Citizenship Lawyer

Citizenship Lawyer

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a proud moment for many immigrants, but the path to citizenship can be complex. At ARM Lawyers, our citizenship lawyer helps clients navigate their citizenship and naturalization process, ensuring that each step is completed accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re seeking to apply for citizenship through marriage, length of permanent residence, military service, or another route, our expert immigration legal team provides the guidance you need.

Call today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our citizenship lawyer, Lauren Allu.

Understanding U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

U.S. citizenship can be obtained in several ways. While some individuals are born in the United States or automatically acquire citizenship through their parents, many immigrants must go through naturalization—the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Some Key Benefits of U.S. Citizenship:

• Voting Rights: Participate in federal, state, and local elections.
• U.S. Passport: Travel internationally with fewer restrictions and consular protection abroad.
• Eligibility for Federal Employment: Some government jobs require U.S. citizenship.
• Protection from Deportation: Citizens generally cannot be removed from the U.S.
• Family Reunification: Sponsor more family members for permanent residence with fewer wait times.

Our citizenship lawyer can help ensure you fully understand these benefits and guide you through the entire naturalization journey.

Eligibility for Naturalization

To apply for naturalization, you generally must meet the following criteria:

1. Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card Status):
   • Typically, you must be a green card holder for at least 5 years.
   • If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify after 3 years of permanent residence.
2. Continuous Residence and Physical Presence:
   • Applicants must continuously reside in the U.S. and meet physical presence requirements (usually half of the required residency period).
3. Good Moral Character:
   • USCIS reviews criminal and personal history, looking for any behavior that might reflect negatively on “good moral character” during the statutory period.
4. English Language and Civics Knowledge:
   • Most applicants must pass a test on U.S. history and government (civics) and demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
   • Exceptions and waivers exist for certain age, disability, or other qualifying factors.
5. Oath of Allegiance:
   • Applicants pledge allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and renounce allegiance to other nations.

Our citizenship lawyer will evaluate your specific circumstances and help determine if you meet these qualifications.

The Naturalization Process

While each case is unique, the naturalization process commonly involves these steps:

1. Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):
   • This form collects information on your personal history, residency, employment, and other factors determining eligibility.
2. Biometrics Appointment:
   • USCIS may schedule fingerprinting and a background check at a local Application Support Center.
3. Interview and Exams:
   • You’ll attend an in-person interview at a local USCIS field office, during which you typically:
     • Answer questions about your application and background.
     • Take the English and civics tests (unless exempt or waived).
4. Decision on Application:
   • USCIS either approves, continues (requests additional evidence or rescheduling), or denies your application.
   • If approved, you move on to the final step.
5. Oath Ceremony and Certificate of Naturalization:
   • You take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.

Our citizenship lawyer ensures each of these stages is handled with care, minimizing mistakes and delays.

Common Forms in the Citizenship Process

Naturalization generally involves the following forms and documents:

• Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):
  • The primary form for most individuals seeking citizenship.
  • Requires detailed personal history, residence, and travel records.
• Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship):
  • Used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for those who automatically acquire or derive citizenship through U.S. citizen parents.
• Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card):
  • In some cases, you may need to renew or replace your green card before applying for naturalization if it’s expired or expiring soon.
• Supporting Evidence:
  • Green Card, Passport, Marriage Certificate, Tax Returns, and any other documents proving eligibility, continuous residence, and good moral character.

A citizenship lawyer can advise which forms apply to your circumstances and ensure you submit a complete and accurate application package.

Timeline and Processing of Naturalization

Naturalization processing times vary due to factors such as USCIS office backlogs, your case complexity, and background checks:

• Form N-400 Review:
  • Application review can take several months, depending on the USCIS service center or local field office.
• Biometrics Appointment:
  • Typically scheduled within a few weeks or months after filing.
• Interview Scheduling:
  • Interviews often occur 6–12 months (or more) after filing, depending on the workload at your local office.
• Oath Ceremony:
  • If approved, the oath ceremony may take place on the same day or be scheduled a few weeks later.

Your citizenship lawyer can provide an estimated timeframe based on local processing trends and stay in touch with USCIS to handle any unexpected delays.

Appeals and Requests for Reconsideration

If USCIS denies your application, you have options:

• Form N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings):
  • File this to appeal the denial of your N-400 application.
  • You’ll have a new hearing with a different USCIS officer who reviews the case.
• Refiling and Addressing Deficiencies:
  • Sometimes refiling the application with stronger evidence or after rectifying issues (e.g., insufficient residency, tax obligations) can be more practical.

Our citizenship attorney can assess why your application was denied and recommend the most effective strategy for moving forward.

Why Choose ARM Lawyers as Your Citizenship Lawyer

When you partner with ARM Lawyers:

• Expert Legal Knowledge: Our citizenship attorney understands the full scope of U.S. immigration law, including naturalization nuances and potential pitfalls.
• Personalized Strategy: We tailor every application to your unique profile, ensuring all forms are meticulously prepared.
• Efficient Problem-Solving: Should complications or requests for evidence arise, we respond promptly and strategically.
• Ongoing Support: From the initial consultation to your oath ceremony, we’re by your side, answering questions and advocating for your interests.

Contact Our Citizenship Lawyer Today

Ready to begin your journey to U.S. citizenship? ARM Lawyers is here to help. We’ll review your eligibility, compile essential documents, and guide you through every stage of the citizenship & naturalization process with confidence and care.

Get Started:

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our citizenship lawyer. Let us help you achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.