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USCIS Prioritizes 319(b) Naturalization Applications

The USCIS recently announced that it has directed its field offices to prioritize 319(b) naturalization applications. 319(b) applications are applied for by qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens who are working overseas in a qualifying position. The statute is often used by applicants who spouses’ work for the U.S. government, qualifying international organizations and private companies, …

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8.5 Million Lawful Permanent Residents Eligible to Naturalize

The Department of Homeland Security has announced its estimate that there are 13.1 million lawful permanent residents living in the United States. Of those individuals, it is estimated that 8.5 million are eligible to become naturalized citizens.

With over half of the permanent resident population being eligible to naturalize, it bags the question – why …

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More People Naturalized This Year Than Last

According to the Department of Homeland Security, a total of 694,193 individuals became U.S. citizens by choice (Naturalized) last year. This is a significantly higher number than the 619,913 individuals who naturalized in 2010, but less than the 743,715 individuals who naturalized in 2009. Of interest, is the sharp increase in the number of people …

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New, Revised Naturalization Guide Issued by Immigration Agency

The USCIS recently updated its guide to naturalization for individuals who seek to become citizens of the United States. The guide offers great guidance to those who think they are eligible and want to know what to expect. However, no guide can offer the same analysis as a naturalization lawyer.

Here is what is included …

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USCIS Queens Immigration Office – Opens

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service recently announced the opening of its newest New York City Immigration office. The Queens Immigration Office is located at 27-35 Jackson Ave. and is open from 7 a. m. to 3:30 p.m.

The immigration office contains waiting rooms, an Application Support Center (for biometric interviews), and a naturalization ceremony …

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National Naturalization Processing Time is 4 months

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released naturalization processing statistics for every USCIS local office in the United States. The report includes statistics from fiscal years 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The report includes statistics on the number of applications accepted, approved and denied. Additionally, the report indicated that normal naturalization cases are …

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Naturalization Fee is 20x More Than in 1983

Do you know how much it costs someone to file for naturalization? In 1983, it cost $35 to become a U.S. citizen.

Today, it cost most naturalization applicants $680. Talk about inflation!

319(b) Expedited Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens Working Overseas

319(b) Naturalization Overview:

Expedited Naturalization is available to certain spouses of U.S. citizens who are working outside of the United States. INA 319(b) allows for qualifying permanent residents to immediately gain citizenship by taking the oath of naturalization while in the United States.

Who Qualifies for 319 (b) Naturalization?

Expedited naturalization is available to …

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USCIS Naturalizes 24,000 During July 4th Week

In a grand gesture of patriotism, the USCIS conducted 24,000 naturalizations over the July 4th weekend. The naturalizations were held throughout the United States and the world and included many immigrants who are serving in the armed forces.

The naturalizations were accomplished through 350 ceremonies, including at Independence Hall in Philadelphia; the Jimmy Carter Library …

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Naturalization Ceremonies Held to Commemorate Flag Day

To commemorate flag day, the USCIS is holding naturalization ceremonies in Buffalo, New York, Baltimore & Washington, DC, among other places. The USCIS director will personally attend ceremonies at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

The naturalization ceremony is the end of a long process that immigrants must pass through …

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Do I Qualify for Citizenship? The First Questions to Ask

Many people ask the firm to help them become American citizens. Many are eligible – but, many are not. Many factors go into determining eligibility for naturalization – eligibility cannot be determined in a five minute conversation.

These questions will help many determine whether they are eligible for naturalization. The questions are:

Are you a …

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Good Moral Character and the Naturalization Application

An individual applying for naturalization must have “Good Moral Character.” The immigration agency has wide discretion in determining whether someone has good moral character. However. there are some set principles that apply. If you are thinking about naturalizing, please contact a naturalization lawyer to ensure your eligibility. As the follow demonstrates, naturalizing can get confusing.

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Naturalization Ceremony In Iraq For 53 Service Members

On President’s Day, the USCIS held a ceremony in Iraq to naturalize 53 service members who are currently serving their country. The 53 service members are able to naturalize in Iraq due to changes in the law that allow service members to naturalize while serving overseas. Noncitizens who have serviced in the armed forces may …

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Do Immigrants Need To Register for the Selective Service?

A common question for many immigrants is, “do I need to register for the selective service?” In many cases, immigrants are surprised to learn that, yes, they are required to register for the selective service. To naturalize, many immigrants need to apply to the selective service. In fact, if an immigrant is required to register, …

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How Many People Naturalize Each Year?

Have you ever wondered how many people naturalize each year? The following chart provides naturalization data for the last ten fiscal years. What should be noted is that so many other permanent residents are eligible to naturalize, but do not.

Total Naturalized Citizens: Fiscal Years 2001-2010 2010 675,967 2005 604,280 2009 743,715 2004 537,151 2008 …

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