What is the US immigration process?

The US immigration process is a complex system for individuals who want to become citizens of the United States. There are multiple pathways an individual can take to citizenship in the US and the process starts with filing an immigration petition. In order to become a citizen, an individual must first prove their legal right to be in the United States. If an individual is coming to the US as a permanent resident, they will typically need to acquire a permanent resident visa, such as an immigrant visa, or a refugee/asylee visa. The individual must submit any necessary paperwork for their application, including evidence of their identity, a valid passport, and other documents. Once an individual is legally present in the US, they can apply for citizenship through naturalization. The naturalization process involves completing an application, taking a civics test and interview, and oath ceremony. The individual must also pass all background checks, including criminal and medical. In Maryland, individuals who meet certain criteria may be eligible for expedited naturalization, which allows them to apply for citizenship in a shorter period of time. This includes individuals serving in the US military, refugees and asylees, or certain spouses of US citizens. In addition to naturalization, individuals can also become US citizens through the process of derivation or acquisition. Derivation is when an individual acquires citizenship from one or both of their parents. Acquisition is when an individual is born outside of the US, but one or both of their parents were citizens at the time of their birth. Regardless of the pathway taken, the process of becoming a US citizen is lengthy and difficult. However, for individuals who qualify and are committed to becoming citizens, the rewards can be great. Becoming a US citizen gives an individual rights and privileges that are not afforded to non-citizens, including the right to vote in elections.

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El proceso de inmigración de los Estados Unidos puede ser complicado y a menudo difícil de entender. Para solicitar ciudadanía, primero una persona debe ser elegible para residir legalmente en los Estados Unidos. Para ser elegible, una persona debe ser ciudadano de un país extranjero o un extranjero a quien el gobierno federal ha otorgado el estatus de residencia permanente legal. Algunas maneras de calificar incluyen matrimonio con un ciudadano estadounidense, llegar al país a través de una visa familiar, talentos excepcionales o a petición de un empleador. Una vez que un solicitante cumple con los requisitos, debe presentar una solicitud a la Oficina de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos. Esta solicitud debe contener una prueba de identidad, información sobre el solicitante y un examen de idioma en inglés. Después de presentar la solicitud, el solicitante debe asistir a una entrevista informativa. En la entrevista, el solicitante debe demostrar su conocimiento de los Estados Unidos, así como su habilidad para hablar, escribir y comprender el inglés. Si aprobado, el solicitante deberá presentar una prueba de lealtad a los Estados Unidos y, finalmente, obtener su pasaporte estadounidense. Con este pasaporte, una persona puede reclamar los derechos de los ciudadanos estadounidenses, como la votación y los beneficios, así como otros derechos y responsabilidades.

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