Citizenship

Citizenship and naturalization is a body of law within immigration law. If you were born in the U.S. you are automatically a citizen of the United States. If you were born in a foreign country, you can claim citizenship, if one or both parents are U.S. citizens. Yet, there are other situations in which you may also claim citizenship, such as naturalization of one or more parents as well as special citizenship provisions based on military service.

Residents of the United States can be aliens, nationals or citizens. Aliens are people who have emigrated from a foreign country. While aliens have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, they cannot vote in elections. American nationals are natives of American territorial possessions. They have the same legal protections citizens have; however, they do not have full political rights of U.S. citizens. All U.S. citizens enjoy the freedoms, protections, and legal rights which the Constitution promises.

Anyone that was born in another country and desires to become a U.S. citizen must apply for and pass a citizenship test. If they pass the citizenship test, they become naturalized citizens.

If you have questions about the naturalization qualifications or the naturalization process, you may call Robertson Immigration Law Firm, located in Raleigh, North Carolina at 919-834-7004 to arrange an appointment.