Naturalization Lawyer in Newark Guiding Clients Through the Steps to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a citizen is an important decision for any immigrant, and it comes with both rights and responsibilities. Learn how the naturalization process works and see why working with a naturalization lawyer may be in your best interest.

What Is the Difference Between Citizenship and Naturalization?

Citizenship is the legal status and relationship of a person to a state. A citizen is a person who is granted full rights and responsibilities in connection to their membership to a nation, and their citizenship status can be obtained through acquisition or naturalization.

Acquisition of citizenship usually occurs by birth (where one or both parents are U.S. Citizens), whereas naturalization is the process undergone by a foreign-born citizen who is a legal permanent resident in the U.S. and who wishes to become an American Citizen. Those wishing to obtain citizenship through naturalization must fulfill a series of legal requirements set forth in the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).

What Are the Steps to the Naturalization Application Process?

In order to begin the naturalization process, you must first determine if you are eligible. Some of the requirements include being at least 18 years old and having lived in the country as a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years (when married to a U.S. Citizen) or 5 years, being a person of good moral character, meeting residency requirements and being willing to support the Constitution of the United States. The USCIS offers several resources online to help you determine eligibility.

Once you’ve determined that you fulfill the requirements for naturalization, you may submit form N-400 Application for Naturalization along with any required supporting documents and pay all associated fees. Some applicants may be asked to show up at a biometrics appointment to have their fingerprints taken. Then, the USCIS will mail you a letter with the date, time, and place of your naturalization interview. Besides answering questions concerning their personal history, the applicant may also be asked to demonstrate basic knowledge of English and U.S. History and Government. After the interview is completed, you will receive a decision in the mail. If the USCIS determines you are eligible for naturalization, you will receive a letter scheduling your naturalization ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. Citizen. You will also turn in your green card and receive your naturalization certificate.

What Are My Rights as a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

Becoming an American citizen means now you will be given a series of constitutional rights and duties. For starters, only citizens are allowed to vote during elections, serve on a federal jury, and apply for certain federal jobs. All U.S. Citizens have the right to live and work in the United States, and their right to residency cannot be taken away. You will also have certain constitutional rights, such as the right to freedom of speech and religion and the right to a prompt, fair trial by a jury.

In contrast, you will also be required to fulfill certain duties. Those include supporting and defending the constitution, participating in the democratic process, paying your income taxes or any other taxes owed in an honest manner and on time, and defending the United States against its enemies if the need arises.

Do I Need an Attorney in Order to Apply for Naturalization?

Naturalization is the final step in the long journey an immigrant must take to work and reside in the United States legally. While working with an attorney is not required for naturalization, hiring one can help ensure your naturalization process goes smoothly without any unnecessary delays or preventable mistakes.

At the Law Office of Elsy Segovia, P.C., our team of naturalization lawyers takes pride in helping countless legal permanent residents cross this important finish line and become American citizens. If you are thinking about applying for naturalization or have questions, call our Newark, New Jersey office at (973) 622-7775 to learn more about how we can help you.