The United States District Court Northern District of Texas hosts four naturalization ceremonies annually to honor the newest citizens of the United States. In order for these immigrants to become naturalized they first have to become Legal Permanent Residents.
“Only legal permanent residents can file for naturalization no one else,” said Paola Ledesma, a local immigration attorney.
The Legal Permanent Resident status is only honored to immigrants who have a U.S. citizen spouse, child or they are sponsored through their employer.
“Usually the term is 5 years to be a Legal Permanent Resident to qualify for citizenship,” said Ledesma.
After reaching LPR status immigrants can start the process of naturalization; which includes a few tests and an interview. But Ledesma says they avoid finalizing citizenship because they’re afraid they won’t pass the test.
“If your legible and it’s just a matter of going through a test and paying the fees. My advice is if you qualify for naturalization just go ahead and do it. You don’t need to be 100% fluent in English, as long as you study for the test,” said Ledesma.
