspension of deportation. Those approved under this plan have their immigration status adjusted to Legal Permanent Resident, and they may apply for full citizenship after five years.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) statute allows eligible aliens from designated countries a temporary stay of removal and employment authorization for certain periods of time. TPS offers only short-term benefits to immigrants and a temporary U.S. visa. But it is often the first step toward a green card under a new category of immigration law. 

Refugee and asylum

Refugee and political asylum applicants for U.S. naturalization include those who are either unable or unwilling to return to their country of last residence. There are many unique requirements surrounding applicants of this type. Consult an immigration attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, PA or the USCIS directly to learn more.

Lottery

Every year, the U.S. offers 55,000 green cards to applicants via lottery. This lottery is open to eligible individuals who hail from countries with historically low levels of U.S. immigration. 

New Jersey, immigration law firm

Navigating the path to naturalization can be complex and confusing. A New Jersey immigration lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, PA is ready to provide you with effective immigration naturalization service in New Jersey. If you need help with an immigration-related issue anywhere in the United States, contact Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, PA today.