U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship is a goal of many immigrants who intend to permanently reside in the United States. U.S citizens are guaranteed certain rights and protections that you would not normally get even as a permanent resident with a green card. For instance, in many cases the state can move to deport immigrants through a removal proceeding if you are convicted of an aggravated felony, crime involving moral turpitude, and even certain motor vehicle offenses. However, if you are a U.S. citizen then you are not subject to any of these repercussions. Since citizenship provides individuals with the greatest protections under the law – it is so hard to normally achieve.There are two major ways that U.S. citizenship may be acquired – through birth or naturalization. This includes birth in the United States or territory, birth outside the U.S. to a U.S. parent, by naturalization or by naturalization of a parent while a child is under eighteen years old. Almost all people born within the U.S. will acquire citizenship automatically at birth and cannot lose it involuntarily even if they leave the country immediately afterwards and never return.

Immigration Lawyer for U.S. Citizenship Naturalization

However, for purposes of this material, most individuals will look to obtain citizenship through the naturalization process. The naturalization process is more complicated and involved than just filing some paperwork. The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (the government agency that handles naturalization processing) generally requires that all non-citizens seeking citizenship through naturalization must show proof of residency in the United States for five (5) years after having been granted permanent residence and demonstrate their good moral character, attachment to the country, literacy of the English language, and their knowledge of United States history and principles of our government. This process begins after you file the N-400 application with USCIS. Most applicants will then be summoned to appear at their local district office for examination by an adjudicating officer to show proof of all the requirements. If their review turns up any problems such as certain criminal convictions or even extended periods of time spent outside the United States, you may be disqualified from naturalization or even subject to removal proceedings.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

If you are interested in changing your status from a permanent resident to a U.S. Citizen then contact our office today to speak with an immigration attorney during a free consultation. It is always suggested that you bring all your immigration documents with you – including your green card, travel documents from trips any international trips, your passport, and any records of criminal offenses including arrests, convictions, and even expungements. As your attorneys, our firm will review your eligibility together with you and make a educated and well-informed decision how to proceed. After determining your eligibility, we will professionally prepare all necessary forms, including N-400 or N-600 so that everything is done correctly and in proper order. Moreover, our immigration lawyers will accompany you to your interview and oversee the whole process to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible and that any legal inquires by the adjudication officer are properly addressed so there is no confusion. If you would like to learn more about the naturalization process and how our lawyers can help you, contact our office at (732) 450-8300 to schedule a free consultation with one of our immigration attorneys. We have representatives available 24/7 to answer your call.