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| 11271 Ventura Blvd. |
| Suite 473 |
| Studio City, CA 91604 |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Warner Center Towers |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Watt Plaza |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Fashion Island |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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Citizenship
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A foreign citizen or national can become a United States citizen through a process called naturalization. The privilege of citizenship requires allegiance to the United States, and in return a citizen is entitled to its protection.
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Basis for Citizenship
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The United States recognizes citizenship according to two fundamental principles: jus soli (right of birthplace), and jus sanguinis (right of blood). Under jus soli, a person receives American citizenship when they are born in the United States. By contrast, jus sanguinis confers citizenship on those born to at least one U.S. citizen anywhere in the world. A person who does not qualify under either of these principles may seek U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization.
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In order to be naturalized a person must:
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- [be at least 18 years of age when they apply for citizenship;]
- [be a legal permanent resident of the United States for five years less 90 days at the time they file for citizenship. (If they are married to a U.S. citizen, they may file two years sooner);]
- [be physically present in the United States for 30 of the past 60 months;]
- [not have been outside of the United States for a continuous period of six months or more during the previous 60 months;]
- [have an ability to read, write, and speak English;]
- [have good moral character;]
- [have attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and]
- [have an ability to read, write, and speak English; and]
- [have a favorable disposition toward the United States.]
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Benefits
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A United States citizen enjoys many rights and privileges that are not available to non-citizens:
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- [Voting: The privilege to participate in government by electing those who create, debate, and enforce the law.]
- [Holding public office: The privilege to be elected and to serve in any public office (except that of the Vice-President or the President of the United States).]
- [Traveling: The privilege of having a U.S. passport allowing the freedom to travel, as well as to receive government protection and assistance when traveling abroad.]
- [Extending citizenship to your children: Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the legal and physical custody of the naturalizing parents automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents become naturalized. Children born after naturalization also receive citizenship through jus sanguinis.]
- [Reuniting families: The privilege of helping immediate relatives (spouses, parents, minor and unmarried children) obtain their visas without extended delay.]
- [Hold Certain Government Jobs: The privilege to hold certain government jobs that require citizenship or certain levels of national security.]
- [Apply for Public Assistance: The privilege to fully avail oneself to all forms of public assistance and welfare, including the ability to apply for certain scholarship and grants.]
- [have an ability to read, write, and speak English; and]
- [have a favorable disposition toward the United States.]
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Responsibilities
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When one becomes a citizen, they assume certain responsibilities. These responsibilities involve:
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- [Giving up any prior allegiances to other countries;]
- [Supporting and defending the Constitution and the laws of the United States;]
- [Swearing allegiance to the United States; and]
- [Serving the United States (e.g., military service) when required.]
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It is important to have a thorough understanding of what is required to become a U.S. citizen and what is expected of you after becoming one.
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Contact us at 877-479-7970, or e-mail us at info@law-thomas.com, to arrange for a confidential complimentary consultation on your legal immigration needs.
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Q: What is the process by which a foreign citizen or national can become a U.S. citizen?
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A: A person can undergo naturalization in the United States if he or she qualifies to do so. Naturalization makes a foreign national into a new U.S. citizen; the qualified applicant must pass tests about the United States, show English language proficiency, and make a loyalty oath.
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Q: What are the benefits that are conferred upon a U.S. citizen?
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A: Naturalized American citizens have many rights, including the right to vote, to hold public office (except that of the Vice-President or President), to extend U.S. citizenship to their children, and to obtain visas for immediate relatives.
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