Foreign nationals come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons. While many of these reasons cause a foreigner to be in the country temporarily, there are some reasons to make a stay permanent. And when immigrants seek to make Chicago or any other city their forever home, there are required steps. With regards to naturalization, an immigrant not only needs to qualify for naturalization, they must follow the process.
To begin, the naturalization process is the process an immigrant goes through to become a citizen of the United States. If a person is at least 18 years of age and has been a permanent resident for the past 5 years and has continuously resided in the U.S. as a permanent resident for the past 5 years and has not left the U.S. for trips of 6 month or longer, he or she meets the requirements for this category. Most applicants, roughly 90 percent, fall into this category.
For the other 10 percent, there are other categories to choose from, which may or may not extend the permanent resident requirement. For those in the armed forces, the requirement for continuous residence may not be required.
An immigrant going though the naturalization process will have to demonstrate good moral character. Certain factors may indicate he or she has a lack of good moral character. This could include being charged with any crime against a person with the intent of harm, committing a crime against property, violating a controlled substance law, illegal gambling, prostitution or lying to gain immigration benefits.
Going through the naturalization process is a major deal to those seeking citizenship. Because of this, this process should into be taken lightly. In these matters, it is important to become well informed of the process, ensuring his of her rights are protected.
