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2 components of the naturalization test
One of the steps to become a citizen of the United States is to take the naturalization test. This is a requirement unless you qualify for an exemption. You may qualify for exemptions because of age or medical disability.
If you do not qualify for an exemption, the test consists of two parts: A civics test and an English language test.
1. Civics test
The civics test consists of questions about the history of the United States and how its government functions. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the civics test underwent a change in 2020. Under the new rules, the examiner will ask you 20 questions out of a possible 128. To pass this portion of the test, you must answer 12 of the 20 questions correctly.
2. English test
The English test gauges your ability to communicate effectively in the primary language of the United States. There are different parts of the test to assess your reading, writing and speaking abilities in English. For the writing portion, you will have a choice of three sentences and must choose one of them to write out. For the reading portion, you will again have a choice of three sentences and must read one of them out loud to demonstrate your ability to understand written English.
What is a bona fide marriage?
One of the primary objectives of U.S. immigration law is to keep families together. Consequently, if you are a U.S. citizen and marry a person who lives elsewhere, you probably have a streamlined process for securing legal permanent residency for your spouse.
Even though the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wants to reunify families, immigration officials also want to prevent immigration fraud. Therefore, you can expect a USCIS officer to determine whether you have a bona fide marriage before approving your immigration paperwork.
Your marriage is for the right reasons
Everyone has his or her own reasons for choosing to walk down the aisle. To comply with U.S. immigration law, however, your marriage must not be for the purpose of securing immigration benefits. Therefore, you should provide evidence that shows your marriage has love and commitment as its foundation.
You have the right documentation
USCIS officers review thousands of immigrant visa petitions every single year. Consequently, you can make the officer’s review easier by providing the right documentation. According to the USCIS, in addition to a copy of your marriage certificate, you also may want to include the following items with your filing:
Avoid these common mistakes when applying for a green card
If you are applying for a green card, you are probably looking forward to the benefits of being a permanent resident. As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in the U.S.
If you are currently living in the United States, you will need to apply for an adjustment of status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application process is complex, and you will want to avoid these common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial.
Failing to provide required supporting documents
There are many different documents that you will need to include with your green card application. The exact requirements will depend on your unique situation. For example, if a spouse is sponsoring you, you and your spouse may need to provide a marriage certificate, joint leases and joint bank account statements. Other commonly required supporting documents include:
Can your fiancé find work in the country?
Starting over anew in a different country is often enough to rattle even the strongest of people. However, getting started on the right foot can help build a strong foundation that can make the transition easier to bear.
With the right authorization, it is possible for your fiancé to gain the ability to work, which is one step toward making the process of transitioning smooth.
Work authorization approval
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services take a look at how fiancé visas work in the country. They note that after your fiancé arrives in the country, they can apply for work authorization with form I-765. If approved, this privilege lasts for 90 days. If your fiancé applies for a green card at the same time, the privilege lasts for one year instead.
In order to work each year, your fiancé will still need to refresh their approval, renewing the authorization to work any time it expires.
Are you eligible for naturalization?
Naturalization is the culmination of the American Dream for many immigrants who come to the United States, and you may have similar goals as well as questions about how to become a citizen. In most cases, discovering your eligibility is the first step in the process.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration notes that several factors, such as your parents’ citizenship status, can help you determine your own status and which you must meet before you reach eligibility.
Age
You must reach the age of 18 before attempting to apply for naturalization. You may want to obtain documents that prove your age. Children under the age of 18 receive automatic citizenship if they were born in the U.S. or if their parents carry U.S. citizenship.
Marital status
If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, then you are likely eligible to apply for citizenship. The time span required for residency is also shorter if your spouse is already a U.S. citizen, at three years compared to five for non-married green cardholders.
What do you know about replacing your green card?
Recently, you received your green card and all the benefits it offers. As time goes on, you may need to replace your card to remain a lawful permanent U.S. resident.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services breaks down the basics of replacing your green card. Understand how to maintain your status and have one less thing to worry about.
When to get a replacement green card
After you become a lawful permanent resident, certain situations may require you to replace your green card. Such situations include when your current green card expires or expires in six months, you received your card before turning 14 and turn 14 soon, commuters take up residence in the U.S. and permanent U.S. residents become commuters. You must also apply for a new green card if your current card becomes mutilated, damaged, destroyed or stolen.
What is the extreme hardship waiver?
An immigration waiver can help you to get a visa for yourself or a loved one in circumstances where you may otherwise be unable to. Getting a waiver is not an easy process, but if you meet the requirements and can provide all required information and documentation, it can be a blessing.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains one wavier option is for extreme hardship.
The waiver
The extreme hardship waiver is available in situations where the refusal of a visa to a person would cause serious problems for a family member who is a citizen or lawful legal resident. Extreme hardship can mean different things depending on your situation. For example, if the reason you need a waiver is more serious, then the hardship your family is facing must be more serious.
The authority
The Secretary of Homeland Security has the right to issue extreme hardship waivers.
Texas sheriff investigated for illegal money seizure
Immigrants face many challenges as they work to settle and build a life in Texas and the rest of the United States. These challenges are often exacerbated when the immigrants are undocumented and local law enforcement officials are not playing by the rules.
According to CNN, the Real County sheriff in Texas is being investigated for stealing money during traffics tops from undocumented immigrants. Although no charges were filed, the attorney general’s office and the Texas Rangers executed search warrants in the small county located close to 90 miles away from the United States and Mexico border.
Immigration disagreements often fuel allegations
Local government officials have often sparred and disagreed with the current presidential administration over issues such as immigration. In Texas, property and money can be seized during a stop if there is clear evidence that links it to some type of criminal activity. The allegations leveled against the sheriff suggest that he seized money that was not involved in any specific crime.
Which travel documents do you need?
You may need to travel to another country as an immigrant or while you await the processing of your application. In this case, you must ensure you have the necessary travel documents to legally return to this country.
In general, there are four documents travelers need, including advance parole, refugee travel document, re-entry permit, and carrier documentation. It is important to get these documents organized before your trip, as it can prevent any delays when or issues when re-entering the country.
Advance parole
Advance parole documents take the place of a visa, as airlines will accept them when it comes to re-entry into the U.S. However, you will also need to have a passport. Advance parole doanother re-entry documentcuments are necessary for people with pending applications when registering as a permanent resident or awaiting adjustment of status. It is also required for asylum seekers to await a decision on their applications.
House passes Build Back Better act with immigration reform
In December, the House passed a version of the Build Back Better act that reforms family-based immigration waivers. The act will now go to the Senate for final approval.
Learn how Build Back Better could improve the waiver process for your family if it becomes law.
New adjustment of status requirements
Under the new law, family-based applications for adjustment of status could apply right away. You must pay a fee of $1,500 along with $250 for each additional dependent. Currently, you must wait for a visa to become available in your category before applying for an adjustment of status.
New waiver program
The House-approved version of Build Back Better also includes a new waiver program. It would waive numerical visa limits for those who have already applied for an adjustment of status and have an assigned priority date at least two years before the waiver application date. The supplemental fee for the new waiver is $2,500.
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