Attend the Smart Form I-9 Seminar
Thursday, March 1, 2012
9:00am - Noon
"I-9 Compliance: How to Keep Out of Trouble and Avoid Employer Sanctions Fines"
Cost: $100/person - includes a copy of the Immigration Enforcement: I-9 Compliance Handbook
Location: 2305 East Arapahoe Road, Suite 100, Centennial, Colorado 80122.
To Register call 303-797-8055
Click Here for More Information
IMMIGRATION NEWS
2-22-2012 - A State of Enforcers - The Economist - Alabama Immigration Law
2-22-2012 - I-601 Provisional Waiver is NOT in Effect
2-20-2012 - OSC Guidance during a Worksite Enforcement Audit
2-17-2012 - Immigration Policy Center - Economic and Political Impact of Immigrants with state by state map
2-15-2012 - USCIS Announces Expansion of E-Verify Self Check
2-13-2012 - Colorado Affirmation of Legal Work Status - Revised 1/11/2012
2-3-2012 - Q&A's for USCIS's VIBE (Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises) program
1-31-2012 - Reforms To Attract/Retain Highly Skilled Immigrants - DHS Press Release
1-31-2012 - H-1B filing season for FY 2013
1-27-2012 - Visa demand to spur economic growth in U.S. - posted by Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-24-2012 - USCIS Press Release - 2 companies forfeit $2 million each for hiring illegal aliens
1-24-2012 - IMAGE program to host a series of forums around the U.S.
1-20-2012 - Department of Homeland Security recommends cancellation of 1,301 cases in Denver
Allott Immigration Law Firm Seminar - When ICE Comes Calling!
Specializing in Immigration & Nationality Matters
3rd Edition Now Available!
Order the
Immigration Enforcement:
I-9 Compliance Handbook
This employer's guide to the current Form I-9, written by Ann Allott and published by LexisNexis, assists HR personnel with I-9 compliance. The step-by-step procedures, sample forms and reference materials educate employers about complex employer sanctions and immigration law.
Listen to the LexisNexis® Emerging Issues Law Community Podcast featuring Ann Allott on Immigration Enforcement: I-9 Compliance.
For your convenience, you can click on the button
below to make a payment on your account.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP NATURALIZATION PROCESS
Naturalization is the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he/she fulfills the requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Many people obtain U.S. citizenship through the process of
naturalization. While naturalization is typically fairly straightforward,
most applicants will benefit from the advice of an immigration attorney.
Some eligibility criteria, and problem areas are summarized below. This
list is not exhaustive and it is recommended that you consult our
attorneys if you have questions or concerns about your specific situation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States.
- Minimum age of 18 years. However, many children may become automatic citizens upon naturalization of their parents. See information regarding Child Citizenship Act above.
- Five-years of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident immediately preceding the date of the filing the application. This time period may be reduced to three-years for individuals who obtain their lawful permanent residence based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. This three-year benefit may also be available for certain individuals who obtained their LPR status as a result of battery or extreme cruelty by a spouse or parent.
- Physical presence in the United States for half of the five-year, or three-year, period immediately preceding the filing of the Application for Naturalization.
- Three months of physical presence in the State or U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS) district where the application will be filed.
- Must reside continuously in the United States from the time the application is filed up to the time of admission for citizenship.
- Must not be absent from the United States for a continuous period of one year. There are certain exceptions to this rule.
- Good moral character throughout the preceding five-year or three-year period.
- Acceptance of the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
- Have the ability to read, write, and speak English and an understanding of U.S. history, government, and civics.
Bars to Naturalization
- Advocacy for, affiliation with, or membership in any organization opposed to organized government (e.g. anarchists).
- Membership or affiliation with the Communist Party or any other totalitarian party.
- Advocacy or affiliation with any organization that sanctions the use of force or violence against the Government.
- Desertion from U.S. military forces or claimed exemption from service due to alienage.
- Commission of any aggravated felony and certain other crimes, even those that may be minor under State criminal laws.
- Final removal or deportation orders; or current removal proceedings pending. This may be waived for active members of the U.S. military.
Applying for Naturalization
- Prepare and file the application with the CIS office having jurisdiction
over your place of residence. The application package should include:
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;
- Documentation establishing LPR status – usually a copy of your permanent resident card (“green card”);
- two recent passport-size photos, conforming to CIS requirements; and,
- Appropriate filing fee.
- Prepare for the examinations of U.S. history/civics and English. You may find study guides and sample tests at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Soon after you have filed your application, the CIS will notify you of the date and time of your biometrics (fingerprint and digital photograph) appointment. They will also contact you within several months regarding the date, time and place of your naturalization interview. Following successful completion of the naturalization interview, you will be scheduled for a swearing in ceremony, at which time you will take the oath of citizenship, surrender your permanent resident card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
