Can a non-US citizen work in criminal justice in the US? If you are interested in learning more follow along!
Those who emigrate to the United States from other countries have every opportunity that any US citizen would have. The workforce in America is filled with people working on visas or green cards. These residents will become US citizens in the future, but they must have work opportunities when they arrive in America.
Featured Schools
A career in criminal justice is not out of the question for someone who has not obtained citizenship, but the proper procedures must be followed. This article explains how a resident citizen of the United States may begin their work in criminal justice.
1. Maintain Proper Citizenship Status
Every worker who wishes to remain in America must maintain their citizenship status according to their present visa. You need a visa to be a student, but you must update that visa when required. The visa does not change until you begin working, and you must keep your work visa up-to-date once you find a job. This is the background work you must do as you work towards your goal of working in law enforcement.
2. Have A Naturalized Citizenship Goal
Your employer is likely to ask when you will become a naturalized citizen. You must work with the INS to find out when you will be eligible to become a US citizen. Everyone who comes to America has a chance to become a citizen, but you must have specific documentation that says when you will become a citizen.
3. Enroll In School
You cannot find a job in criminal justice without getting your criminal justice degree. You may take classes online, or you can go to a traditional college. criminal justice degree is a common program for most universities, and you will have your choice of schools to attend.
You must get a four-year degree that is approved by a local accrediting body. Every college in America must have accreditation from a company that issues certificates to school systems and colleges. You may find this information on the website of any college you wish to attend, and you will find accreditation information for the criminal justice department at the school.
Your school must train you in all areas of criminal justice, but you must find the coursework enjoyable. A school that teaches courses you have no interest in will not help you become the law enforcement officer you want to be. Review several course catalogs before you come to a decision on which school to attend. The school you find most enjoyable will likely teach you more.
4. Get As Much Experience As Possible
Criminal justice students must work as much as they can when they attend school. A student who is here in a work visa may take many different internships during their criminal justice degree program. A student visa allows for internships, and students will learn more doing work in the criminal justice world. Ensure that you are applying for internships that fall under the provisions of the student visa you carry.
Internships are available with court clerks, coroners, police departments and federal programs. Students can work a few hours a week in a setting that may be their full-time job in the future. There are many students vying for these internships, but large cities have a bevy of these internships for citizens and legal residents.
5. Apply Properly
Every application you complete after college must contain all the proper information. You are not a naturalized citizen, but you have citizenship information that you may use on your application. Every department has its own requirements for citizenship, and you must read their policies before applying.
Applications for criminal justice jobs are extensive, and you must go through a background check. The check will reveal your immigration status, and you must have all your documents together before you go in for an interview. The law enforcement agency that you apply with will check to ensure they are not liable for employing someone who is not documented by the government.
6. Continue Your Citizenship Plans
Do not stall your citizenship plans when you find the right job. Your job may be contingent on obtaining citizenship in the proper time, and you must work with your employer to ensure they know where you are in the process. Anyone in America can hold any job if they are not a naturalized citizen, but you may need to show that you are close to becoming a citizen before someone hires you.
7. Help Others
Legal residents of the United States must use their experiences to help illegal aliens they meet during their work in law enforcement. The unique experience you gain as a legal resident who gained citizenship will help those who do not know how to get their citizenship completed. You will know people in the system who understand how to help those you run across. Many aliens in America are kicked to the curb because no one understands their plight, but you know how you might help these people with their citizenship.
Your pursuit of a criminal justice job is not lost because you are not a natural citizen of America. You have avenues you may take to gain your citizenship, and you must follow those paths when getting your education. Your new job may be based on your intention to become a US citizen, and you must work hard to help those in need once you are employed.
Related:
