“Along with 1.370 others at the Paramount Theater, I did it!! Thanks for all your help Grace!”
Applications for U.S. citizenship have been on the rise this year, with many people hoping to be sworn in before election day so they can vote. Many of my clients here in San Francisco applied for citizenship because it was finally their time, as well as to vote against He Who Shall Not Be Named. Many people have also been inquiring about how the election will affect DACA and immigration in general. It’s too late at this time to apply for citizenship and be able to be sworn in before voting day, but I still encourage people to apply. It can help make travel easier. For example, mixed U.S. citizen and foreign national couples can reenter the U.S. in the same line. Permanent residents who get stopped in secondary inspections at the airport for old minor arrests or convictions or other issues at the airport no longer need to dread traveling. There is no physical presence requirement, so people who wish to maintain homes in the U.S. and other countries (lucky them!) can do so without worrying about when to travel back and forth. U.S. citizens can vote – not only for presidential elections, but for local elections that impact their school district and community. U.S. citizens can also petition certain relatives, such as parents, siblings, and fiance(e)s, unlike permanent residents. It’s always a good idea to meet with an immigration attorney for a consult before applying so that the attorney can go over a potential applicant’s eligibility, and to provide guidance, timelines, and strategy. Attorneys can also help applicants prepare and file the application, prepare the applicant for the interview, and also attend the interview at the local USCIS field office. Applicants must generally take and pass a test of civics and English. There are exceptions for the elderly who have lived as permanent residents for many years in the U.S. If you are curious about U.S. citizenship and applying for naturalization, or have been busy with life and have finally decided it is time to apply, give me a call at (415) 413-8472 ((415) 413-VISA) or book an appointment online!
By Grace Alano. Grace Alano is an immigration attorney at Alano Immigration in San Francisco, CA. Find Grace Alano on Google+