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Many immigrants enter the U.S. with the aim of attaining citizenship. Unfortunately, the denial rate of U.S. citizenship applications has increased, with over 85,000 petitions denied last year alone. The fear of being denied is a prominent challenge in immigration and tends to deter immigrants from even attempting it.
Citizenship in the US is the primary goal in every immigration process. While temporary residency has benefits, permanent residency is much more secure, and citizenship is the best. If an undocumented individual is apprehended, they can be put in deportation proceedings. These issues dont even touch the surface of all the challenges undocumented immigrants face when applying for U.S. citizenship.
Language Barrier
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes asylum seekers apply to the US through Form I-589. This application should be submitted for asylum and withholding of removal within the first year of arrival to the U.S.
Due to many language barriers, many immigrants may be unaware of this important form. Unfortunately, the USCIS will often not take not knowing as an excuse. In addition to this form, English and civics testing is part of the application process. English language proficiency and understanding of the history and workings of the U.S. government are two components of the naturalization test. This plethora of questions can make immigration incredibly difficult and confusing.
Application Process
To get started with the naturalization process, there are certain requirements applicants must meet under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Applicants must file documentation forms, like Form N-400, which the USCIS reviews to determine their eligibility for naturalization. The USCIS will also interview applicants as part of the determination process for eligibility.
If the USCIS approves the application, they schedule applicants for a mandatory oath ceremony before a USCIS official or judge. Also, applicants must be 18 years old and have lived or carried on business in the United States for at least five years.
Financial Constraints
The cost of becoming a U.S. citizen can be intimidating to many immigrants. Necessary documents for immigration are incredibly expensive. For example, Form N-400 costs 725 dollars, which covers 85 dollars for biometrics screening and 640 dollars for the form.
Thankfully, U.S. citizenship and ESL classes are free, and several adult education centers offer free classes. In addition, some applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, applicants must first receive a means-tested benefit, their household income has to be at or below 150 percent of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines, and applicants should be experiencing financial hardship that makes them unable to pay the fee and other bills.
Conclusion
Overcoming obstacles such as language barriers, navigating complex application processes, and managing financial constraints are all essential aspects of the journey toward citizenship. Despite all these challenges, citizenship for many immigrants is still possible. “As long as you have no criminal record, applying at the right time and having all your documentation in order can greatly increase an applicant’s chances of success,” says attorney Maria Ximena Sussman of Sussman Law Firm, PLLC. Ultimately, by addressing these challenges head-on and seeking out these available resources and assistance, immigrants can realize their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens.
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