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Email Us NowProviding Legal Representation to Assist Clients With the Citizenship and Naturalization Process
Naturalization is a legal term in immigration law that refers to individuals becoming U.S. citizens. The naturalization process can be quite complicated and challenging for individuals to try and navigate independently.
However, individuals who hire naturalization lawyers to assist them with changing their status from a green card holder to a U.S. citizen typically fare better than those who try to handle their cases without legal representation.
Additionally, if you wish to become a United States citizen but have legal issues that stem from illegal residency, you will need an experienced immigration lawyer on your side. The Element Law Firm, PC of Southern California, has a proven record of being able to help clients with a wide range of immigration and naturalization legal needs.
If you want to learn more about how our legal team can assist you in obtaining permanent residency, contact our law offices and ask to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone call. Our knowledgeable naturalization lawyer will review your legal options and determine what options are available.
Why Should I Hire a Naturalization Lawyer to Help Me Obtain United States Citizenship?
It is no secret that the quest to obtain U.S. citizenship is a very involved and lengthy process. However, many individuals often make the mistake of trying to address naturalization issues without the help of an experienced lawyer.
Nevertheless, anyone seeking to change their legal status from green card holder to U.S. citizen must hire a lawyer to ensure the process goes smoothly and their rights are protected.
Many green card holders looking to obtain U.S. citizenship are often faced with unexpected challenges that require the assistance of a naturalization lawyer. For example, citizenship applications that are filled out incorrectly, lack information, or are inconsistent with previous petitions may result in unnecessary denials. Other issues that can hinder the naturalization process include unpaid taxes or arrests.
The Element Law Firm, PC, understands the legal complexities of the naturalization process. However, our extensive experience with immigration law helps us continue to achieve favorable results for our clients.
Contact our law offices to schedule a consultation with our naturalization lawyer, who can answer your questions and explain the benefits of having legal representation.
What are the Naturalization Requirements to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Qualifying individuals born abroad to a parent who is a U.S. citizen automatically acquire U.S. citizenship. However, for those who are foreign nationals, they must successfully meet the criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
To qualify for U.S. citizenship, applicants must meet specific legal criteria including:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- The applicant is of good moral character.
- The applicant must have been a permanent resident of the U.S. and maintained continuous residence in the country for 5 years. However, this requirement may be waived for those who have special circumstances.
- The applicant lived in the district where they are applying for three months.
- The applicant has maintained a physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the mandatory 5-year period.
- The applicant can speak, read, and write basic English.
- The applicant verifies they know basic U.S. history and civics.
- The applicant is willing to adhere to the principles and ideals outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
There are many benefits associated with becoming a U.S. citizen rather than just having a permanent residence, which includes the right to vote, the ability to sponsor relatives, and the right to hold a U.S. passport.
Our citizenship attorney of the Element Law Firm, PC, can help you determine if naturalization is the best option for your situation and how we can assist you.
What is Involved in the Naturalization Process?
Several steps must be followed before an individual can begin the naturalization process. Many individuals have been granted permanent residency, also described as having a green card. Although an individual may become a permanent resident in several ways, the two most common are family or employment-based immigration.
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may be required to wait three to 5 years before you become eligible to apply for naturalization.
The basic steps involved in naturalization include:
- Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Attend a mandatory biometric appointment for fingerprinting.
- Attend a naturalization interview with an immigration officer and pass an examination determining the applicant’s basic English, U.S. history, and civics knowledge.
- Once all legal requirements have been met, the applicant will attend a Naturalization Oath Ceremony, where they will receive a naturalization certificate.
Typically, applicants must submit to the exam to demonstrate their proficiency in English; some individuals may be exempt and permitted to take the test in their native language.
Due to the complexities involved with the naturalization process, it is always best to hire an experienced citizenship lawyer who can provide legal guidance and determine any issues that could be problematic.
Why Should I Trust Your Law Firm to Help Me Through the Naturalization Process?
The Element Law Firm, PC, has a proven track record of being able to help individuals in San Diego and the surrounding areas through the naturalization process. Unlike other naturalization lawyers who often focus on profits rather than helping individuals, our legal team takes the time necessary to ensure our clients have the resources they need to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Our naturalization lawyer will gladly sit down with you to evaluate your case so that we can determine whether there are legal issues that could cause your application to be delayed or denied. Some examples include illegal residency, arrests, or other legal issues that may raise red flags with immigration officials.
Contact the law offices of Element Law Firm, PC of Southern California, at 760-642-6111 and ask to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your pathway to citizenship.