RALEIGH  – In part 2 of our sit down interview with Pamela Wilson of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair asked about the changes the Department of Homeland Security has taken to as she mentioned, “better protect the homeland."

Wilson says to become a successful candidate for naturalization, you must have been a legal permanent resident of the country for five years and meet certain strict residency requirements. She says they have increased the e-verify process and broadened the amount of interviews they conduct. 

Wilson says they want to ensure that the correct people are receiving benefits, especially through the 2017 Buy American and Hire American executive order.  She says the process to become a U.S. citizen usually takes around 8 to 16 months, and they expect around 11,000 immigrants to do so this year. 

Wilson also spoke in more detail about the Independence week naturalization ceremonies taking place in Southport, Kinston and Raleigh on July 3 and 4. 

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