[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has drastically changed its enforcement approaches over the past 12 months. ICE\u2019s increasingly aggressive tactics have instilled fear in immigrant communities, including green card holders, naturalized U.S. citizens, and even natural-born U.S. citizens of diverse backgrounds.<\/p>\n
This guide is intended to help you remain calm and de-escalate the situation if you are confronted by ICE.<\/p>\n
If You Are Confronted by ICE on the Street or in a Public Place:<\/strong><\/p>\n Comply with basic safety-related requests from ICE agents (e.g., “Stop,” “Show me your hands”).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask the ICE agent to identify themselves and show identification (they may refuse).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Respond to the ICE agent\u2019s questions (e.g., “Are you a citizen?” “What is your immigration status?”).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clearly state your immigration status (e.g., “I am a U.S. citizen,” or “I am in H-1B status”).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Carry at least a clean photocopy of your immigration documents, if not the original, such as your naturalization certificate, green card, H1B approval notice, or other USCIS issued approval notice, passport, etc. Also keep a clear photo of your documents on your phone that you can access quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n After the agent has reviewed your documents, ask politely if you are free to leave (e.g., “May I leave now?”).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If ICE Knocks on Your Door:<\/strong><\/p>\n Do not<\/strong> open the door immediately. Ask the agent to identify themselves and provide identification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Request to see their identification documents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask whether they have a judicial warrant<\/strong>, and ask to see it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Review the warrant carefully to confirm:<\/p>\n It is a judicial<\/em> warrant (signed by a judge),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n It lists your name or your address correctly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n If the ICE agent has a valid judicial warrant, you must comply and open the door.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n If the ICE agent does not<\/strong> have a valid judicial warrant, you may state that you cannot open the door without one.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n ICE agents may become angry or make threats. Remain calm and polite, and explain that you will comply if they present a valid judicial warrant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Please stay safe. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Jared Leung<\/strong> at jleung@jclimmigration.com<\/strong><\/a>, or call our main office at 602-831-2329<\/strong> to speak with one of our attorneys.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Unfortunately, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has drastically changed its enforcement approaches over the past 12 months. ICE\u2019s increasingly aggressive tactics have instilled fear in immigrant communities, including green card holders, naturalized U.S. citizens, and even natural-born U.S. citizens of diverse backgrounds. This guide is intended to help you remain calm and de-escalate the situation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":637,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section admin_label=\"section\"]\n\t\t\t[et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\"]\n\t\t\t\t[et_pb_column type=\"4_4\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\"]As a dedicated immigration law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona<\/a>, JCL Immigration Attorneys, PLLC, wants to help you navigate the complexities surrounding citizenship. With over 25 years of experience, our founding attorney, Jared Leung, along with his dedicated partners, Lorenzo Frausto and Sheryl Thomas, have successfully guided countless clients through the immigration process.\r\n\n
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\nU.S. Citizenship Top 10 FAQ<\/h2>\r\nHere are ten common questions about U.S. citizenship, outlining the requirements, rights, and privileges of being a U.S. citizen.\r\n
1. What is U.S. citizenship?<\/h3>\r\nU.S. citizenship<\/a> grants an individual the legal status of being a citizen of the United States. This status provides various rights, responsibilities, and privileges, including the right to vote, run for public office, access to government services, and eligibility for federal employment. Citizens also have the responsibility to obey U.S. laws and pay taxes.\r\n
2. What are the requirements to become a U.S. citizen?<\/h3>\r\nTo become a U.S. citizen<\/a>, applicants must meet several requirements:\r\n
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3. How do I apply for U.S. citizenship?<\/h3>\r\nThe application process begins by submitting Form N-400<\/a>, the Application for Naturalization. Along with the form, you must pay a filing fee, provide supporting documents, and attend a biometrics appointment. If needed, you may also be scheduled for an interview where you will take the citizenship test. After approval, you\u2019ll take the Oath of Allegiance at a citizenship ceremony.\r\n
4. What rights do U.S. citizens have?<\/h3>\r\nU.S. citizens enjoy various rights, including:\r\n
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5. Are there any responsibilities associated with U.S. citizenship?<\/h3>\r\nYes, U.S. citizenship comes with certain responsibilities, including:\r\n
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6. Can I lose my U.S. citizenship?<\/h3>\r\nWhile it is rare, U.S. citizenship can be revoked or lost due to actions such as committing a serious crime, obtaining citizenship through fraud, or voluntarily renouncing your citizenship. It is important to understand the terms and conditions under which citizenship can be lost to avoid unintended consequences.\r\n
7. What is the Oath of Allegiance?<\/h3>\r\nThe Oath of Allegiance<\/a> is a pledge that applicants must take to become U.S. citizens. By taking this oath, individuals swear loyalty to the United States and agree to obey its laws. They also renounce allegiance to any other country they may have held prior citizenship.\r\n
8. What if English is not my first language?<\/h3>\r\nIndividuals who struggle with English may qualify for certain exemptions or modifications during the citizenship test. Accommodations are available depending on age or disability. For example, applicants over 50 who have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years may take the civics test in their native language.\r\n
9. How long does the citizenship process take?<\/h3>\r\nThe time it takes to process a citizenship application can vary greatly depending on various factors, including the applicant\u2019s location and the current caseload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On average, the process takes about 8 to 12 months. However, waiting times can be longer or shorter based on individual circumstances.\r\n
10. Can children automatically gain citizenship if their parent becomes a citizen?<\/h3>\r\nYes, children who are under 18 years old and are lawful permanent residents may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when their parent naturalizes as a U.S. citizen. This process is known as \u201cderivative citizenship<\/a>\u201d and does not require a separate application.\r\n
Get Experienced Help Gaining Your U.S. Citizenship<\/h2>\r\nBrowse our FAQ Page<\/a> for many more questions and answers grouped by topic and category for easy access. You may also send us a message online<\/a> with your questions. The questions and answers above are basic and may not address your specific concerns. A Scottsdale Immigration Attorney from our firm can answer your questions in more detail during a confidential consultation.\r\n\r\nNavigating the U.S. citizenship process can be challenging, but with the help of an experienced immigration attorney, you can better understand your options and rights. At JCL Immigration Attorneys, PLLC, we are committed to assisting individuals and families in their pursuit of citizenship. Whether you are seeking to unite your family or pursue new opportunities in the United States, we\u2019re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you achieve your immigration goals.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column]\n\t\t\t[\/et_pb_row]\n\t\t[\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-legal-updates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/635\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/637"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fire.h50.us\/~jclimm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}