While the terms “permanent resident” and “naturalized citizen” offer some of the same general benefits and are used interchangeably, there are significant nuances between the two that must be noted. Each carries its own set of advantages and must be obtained under its own legal process.
A person could seek answers for any questions he or she may have by reaching out to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), or by speaking with an Aurora lawyer. A well-versed citizenship and naturalization attorney could help you obtain some insight into the differences between Aurora permanent resident status and naturalization.
The USCIS states that a legal permanent resident is a non-citizen who lives lawfully in America under a legally recorded continuous residency. Legal permanent residents are also known as LPR aliens, permanent resident aliens, green card holders, and resident alien permit holders.
Some Aurora green cards require sponsorship, meaning a U.S. citizen must apply on behalf of the residency applicant. Other types of LPR petitions can be written with the assistance of an Aurora attorney. Some examples of resident alien permit applicants include an immigrant worker or a special immigrant. Subgroups for these petitions include:
An Aurora lawyer who is familiar with how permanent resident status differs from naturalization could explain whether a person requires a petition.
When it comes to LPR status in Aurora versus naturalization, a key difference between the two is that the latter term means citizenship in the United States. Citizenship can be automatic when one is born in the U.S. or when a parent to a child under the age of 18 becomes a citizen. There are additional ways to become naturalized in Aurora, some of which involve getting legal permanent resident status first.
In many cases, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires that persons seeking naturalization have a green card first and have been a legal permanent resident in the United States for five or more years. Most individuals also need to be over the age of 18 when applying. With only a few exceptions, a person applying for a green card must be able to speak, read, and write in English, and he or she should also be knowledgeable about U.S. history and government.
People seeking citizenship do not file a petition the way that individuals seeking permanent residency do. Alternatively, many individuals choose to complete an N-400 form, after which they would be contacted by USCIS for an interview to discuss the N-400 application for naturalization. Some people also need to be fingerprinted for FBI clearance, and most are required to pass a test on U.S. civics.
Soldiers may also be able to seek American citizenship by filling out an N-400 form. Military personnel in Aurora are also required to file an N-426 form, which is called a request for certification of military service.
Service members may need to contact a representative from their branch of the military to get their N-426 certified. If an applicant has already been discharged, an uncertified form may be sent to USCIS, but uncertified submissions may require additional forms or evidence. A well-versed Aurora attorney could explain which forms are required for naturalization compared to achieving legal permanent resident status.
There are numerous avenues to pursue either permanent residency or citizenship in the United States. A knowledgeable immigration attorney may be able to explain the nuances of both legal permanent resident status and naturalization in Aurora. Call today to request an appointment and start discussing your options.
