What is USCIS?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a United States Security agency responsible for administering the state’s immigration and naturalization system. It processes and adjudicates immigration matters such as work visa applications and citizenship. It also safeguards national security. When we talk of immigration, we are referring to moving to a non-native country and settling there on a permanent basis. Naturalization, on the other hand, is the acquisition of citizenship by a non-citizen in that country. USCIS handles these two processes. The following guide provides information about immigration and naturalization:

Your US Citizenship Responsibilities and Rights

You are entitled to:

• Possess property.
• Join a public school.
• Reside anywhere you desire in the United States.
• Secure employment in the US.
• Social security privileges and Medicare benefits.

You must:

• Obey local and federal laws.
• Pay local, state and federal taxes.
• Carry your proof of residence at all times.

How Do You Maintain the Permanent Residence Status?

After obtaining the permanent resident status, you need to maintain this status. If you abandon the status, you are likely to lose it. How you conduct yourself will determine your actual intention as far as US citizenship is concerned. If you want to maintain your citizenship status, observe the following:

• Don’t vacate the states for a long time unless you are going to take up a temporary job or take care of your family.
• If you are not able to return immediately, explain why there was a delay.
• Within 10 days of your departure, produce the new address to Unites States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Finding Legal Help

If you have an issue relating to immigration, a licensed lawyer will go a long way to help you. Find a qualified lawyer by checking with a local association. These lawyers are knowledgeable about the law of immigration. You can engage an attorney if you so wish as USCIS does not give any recommendation whatsoever. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may seek help from:

• An organization recognized by the state.
• A representative offering free or cost-effective services.
• Free service providers from the justice department.

What Happens If You Commit a Crime?

You are required to abide by the law of the United States. Criminal activities are considered very serious. You risk being evicted from the country and losing your resident status. The crimes that may influence your status as a permanent resident in the US include:

• Child abuse.
• Tax evasion.
• Document Forgery.
• Domestic violence.

Finding a residence or home

Remember you have a right to live wherever you want. Before settling down, you may opt to stay with friends or family. If you are prepared enough, you can go straight to your own house. You can rent a house or buy one.

Job search

You have the following options to get a job:

• Consult family, friends, and neighbors in regard to job openings
• Search via the internet.
• Visit organizations that may be hiring.
• Check the newspapers.
• Bulletin boards may have hiring notices.