Common Misconceptions about Citizenship

New York City Citizenship & Immigration Facts

Pursuing United States citizenship is, above all, an exciting process that fills applicants and petitioners with hope for the future for themselves and their families.

The process is arduous, too, though—there is plenty of paperwork and many stages that lead up to citizenship, including the procurement and maintenance of visas or green cards, first. After one obtains permanent residency, there are long waits, interviews, and tests.

Becoming an American holds amazing privileges and rights both in our nation and globally, but it isn’t easy getting there. Bretz & Coven, immigration attorneys in New York City, help clients pursue American citizenship.

Tips from a New York City Immigration Attorney

You want to make sure you understand everything you can about the process of New York City citizenship and immigration. Bretz & Coven attorneys offer these tips for you to understand what it means for the government to grant you U.S. citizenship:

• Naturalization requires that you show evidence of physically living in the U.S., your ability to speak, read and understand English, and your knowledge of rudimentary American history and civics.
• You must swear allegiance to the United States.
• When you are a citizen, voting is not a privilege and we encourage you to participate in the democratic process.
• Democracy doesn't work unless you vote. Make your voice heard.

Congress can grant honorary citizenship on someone, but it confers no rights or privileges. Only six people have been awarded honorary citizenship—Mother Teresa was one.

Call 1.212.267.2555 or email us for help from immigration attorneys in New York City.