Immigration Resources

If you want to become a naturalized citizen of the U.S., you should consult with an immigration attorney. Your citizenship application requires a long process likely involving several stages and multiple government agencies.  As a skilled Hawaii immigration lawyer, KahBo Dye-Chiew can explain the steps involved. You will benefit from understanding the process behind your immigration naturalization service.

The different paths to citizenship are through:

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Department of Homeland Security is the federal agency responsible for protecting U.S. territory. In March 2003, DHS took over the functions of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), dividing it into three separate agencies: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP protects American borders and makes on-the-spot decisions about whether to allow visitors and immigrants into the country. ICE protects the security of the United States by vigilantly enforcing the nation's immigration and customs laws. However, USCIS makes visa determinations and is regarded by most would-be visitors, immigrants, and citizens as the most important of the three agencies.

United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS)

USCIS oversees all lawful immigration to the U.S. Its 18,000 employees in over 250 offices around the world manage citizenship applications, family reunification, green cards, and work visas. The stated mission of the USCIS is to secure America’s promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

In practice, however, USCIS, with its detailed rules and novel-length forms, can intimidate. That is why you should avail yourself of a good immigration attorney to simplify the process and maintain legal status. You can also learn more about the immigration process elsewhere on this site:

• Learn About Immigration
• Citizenship
• Citizenship Test
• Naturalization
• Green Cards

Becoming a U.S. citizen

Living and working legally in the United States is the first step toward citizenship. If you already live in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa or a green card and would like to progress toward citizenship, or if you would like to live and work in the U.S. but do not know how, contact a dedicated citizenship attorney. The law offices of KahBo Dye-Chiew in Honolulu can assist you in any immigration situation.