“I think what the American Dream means to me is the fact that– immigrants from all over the world felt that here was a place of freedom, a place of opportunity. People felt that this was a new land, without a class society, without an aristocratic background, where if you worked hard you could become what you want to become. It’s only partly true. I mean obviously there’s racism in this society. There are economic benefits that go to people who are wealthy. There are some people who don’t really have a chance. But on the other hand, there’s always somebody who makes it through — even from the worst ghetto — that makes it through to the top of the society, and that’s not true in a lot of other countries. I think that’s still what the American Dream means: that with perseverance, with hard work, you can become something, that the classes won’t prevent you from becoming, that there’s a movement up that ladder with hard work”.
–Doris Kearns Goodwin, PhD. Pulitzer Prize for History
Citizenship through Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In most cases, an applicant for naturalization must be a permanent resident (green card holder) before filing. Except for certain U.S. military members and their dependents, naturalization can only be granted in the United States. Many Haitienne spend their entire lives in the United States without ever thinking of giving up their green cards for citizenship. Some of these die hard permanent residents Haitienne may want to show their loyalty to Haiti, some are waiting to go back home to retire, and some just never get around to applying. To qualify for Naturalization you must meet these criteria’s:
- You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
- You have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.
- Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.
What are the advantages of US Citizenship?
- You can obtain a voting card if you are a US citizen.
- You have the right to vote, and the right to run for public office.
- American citizens can obtain a US passport.
- Entering the United States is easier with a US citizenship.
- You have greater ability to sponsor members of your family for US immigration.
- Many countries waive visa requirements for US passport holders.
- You are eligible for US citizen services from US embassies and consulates when traveling throughout the world.
- US citizens do not have to carry proof of citizenship. On the other hand, Homeland Security Administration feels that permanent residents must always carry their green cards. Homeland Security Administration has on occasion detained permanent residents who forgot to carry their green cards.
- Prevent risk of deportation: a non-citizen, and/or a green card holder can be deported for a convicted crime while a US citizen cannot.
- You are eligible for free education, state and federal jobs.
- Many government contracts and jobs require US citizenship.
Finally, when you are ready to retire, you may go home to your motherland or live outside of the US and never lose citizenship, and still receive your Social Security benefits, pension, investment annuities, IRA disbursements, etc. You and your family could be invited to American functions during American holidays. You can still vote as an absentee. You and your family can receive assistance during emergency evacuation.
Note: You may also qualify through other paths to naturalization if you do not qualify through the paths described.
You may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization if your biological or adoptive parent(s) became a U.S. citizen before you reached the age of
www.uscis.gov
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