Citizenship Lawyer in Newark Guiding Clients Through the Process of Obtaining American Citizenship

According to the USCIS, 809,100 people were welcomed as new U.S. Citizens in the fiscal year of 2021 alone. The Newark USCIS office is among the four offices in the nation with the most naturalizations (3.8%) in the country. Becoming a U.S. Citizen is an important milestone in the path of an immigrant. Learn the answers to common questions about the naturalization and immigration process and see how a citizenship lawyer may be able to help you with your immigration status.

Why Should I Consider Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

The decision to apply to become a U.S. Citizen comes with benefits and responsibilities. As a U.S. Citizen, you are required to support and defend the Constitution; respect and obey federal, state, and local laws; pay income taxes and other taxes honestly and on time; participate and contribute to your local community; and defend the country should the need arise, to name a few examples.

In contrast to immigrants, a U.S. Citizen can also enjoy certain benefits and exercise rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to a prompt, fair trial, the right to vote and run for elections, and freedom to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Being a citizen also means you may travel with a U.S. passport, petition to bring family members to the country, and receive other benefits. Unlike legal permanent residency, a U.S. Citizen’s right to remain in the country can never be stripped.

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?

The requirements for naturalization may vary slightly depending on how you obtained your lawful permanent resident immigration status. In general, if you are a lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old, some of the requirements you may need to fulfill include proving that you have been a lawfully admitted resident of the U.S. for the past five years and that you are and have been a person of good moral character within the past five years.

If you gained your lawful residency status by marrying a U.S. Citizen, you may apply for naturalization after having lived in the country with legal immigration status for at least three years and in a marital union with your spouse for at least three years preceding your application date. It is also possible for a child of a U.S. Citizen to obtain citizenship after being born abroad. Check the specific requirements applicable to your situation to verify your eligibility.

What Are the Steps to Apply for Citizenship?

After verifying that you are eligible to become a U.S. Citizen, your first step should be to fill out a form N-400 and collect the necessary supporting documents. You may then submit your form electronically and pay all associated fees. You may be asked to show up to a local USCIS office to have your biometrics taken. Then, you will receive a notice with an interview date and time.

During the interview, you may be asked to complete a naturalization test in which you demonstrate your understanding of the English language and knowledge of the U.S. government and history. Once your interview is completed, the USCIS will send you a letter with a decision letting you know if your application was accepted or denied. Once your application is accepted, you may expect to receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your naturalization ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become an American citizen. You will also receive your Naturalization Certificate at that time.

Do I Need to Hire a Citizenship Lawyer?

While you are not required to hire a nj immigration attorney in order to apply for citizenship, you may find it extremely helpful to do so. A skilled immigration lawyer can guide you through the process and help you prepare your application quickly and efficiently, ensuring it is accurate and complete. At the law firm of the Law Office of Elsy Segovia, P.C., our attorneys have successfully assisted many clients in the process of obtaining their U.S. Citizenship. Contact our law firm in Newark at (973) 622-7775 to see how we our Jersey immigration attorneys can help you.