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Failing to fill out the proper forms and make the necessary legal steps can really backfire on you - you could get fired or even deported if you don't follow the rules. Many people fail to do this and as a result how long they have lived within the country may come into question. If this happens and they have no documentation to back it up, they might be deported.

1. The I- 485 Form

You can't apply for citizenship without first getting a status of a permanant resident. What you are really looking for is a green card, but in order to get that you need to fill out several forms for the USCIS. The sooner you do this the better. Getting this far is a true accomplishment - there is almost nothing the government can do to deport you at this stage.

2. Your Rights If You Have A Green Card

- You have the right to live in the country and not be deported
- If you leave the country, you can come back in simply by presenting your identification
- You may be employed in any work that is legal
- You may participate in local elections

3. Citizenship In A Nutshell

In order to get your full citizenship, you must have lived in the country for five years without exiting the country. In Canada the terms are more lenient - you can exit the country for a whole year if you like as long as three out of the last four years you spent inside the country.

4. Special Rules For Immigration

If you get married to a citizen or a permanant resident, your legal status can be upgraded to that same level. In order to do this, you must fill out a form and offer a photocopy of your marriage certificate. If you have lived continuously in the U.S. since any time in without leaving the country, you may be awarded citizenship automatically. If you are fleeing a war- torn country and seek protection or refugee status, you can often - but not always - be granted safe immigration to the country.