U.S. Citizenship

Our US Citizenship Lawyer Can Guide Your Path to U.S. Citizenship

When you decide to become a U.S. citizen, choosing to work with a seasoned US citizenship attorney is crucial. The journey to U.S. citizenship, while rewarding, involves complex legal processes that can become daunting without proper guidance. As reported by the Department of Homeland Security in the first quarter of 2024, over 10% of naturalization petitions were denied, with some jurisdictions experiencing denial rates as high as 25%*.

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Understanding U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship can be obtained by birth, through derivation, or by naturalization. Once obtained, U.S. citizenship allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently without losing your status due to extended travel abroad. Among the many benefits, U.S. citizens enjoy the privilege of voting in elections and can petition for permanent resident status for their parents, spouses, children, and siblings.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must typically meet the following requirements:

Residency: Most applicants need to have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least five years. However, this period is reduced to three years for those married to U.S. citizens. Members of the military and veterans may qualify even sooner under special provisions.
Physical Presence and Continuity of Residence: Applicants must demonstrate physical presence in the U.S. for a specified period and should not have long stretches of time outside the U.S.
Good Moral Character: This includes adherence to all U.S. laws. Criminal records, such as shoplifting or DUIs, can impact your eligibility.
Language and Civic Knowledge: You must pass exams in U.S. government, history, and civics and demonstrate the ability to speak, read, and write English. Exceptions are made based on age, duration of permanent residency, or medical conditions.

Potential Challenges in the Naturalization Process

Applying for U.S. citizenship allows USCIS to thoroughly review your immigration history. This scrutiny can lead to issues if discrepancies or past violations are uncovered, potentially resulting in the denial of your application or, in severe cases, deportation. Denial rate statistics by USCIS.

Common Challenges Include:

Extended Absences from the U.S.: Spending long periods outside the U.S. can interrupt your continuity of residence, jeopardizing your eligibility.
Criminal History: Any criminal record can be a significant barrier to naturalization. It is crucial to consult with a citizenship lawyer who can advise on potential impacts and remedial steps.
Complex Family Situations: Issues such as multiple marriages or errors in previous applications can complicate your application.

How Our US Citizenship Lawyers Help

At our law firm, we understand the stakes are incredibly high when applying for U.S. citizenship. Our dedicated US citizenship lawyers provide comprehensive support throughout your naturalization process:

Personalized Consultation: We assess your unique situation, including reviewing your immigration history and any potential risk factors that could affect your application.
Preparation and Representation: From preparing all necessary documentation to representing you in interactions with USCIS, we handle all aspects of your application.
Addressing Complex Issues: Our attorneys are experienced in resolving complex issues, from criminal records to previous immigration violations, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Secure Your U.S. Citizenship with Confidence

Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship is a profound step toward securing a permanent future in the United States. With the right guidance and support from our expert US citizenship attorneys, you can complete your immigration journey with confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a U.S. citizen, contact us today for expert legal assistance and start building your future in the U.S.

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What are the basic eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?

To be eligible for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old, have permanent resident status for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., demonstrate good moral character, pass English and U.S. history and government tests, and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

How long does the naturalization process typically take?

The naturalization process can vary but typically takes between 8 to 12 months from the time you file Form N-400 to when you receive a decision. The timeline can vary based on your location and current USCIS processing times.

Can I apply for naturalization if I have spent time outside the United States?

Yes, but you must meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. Generally, you should not have trips outside the U.S. that last 6 months or more without prior authorization, as this may disrupt your continuous residence..

What happens if I fail the naturalization test?

If you fail the English or civics test during your initial interview, you will be given a second chance and can be retested on the portion of the test that you failed between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview.

How can I prepare for the naturalization interview?

Prepare by reviewing the USCIS study materials for the civics and English tests available on the USCIS website. Also, gather and organize all of the documents that you submitted with your N-400 application, as you will need to verify this information during your interview. Our US citizenship attorneys will guide you through the process.

Do I need to renew my Green Card if it has expired before I apply for citizenship?

You can apply for citizenship with an expired Green Card. However, you should still renew your Green Card to avoid issues with proving your lawful permanent resident status during the naturalization process, especially if you need to travel internationally or prove your status for employment.