US Citizenship

United States Citizenship can be achieved in two ways, through birth or naturalization.  When you are born in the United States your are automatically a US citizen.  When both of your parents were born in the US you are also a US citizen.  Naturalization occurs when many requirements are met.  Some of the requirements are:

1.  A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
2.  An ability to read, write, and speak English;
3.  A knowledge and understanding of US history and government;
4.  Good moral character; and
5.  Favorable disposition toward the US.

Green Card

A green card is a permanent resident visa.  The US government allows 50,000 visas to individuals from various countries to work and live in the US.  A green card gives an individual who is not a US citizen the right to live and work in the US permanently.  A green card recipient can also sponsor some relatives for green cards.  Green card holders can receive health, education, and other benefits.

Visa

A visa allows you to travel to the US port of entry and ask the immigration officer to allow you to enter the country.  Only the immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the US.  Currently, immigration matters are under the Department Of Homeland Security.  There are two types of visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. 

Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live permanently in the US.  Nonimmigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the US but who wish to be in the US on a temporary basis.  Some more common types of visas are for tourism, medical treatment, business, and temporary work or study.

Deportation

Deportation is the formal removal of an alien from the US when the alien has been found removable for violating the immigration laws.  Deportation is ordered by an immigration judge without any punishment being imposed or contemplated.  Deportation of immigrants and other individuals may result as a consequence of entering the US illegally.  You can also be deportedif you are not a citizen and have committed a serious crime.