USCIS Releases 22 New ‘Eligible to Naturalize’ Fact Sheets
In late May, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rolled out 22 new fact sheets on the naturalization process in an attempt by the Biden Administration to encourage eligible individuals to undergo the naturalization process. USCIS conducted research on the green card populations in select cities (Florida, Indiana, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, South Caroline, Wisconsin and North Carolina) to create the new documents. The sheets provide data on “select characteristics of people with Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) status, also known as Green Card holders.” The Biden Administration has made a concerted effort to reduce the barriers to the naturalization process for eligible green card holders.
Eligible to Naturalize Fact Sheets Explained
The fact sheets for different geographic areas outline the top countries of birth, number of years in LPR status, eligibility by age and other data points like the concentration of eligible individuals to naturalize in the region. They are very clearly outlined and pictorial in nature so as to make them easy to understand. Each sheet emphasizes the rights afforded to U.S. citizens to further compel green card holders to go through the naturalization process.
Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed immigrants from all over the world who have helped shape and define our country. Granting citizenship to eligible lawful permanent residents is vital to our nation’s security, economic prosperity, and a future built on the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Some of the benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen include the right to vote, traveling with a U.S. passport, bringing family members to the U.S., applying for federal jobs, and becoming an elected official.
In addition to those benefits, if your children are under 18 years of age and are lawful permanent residents when you naturalize, they may automatically acquire citizenship. The release of these Eligible to Naturalize fact sheets are directly in line with President Biden’s immigration initiatives and to diminish the obstacles to U.S. citizenship for so many.
Aside from government initiatives, many local nonprofits are also promoting the effort to encourage more eligible individuals to naturalize and making the citizenship process seem more attainable.
Next Steps if You Want to Become a U.S. Citizen
You can begin the naturalization process by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you are not sure if you qualify there is a convenient USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool here. There is normally a fee for Form N-400 but certain individuals can qualify for a fee waiver. Discuss this option more with your attorney.
Who Can Help Me Become a Citizen?
Are you interested in learning more about the naturalization process or wondering if you are eligible? USCIS has a number of resources in their Citizenship Resource Center available including the 22 new fact sheets. Our blog also has a trove of resources to help you navigate the citizenship interview process, fees, biometric screening, oath taking and so much more. For the most comprehensive evaluation of your case it’s best to contact us for a consultation.
