What is the Naturalization Process?

The Naturalization Process is the process by which a foreign-born person can become a citizen of the United States. To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, one must first establish legal residency in the United States. Residency in Virginia can be obtained through obtaining a green card. Once that is obtained, an individual may apply to become a U.S. citizen by submitting a Petition for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application process involves completing and submitting Form N-400 with the USCIS and paying the applicable filing fee. It also involves submitting to biographic and background checks and proof of continuous residence in the U.S. before submitting the application. Once the application is approved by USCIS, an individual is then required to take an English and Civics test. After passing the tests, those applying for naturalization will be scheduled and must attend an interview with USCIS. At the interview, the individual will be asked questions regarding their application and background, and their English and Civics knowledge will be tested. If an individual passes both the interview and the tests, they will be invited to a naturalization ceremony. At the ceremony, they will take an oath of allegiance to the United States, and will receive their certificate of naturalization. After completing the Naturalization process, an individual will be officially recognized as a U.S. citizen. This allows individuals to gain a range of benefits, such as the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and protection under U.S. law.

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El proceso de naturalización es el procedimiento por el cual una persona que no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos puede convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos. El primer paso para lograr la naturalización es cumplir con los requisitos de residencia. Virginia requiere que los solicitantes tengan una residencia legal continua durante al menos cinco años antes de solicitar la naturalización. En Virginia, esta regulación se conoce como la "Regla de Cinco Años". Esta regla también prescribe que el solicitante debe haber residido en el estado de Virginia durante los últimos dos años antes de solicitar la naturalización. Una vez que los requisitos de residencia hayan sido satisfechos, el solicitante debe presentar una solicitud de naturalización (formulario N-400) con el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS). Esto debe hacerse, junto con los documentos y la tarifa solicitada, según se detalla en el formulario N-400. El USCIS evaluará los alegatos, documentos presentados y el expediente del solicitante para determinar su elegibilidad para la naturalización. Si el USCIS determina que el solicitante es elegible para la naturalización, el próximo paso será la entrevista con un oficial de USCIS. En la entrevista, el oficial verificará la identidad del solicitante y evaluará su conocimiento de la historia y los principios de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Si el oficial de USCIS concluye que el solicitante cumple con los requisitos de naturalización, entonces el solicitante debe presentar una prueba de lealtad a los Estados Unidos antes de ser concesionado la nacionalidad estadounidense.

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