Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. If you are the child of a U.S. citizen or were born within the United States (including, in most cases, U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you are almost certainly already a U.S. citizen. If you are not yet a U.S. citizen, we would be delighted to assist you in the naturalization process.

 

Benefits of Naturalization

United States citizenship has many advantages. For example, American citizens can sponsor relatives for immigration to the United States, obtain a U.S. passport, remain immune from deportation for criminal convictions, vote for government leaders, apply for high-level government positions, and even run for public office.   However, individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes should NOT apply for naturalization.  If you have ever been convicted of a crime, you should meet with an immigration attorney to discuss whether it is advisable for you to apply to naturalize.

 

 

Who is eligible to apply for naturalization?

Naturalization requirements include:

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Residency: Applicants must be legal permanent residents (LPR) of the United States. Applicants will be required to present an I-551, “Alien Registration Receipt Card,” also known as a “green card,” as proof of their permanent resident status.
  • Physical Presence: At the time of application, applicants must have continuously resided in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents for at least five years. During that five year period, applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least half the time -- 30 of the past 60 months before filing. Any absence from the U.S. between six months and one year breaks the requirements for continuity of residency unless applicants can prove that they did not abandon their residences during that period. Finally, applicants must have resided in a particular state or district for at least three months prior to filing.
  • Good Moral Character: Applicants must prove that they have been people of good moral character during the five years prior to filing. USCIS looks particularly at the five years immediately before filing, examining whether applicants have complied with legal obligations.  The government will examine tax returns, child support payments, selective service registration, court involvement, truthfulness of all statements made on the application, and other evidence of moral character.  However, USCIS does not limit itself to the five-year period when examining the moral character of an applicant. For example, applicants convicted of murder are ineligible for naturalization. Applicants are also considered ineligible if they have been convicted of a variety of lesser crimes during the five years prior to filing. In fact, applying to naturalize may, in some circumstances, alert government authorities to the existence of an old criminal conviction that would made an individual subject to deportation. For this reason, it is essential that any individual with a criminal record carefully review all court and police documents with an immigration lawyer before applying to naturalize.
  • Attachment to the Constitution: Applicants must prove that they are attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States.
  • Language:  Applicants must demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.
  • Knowledge of United States Government and History: Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of United States history and government. 
  • Oath of Allegiance: Applicants must take oaths of allegiance, in which they swear to: (1) support the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States; (2) renounce any foreign allegiances and/or foreign titles; and (3) bear arms in the U.S. armed forces and/or perform non-combatant services to the U.S. government when required.

 

Special Cases

In certain circumstances the eligibility requirements for naturalization may vary.  For example, lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years immediately preceding the filing of the application. Additionally, certain people who have served in the U.S. military for at least three years may be exempt from requirements involving period of residency, physical presence, and residence in a specific district. In both cases, applicants still must fulfill the other requirements discussed above. In addition, elderly or disabled individuals who may not be able to pass the English or history requirements may be eligible for exceptions.

 

The Naturalization Process

Becoming a citizen of the United States usually takes around a year. Although the specifics vary according to case and filing location, the naturalization process follows four steps. The applicant first files Form N-400 and obtains a receipt. Shortly before the interview is scheduled, the applicant will receive a fingerprint notice. After the fingerprints are taken, the applicant attends an interview where he or she takes a test to verify competence in English and knowledge of U.S. government/history. . An immigration official will verify compliance with legal obligations such as payment of taxes and child support, and selective service (draft) registration if required.  If there is any criminal record, that will be carefully examined.After successful completion of the interview, USCIS will issue a notice for an oath ceremony where the applicant will besworn in as a U.S. citizen.

 

Naturalization of Children

If a child under 18 years old is a legal permanent resident when a parent naturalizes, the child may become a U.S. citizen “automatically”.  Children who wish to apply for documentation of their U.S. citizenship may apply for a U.S. passport, and/or the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship,” Form N-600.

 

Benefits of Naturalization

United States citizenship has many advantages. For example, American citizens can sponsor relatives for immigration to the United States, obtain a U.S. passport, remain immune from deportation for criminal convictions, vote for government leaders, apply for high-level government positions, and even run for public office. 

 

How can the Law Offices of Richard S. Bromberg help you?

The Law Office of Richard S. Bromberg has a long history of assisting clients in successfully becoming naturalized citizens of the United States.  Mr. Bromberg and his staff are capable of assisting you in all stages of the naturalization process, including the following:

  • Helping you determine if and when you are eligible to file for naturalization.
  • Assisting you with the accurate and thorough completion of form N-400 with the correct filing fees to the correct location
  • Monitoring the progress of your application and its status with USCIS.
  • Accompanying you to your interview to provide legal support and ensure that the process runs smoothly.
  • Assisting you in securing documentation of citizenship for any eligible children.
  • Preparing you for the interview.

Once you become a citizen, our office can also assist you in sponsoring relatives for immigration to the United States.


Further Sources of Information

USCIS Naturalization Homepage

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

A Guide to Naturalization

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/guide.htm

Naturalization FAQs

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/faq.htm

 

The content of this website is meant only to acquaint you with general information about immigration.This information is not legal advice and is not a substitute for having a consultation with an attorney. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.