USCIS Naturalization Interview Video Helpful

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created a helpful video for individuals considering naturalization to become U.S. citizens. This video provides information regarding the interview and testing process, as well as standard documentation required at the naturalization interview. The video covers a broad range of typical concerns related to the naturalization interview.

Video Content

The video runs approximately sixteen minutes and is available on the USCIS WebSite. While the video provides some legal guidance with respect to naturalization requirements, it primarily contains practical procedural information related to the naturalization process. It offers suggestions as to documents to bring to the interview, describes the process of attending the interview, and presents two mock interviews.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Many individuals choose to file their naturalization cases without attorneys, and information such as what the USCIS has provided can be useful. Naturalization cases vary from the fairly straightforward to those that are more complex. We at the Murthy Law Firm generally suggest a consultation with an attorney prior to making a decision regarding representing oneself in a naturalization case. This is particularly important for individuals with any type of criminal history or problematic immigration history, many of whom should seriously consider working closely with an attorney.

Denial of Citizenship Case Could Result in Losing Green Card Status

Many people assume that, if their naturalization case does not work, the worst that can happen is that it is denied and they will remain as permanent residents. While this may be true for some, filing for naturalization for others may alert the USCIS to problems that could result in removal (deportation) action and/or rescission of the green card. This occurs primarily when there is a criminal history or if there are questions regarding the validity of the manner in which the individual obtained the green card. Thus, it is important to have one’s situation reviewed by a qualified immigration attorney prior to moving forward with the naturalization filing.

Conclusion

Naturalization to U.S. citizenship provides many benefits. These benefits include the right to vote, the ability to petition for immigration benefits for certain family members, and the ability to live permanently in the United States. From a U.S. immigration perspective, it generally is advisable to naturalize, if one is eligible and intends to make a permanent life in the United States.

The USCIS has information about naturalization, including the new video, on their website. Articles and information regarding naturalization can also be found in the Citizenship Section of MurthyDotCom. Potential U.S. citizens are encouraged to review this information, consult an immigration attorney at the Murthy Law Firm and, if everything is in order, proceed with the naturalization.