Immigration is a hot topic in the United States at the moment. Due to recent political changes and actions, if you are currently seeking citizenship or hoping to at some point in the future, you may be concerned about your options.

Any individual who is facing immigration problems or has concerns about his or her rights while trying to navigate the immigration process would be wise to work with an experienced attorney. This is particularly true if you are hoping to achieve citizenship through naturalization.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process of a person obtaining citizenship to the United States by walking through a particular process and meeting certain requirements. A foreign national or foreign citizen may receive citizenship status after completing the requirements laid out in the Immigration and Nationality Act. To do this, you must first complete an application and begin to prepare for the naturalization test.

Not everyone who wishes to become a citizen of the United States meets the necessary criteria for the naturalization process. However, this could be the right choice for you if you meet any of the following requirements:

• You have spent at least five years as a permanent resident, and you meet all other requirements.
• You have spent three years as a permanent resident, and you meet the requirements to apply as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
• Your service in the United States military qualifies you for naturalization, and you meet other eligibility requirements.

If you are a parent seeking citizenship through naturalization on behalf of your child, he or she may be eligible for this particular process if the child was born outside of the U.S., is currently residing outside of the U.S. and the child meets all other eligibility requirements.

The many paths to naturalization

Multiple paths exist that you can take to achieve citizenship through naturalization. If you find that you are ineligible for one option, that does not mean that it is the end of the line for you. You have the right and the option to continue pursuing your dream of American citizenship by working closely with an attorney who knows how to advocate for your interests effectively and efficiently.

When there is much on the line, experience counts. In today's political climate, you will find great benefit in working with a legal ally who is undaunted by the legal challenges that lie ahead in the naturalization process, and one who can help you take your place as a rightful citizen of the United States of America.