How refugees can apply for U.S. citizenship?

Several people ended up in New York, United States, after fleeing their homelands for various reasons. A few of these immigrants end up as refugees or undocumented migrants in the United States.

The immigration system in the United States for a refugee seeking to become an American citizen is lengthy and difficult. But refugees can hurry their own path and become US residents with the help of the best immigration attorney in New York.

 

Here's how the immigration system in the United States works, along with the steps needed to become a lawful citizen.

1)   Get refugee status.

Referral to the Refugee Admissions Program is the simplest way to have your U.S. refugee application considered.  You can achieve this by getting into the program through non-governmental organizations. The US embassy or other humanitarian organizations give priority to these refers.

2) Seek Legal Residency Status 

Before becoming citizens of the United States, refugees must first become permanent residents.

This is usually a time-consuming and difficult process. The International Rescue Committee assists immigrants and refugees in obtaining green cards. 

If a refugee has been in the United States for at least one year, they are eligible to become permanent residents. They can live and work in America as permanent residents.

 

3) Go for naturalization.

Naturalization is the procedure by which a refugee becomes a citizen of the United States. But even so, until a refugee or asylee can apply for naturalization, he or she must have proof of legal residency for at least five years.

Refugees may be able to apply for citizenship through naturalization because the calculation of years of resident status works differently.