U.S. Citizenship Process Delayed for Many
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The process for U.S. citizenship is not meant to be easy. Applicants must meet certain requirements and then wait for their application to be approved. This can take many months, sometimes close to a year.
Currently, U.S. citizenship applications are taking an average of eight months to approve. That’s as much as four times as long as it took just last year, in 2016. Immigrants are having to wait much longer than they did in the past, and this is frustrating to many. While waiting for their applications to be approved, these immigrants are missing out on many freedoms that Americans enjoy, such as government benefits and voting rights.
What is Causing the Delays?
Many believe the delays are done on purpose. Some note that the delays started once President Donald Trump took office earlier this year. Concerned about terrorist attacks, Trump is asking the agency to spend more time vetting applicants. Therefore, more applicants are being interviewed this year so that potential fraud can be detected.
Taking this a step further, Trump has claimed that certain immigrants are dangerous. In fact, immigrants from Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Yemen and Somalia currently cannot be approved for immigrant visas.
Another reason for the delays in U.S. citizenship is the fact that the number of applications is increasing. Compared to last year, this year saw a 24 percent rise in applications for naturalization. This is also attributed to Trump’s policies. He is cracking down on illegal immigrants, so foreigners are scurrying to become citizens so they don’t run the risk of being deported. Agencies are hiring more workers and approving overtime to handle this uptick in requests.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements
Becoming an American citizen is not an easy process. You cannot simply request to be one without following the requirements involved. They include the following:
- You are physically located in the United States.
- You have been in the United States for at least five years and have been living in one state for at least three months.
- You can read, write and speak basic English.
- You understand the basics of U.S. history and government.
- You believe in the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
- You must be of good moral character.
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a waiver. Contact the immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to learn more.
Contact a Citizenship Lawyer Today
While there are currently delays in the American citizenship process, becoming a U.S. citizen is worth the wait. There are so many opportunities here, and living here allows many foreigners a chance at a better life for themselves and their families.
If you want to proceed with becoming an American citizen, don’t wait any longer. Seek legal assistance from the knowledgeable immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. We can help you with the process so you avoid delays. To get started, give us a call today at (312) 332-2550 for a case evaluation.
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