ABC57 sits down with local immigration attorney to discuss the path to citizenship in the U.S.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- For most Hispanic families the path to citizenship is a milestone years in the making.

Not only does it give you the right to vote, but it can also provide a sense of belonging, create better opportunities for children, and keep families together.

Having a Green Card means you can live and work in the United States, but it doesn’t protect people from deportation. Becoming a U.S. Citizen does.

For those thinking about naturalization, local immigration attorney Bashar Saleh says now is the time to start the process.