Despite the overwhelming support of American voters, Congress has yet to deliver on a simple pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. It’s a critical step to growing the economy and delivering on an economic recovery that works for everyone.
Having lived in the country for years, paying taxes and contributing to our society, undocumented immigrants deserve a path to citizenship. This is the right thing to do for them and our country.
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Green Card
The Green Card process is a great option for people with families who want to live in the United States. Getting a green card gives you and your family many benefits that you might not otherwise be able to receive as a non-citizen.
A green card enables you to live and work in the United States legally, without having to obtain a visa. It also allows you to attend school in the U.S. and to apply for Social Security or retirement benefits.
Green Card holders have the same rights as American citizens, including the right to vote and be a juror in a trial. They can also be eligible for lower college tuition fees and for a host of other social welfare benefits.
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
One way to get citizenship in the United States is through marriage. This can be a long and complicated process, but it is possible.
Generally, permanent residents must wait for five years after getting a green card before they can apply for citizenship. However, a special exception applies to permanent residents who have married U.S. citizens and filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
This special rule allows permanent residents to submit their naturalization applications after only three years of living in the United States. This three-year rule is important, because it helps protect the integrity of the immigration system and prevent abuse of the system by using a fraudulent marriage to secure citizenship.
Employment
The employment process involves the hiring of an employee and includes many steps that an employer takes to select a candidate. These steps include building a hiring plan, drafting a job announcement, conducting interviews, and running background checks.
Often, employers also request references from previous employers, schools, and other sources of information about the candidate. These references can help employers evaluate whether or not the candidate has the academic and professional knowledge and expertise to fill a position at their company.
In addition to the hiring process, some companies also require new employees to undergo drug tests before starting work. This is to make sure that they are not under the influence of drugs or other substances that could affect their performance at work.
Asylum/Refugee Status
If you qualify for asylum, you will be allowed to enter the United States and eventually apply for a green card. Asylees can also apply for citizenship after four years.
People who have been displaced from their homes due to conflict, gang violence, natural disasters or other serious conditions can qualify for asylum. However, they may not be able to return home safely until the circumstances change in their country.
Under international law, individuals who qualify for refugee status are protected under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. These agreements require signatories not to return refugees to places where they face persecution.
Naturalization
Obtaining citizenship is a process that varies from country to country. The United States allows citizens to become naturalized after birth, while many other countries do not.
To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet certain requirements, including good moral character. This means that you did not have any criminal offenses on your record at any time before filing and that you did not lie during your interview.
After gaining citizenship, you can enjoy benefits like visa-free travel to more countries and easier entry into the United States. You can also pass your citizenship on to your children and you can’t be deported unless you first lose your citizenship.