I also recently became a naturalized citizen. The complete immigration process for me took place over a 20 year period, from the time I first started seriously researching it till I became a citizen. I eventually won a place in a Green Card Lottery. There is a misconception in this country that this means you win a green card. Actually it means that you win the ability to apply for one under circumstances under which you would not normally be eligable. Amongst the documentation you must bring to your interview at the US consulate in your home country is...

Birth Certificate.
Full educational certificiation.
Employment records proving employment in a job requiring at least two years training for a length of time before you apply (I forget that time period now).
Any military records if you were ever in the military in your home country.
Police records from any country in which you have lived prior to applying for the visa.
Twelve months bank records including all account transactions and a written explanation for any unusually large deposits within that time period.
Proof that you will not be a burden on the State or taxpayers in the US.
This last if I remember correctly essentialy means you have to prove to the interviewing officer that you have sufficient funds to support youself when in the US. Given the exchange rate of most countries vs the USA and the fact that the required amount is never specified this is truly flying blind.
Medical tests by specified doctors proving no TB, HIV, or various other diseases.
Then of course you have to pay the visa processing fees. I think they were around $400.00 or so total back when I applied.

This entitles you to travel to the US and apply to enter the country at your port of entry. It does not actually allow you to enter the US. Only if your passport is stamped during your INS interview when you get off the plane are you actually able to recieve a green card.

Then after living in the US for five trouble free years you may apply for naturalization.

I will say that during the entire process I actually found all my dealings with the INS and the US government at all levels to be remarkably efficient and almost pleasant. You do have to make sure all your papework is in order, but then given the gravitas of the activity you are engaged in I would assume that is something all immigrants automatically realise right ?

This has finally culminated for me in my g/f and I buying a house into which we are now moving and we shall be married in the near future.

As I said it was over all a 20 year process for me. For many it does not take nearly that long. I have my own first hand understanding of desiring to leave a 3rd wrld shthl...
but I have precious little tolerance for those who seek to jump the queue for whatever reason.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S