Imagine that. And 7 were deported and tried again to get back into the U.S. I wonder how many illegal's he has brought into the United States before getting caught? This is what needs to stop. I hope Rodriquez gets the maximum penalty. If they want to come here to make a better life for themselves then do it legally. Explian to me why they won't.

I would be curious to know how the Immigration and Naturalization process works. I am fairly sympathetic to the new immigrants, but I do wonder why so many of them avoid the process... Does anyone on here know?

I sure do...
From the official website USCIS:
You may be eligible for naturalization if you have lived in the United States for at least 5 years as a permanent resident or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen (if you meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen).

General Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
To apply for U.S. citizenship, applicants must:

~Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400
~Have been lawfully admitted to the United States
~Have resided as a permanent resident in the United States for at least 5 years or 3 years if you meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen
~Have demonstrated continuous permanent residence
~Have demonstrated physical presence
~Have lived for 3 months in the USCIS district or state where the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 is filed
~Demonstrate good moral character
~Show an attachment to the U.S. Constitution
~Be able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English
~Demonstrate a knowledge of U.S. civics (history and government)
~Take the oath of allegiance to the United States


From a legal site:

What are the requirements for becoming a naturalized united states citizen?

Generally, there are nine requirements:

An applicant for naturalization must be admitted to the United States as a "lawful permanent resident" commonly referred to as one who possesses "green card" status. There is only one exception to this requirement: If an applicant has served in the U.S. armed forces during war, that person may be naturalized without first becoming a permanent resident if they were in the U.S. upon induction or enlistment into our military.

Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately preceding the applicant's filing for naturalization. Continuous residence is not the same thing as physically present here. That is, one must maintain their status as a "legal permanent resident" but not necessarily be physically inside the borders of the U.S. to accomplish that. For example, if one is overseas for a portion of this period, maintaining an address location and paying one's state and federal taxes may help ensure continuity of residence for this requirement. Also, if overseas for anymore than a few months, it may be advisable to obtain a "travel document" prior to departing. This may be done on INS Form I-131. Only three years "continuous residence" are required if the applicant is filing for naturalization based upon marriage.

Actual physical residence (within the state in which the petition is filed) during at least the three months immediately before filing for naturalization is another requirement.

Physical presence within the U.S. for a total of at least one half of the period of required continuous residence. That is, two and a half years for most applicants and one and a half years for spouses of U.S. Citizens.

The ability to read, write and speak ordinary English unless they are physically unable to do so due to a disability such as being blind or deaf, or suffer from a developmental disability or mental impairment. Those over 50 years old on the date of filing who have lived here for a total of at least 20 years after admission as a permanent resident and those who are over 55 and have been legal permanent residents for at least 15 years are also exempt from this requirement.

A basic understanding the fundamentals of U.S. history and government.

Good moral character and an affinity for the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Continuous residence (but not necessarily physical presence) in the U.S. from the date of filing the naturalization application up to the date of being sworn in as a citizen.

Applicants should be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing. Certain exceptions exist, however, for the children of other permanent residents who are seeking naturalization.

The cost to file:
Filing Fee :
$675 ($595 plus a biometrics fee of $80). Applicants 75 years of age or older are not charged a biometric fee; their fee total is $595. No fee is required for military applicants filing under Section 328 and 329 of the INA.

FYI: if they lose your papaerowrk, or you request an extension for any reason, or they make inquiries, you have to complete the biometric annually until your application is completed, which right now, is taking up to 10 yrs by recent estimations.

I have a friend, who is British, married an American, have a child (who was born in Britain) and has been in the US for 5 yrs. He has paid the $80 every year since he fled for citizenship. Luckily for him, his employer has sponsored him for his work visa or he woudl have been gone about two years ago and would have had to restart the process.
The people with good charater (ie no criminal background) are getting screwed and have to wait longer because of the illegals being processed/prosecuted.

Thanks for putting that up Thompson-- I am learning something today..

I do agree with you comment, "The people with good charater (ie no criminal background) are getting screwed and have to wait longer because of the illegals being processed/prosecuted."

I don't know how they could speed up this process, but they should have a way to do it.