Whenever the "immigration" issue comes up at work, there is always this one guy saying "but it's not that easy to become a citizen" . Is that true? What does it really take to not be an illegal immigrant?
2006-06-25 14:29:59 · 8 answers · asked by 987654321 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
You're asking two very different questions. Once you're a legal immigrant, unless you're a felon, and if you've lived here for at least five years, you need only basic English understanding to become a US Citizen. However, if you're an illegal immigrant, you can't be a US Citizen. You see; an illegal immigrant breaks the law by being here illegally; therefore, unless he or she becomes a legal immigrant, such as a US Resident, there is no way for him or her to become a US Citizen. Furthermore, when people say that it's hard to become a US Citizen, if they are legal, they usually mean that it's hard to pass the written and oral English Test required for the Citizenship Certificate.
2006-06-25 14:39:02 · answer #1 · answered by newchenel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically that person needs to obtain a green card first. This can be done in a variety of ways, and can take anywhere from a few months to a couple decades. After they get their green card, they need to pass an interview process, fulfill certain requirements regarding the amount of time they have been physically present in the US (I think it's currently 3-5 years, although that can change based on how much time they spend outside the US), they must currently live in the US, they must pass a relatively simple test about American history and the political process, a brief English test, and they must swear allegiance to the US. While the process may take a long time, for most people it is relatively simple and straightforward. The biggest problem that I have heard of is the language test and sometimes past criminal convictions that put their permanent resident status in jeopardy that need to be resolved before the citizenship application may be processed. There is also an accelerated process available to combat veterans of the US Military - as I understand it, if you are (or were) in the military and you saw combat, the requirment of time in the US is waived.
2006-06-25 14:42:56 · answer #2 · answered by some guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is basic--millions have done it. They even can get legal help to help them. What most do not like is the wait. They can get a temporary card and then they must get a health check (which we will pay for). They must live here for 5 years (they can travel home). Paperwork (forms and a very basic test) and interviews. It takes time and if they are working, they hate to give the time up. Five years for permanent residents. But many make it sound horrible. Its not.
2006-06-25 17:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by Ann E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Applying for a green card and getting approved...not the easiest processs to go through from what i understand
2006-06-25 14:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be worth stealing off a poor country.
2006-06-25 14:33:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a good lawyer to fill out the paperwork and 35 hundred dollars us.
2006-06-25 15:41:12 · answer #6 · answered by reddheadzrul1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/citizenship/examination.html
Go here and find out.
2006-06-25 14:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by madbaldscotsman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution_transcript.html
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
http://scotthortonshow.com/
http://thestressblog.com
vote libertarian
2006-06-25 14:38:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋