How to Immigrate to the United States Properly

Immigrating to the United States permanently is a very long and challenging process. It takes a great deal of patience and persistence to get permanent status in the U.S. But with over 41 million people living in the United States legally, it is obviously possible to navigate the system successfully. US Immigration Bonds knows there are many reasons to want to move to the United States, whether it be for employment opportunity, to stay with a family member, or simply to start a new life. Here is US Immigration’s guide to help you navigate the immigration system to get permanent status in the United States, even after you have sought an immigration bail bond release after being detained.

Part 1: Applying for Permanent Resident Status

1. Assess if you are eligible to be a permanent resident in the United States. Permanent resident status in the United States is granted for four main reasons:
   1. Family Ties
   2. Employment
   3. Status as a refuge.
   4. Promote diversity
2. Submit a petition for a permanent visa. This petition should be submitted by the US citizen that is sponsoring your application, and will either be a family member or prospective employee.
3. Review the application and supporting documents with an immigration lawyer once your petition has been approved.
4. Submit all fees, application, and supporting document, and then wait for a response.
5. Have a medical exam before the date of your interview.
6. Go to the visa application interview.
7. Enter the United States. Once you go through customs your permanent status will begin. Do not forget to renew your green card every 10 years, start the renewal process 6 months early so that you do not forget or get lagged in the system. Neglecting to renew your green card could cause you to be detained and need the help of an immigration bail bonds specialist to have you released.

Part 2: Applying for US Citizenship

1. You will need to reside in the U.S. with a valid green card for more than 5 years. Unless you are married to an American citizen, you will need to wait 5 years before you are eligible for full citizenship.
2. Apply for naturalization. Applying for citizenship will give you voting rights, a U.S. passport, benefits from the federal government, and the ability to run for elected office.
3. Go to a citizenship interview, which will be scheduled once your application is processed by an agent of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration department. It is important to tell the truth during your immigration interview, and if they suspect you of lying, your application will be denied immediately.
4. Pass the U.S. citizenship test. Once you pass the citizenship interview you will be schedule for a citizenship test. This is not an easy test, it requires a lot of studying to be fully prepared.
5. Take an oath to the United States. You are not officially a citizen of the United States until you make the Oath of Allegiance.

In the unfortunate off-chance that you find yourself or a loved one detained in either an ICE detention facility or by the Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration Bail Bonds and Insurance can help post your immigration bail bond and have you released in as little as 24 hours. However, if you immigrate to the United States using the aforementioned steps, then you should be on your way to a successful and proper legal citizenship in the United States.