U.S. Citizenship And Naturalization Lawyer Services
At Consumer Law Group, our immigration attorneys can help you become a U.S. citizen by helping you complete the application process and obtain a certificate of naturalization. Becoming a naturalized citizen can be a long and demanding process. Our team of highly trained immigration lawyers is here to assist you throughout the naturalization process. Benefits of working with our firm include the following:
- Our team of immigration lawyers represents clients across the nation to help anyone seeking citizenship.
- With our proven track record stemming from over 300 years of combined experience, you can rest assured that our immigration lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to achieve the outcome you deserve.
- We provide services in both English and Spanish so that you can speak with our immigration lawyers in a language you’re comfortable with.
Understanding U.S. Citizenship And What It Means
United States citizenship is a status that provides you with certain benefits, rights and duties and gives you the ability to vote and participate in jury duty in the U.S. What this means is that you can fully enjoy the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Some of the benefits of becoming an American citizen include:
- Having the ability to vote
- Getting priority to petition to bring family members to the U.S.
- Obtaining and traveling with a U.S. passport
- Having the ability to become an elected official
- Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad
- Becoming eligible for a federal job
- Traveling abroad without limitations as to the amount of time you can be outside of the United States
However, with these benefits come a variety of responsibilities, such as:
- Serving the U.S. when required
- Supporting and defending the Constitution and laws of the U.S.
- Swearing allegiance to the United States
At Consumer Law Group, our dedicated immigration lawyers are here to work on your behalf to help you enjoy the benefits and responsibilities that come with being an American citizen.
Common Problems Encountered When Striving To Become An American Citizen
There are various problems you can encounter that can prevent you from becoming an American citizen. Some of the most common issues include:
- Owing back taxes to the IRS
- Marriage issues, when USCIS officials pry into your personal life to determine whether your marriage is legitimate
- Concerns with your moral character, such as having a criminal record or lying during the immigration application process
- Completing and filing your documents incorrectly
To avoid these problems, reach out to our team of citizenship lawyers to ensure your best chances of becoming an American citizen.
Do you need a lawyer for citizenship?
No, you do not need a U.S. immigration lawyer to apply for citizenship. However, seeking legal assistance to help you file your Application for Naturalization can ensure that every component is filled out correctly. When seeking an immigration attorney, it’s important that you find one who is authorized to provide this kind of help. At Consumer Law Group, our attorneys are all qualified to help you on your path to becoming a citizen. From communicating with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about your case to explaining the different immigration options you have, our lawyers are here for you.
In some cases, you may wonder whether you need a lawyer for your citizenship interview. While it’s not always necessary, a citizenship lawyer can help you if you are associated with certain legal issues. Before you attend your interview, our citizenship attorneys can analyze your case – whether it involves you having something on your track record or having a disability that limits your ability to learn English – so that they can protect your rights and explain your case to the USCIS officer.
How much does a citizenship and naturalization lawyer cost?
The cost of an immigration lawyer for citizenship is unique to each client and depends on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of your case, your lawyer’s skill and experience and the number of hours required to complete your case. At Consumer Law Group, we strive to provide affordable rates so that you can get the high-quality legal representation you deserve.
What are the eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
In order to become a U.S. citizen, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. The general requirements most immigrants need to meet in order to become a naturalized citizen include:
- Must be 18 years of age or older when filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Must have the ability to read, write and speak basic English
- Must be a person of good moral character
- Must take and pass the U.S. naturalization test
- Must be a permanent resident in the United States for at least five years, or three years if they meet all of the eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Must demonstrate a continuous permanent residence and physical presence
- Must live in the U.S. or USCIS district for at least three months before filing Form N-400
- Must demonstrate an attachment to the ideals and principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Must demonstrate basic knowledge of U.S. history, civic principles and government
- Must take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Becoming a United States citizen isn’t always an easy process. Depending on your circumstances, you may have different eligibility requirements to meet. To ensure that you have the best chances of becoming a naturalized citizen, speak with one of our experienced citizenship lawyers to get started on your application today.
How do you become a U.S. citizen?
To become an American citizen, there are a few steps you need to take. The standard process of becoming a U.S. citizen goes as follows:
- Determine whether you are already a U.S. citizen
- Determine if you meet all of the eligibility requirements to become an American citizen
- Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- File Form N-400 and pay your fees
- Attend your biometrics appointment, if applicable
- Complete your citizenship interview
- Review your decision from USCIS on your Form N-400
- Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
However, there are alternate routes to becoming a U.S. citizen. In total, there are four ways you can become a U.S. citizen, with one being through naturalization. Aside from naturalization, you can also become a U.S. citizen through:
- Marriage
- Parents
- Military
At Consumer Law Group, our naturalization lawyers will work with you to determine which option is best for your situation.
How much does it cost to become an American citizen?
To become an American citizen, you will need to pay a $640 filing fee. In addition to the filing fee, you may need to pay the $85 biometric fee, bringing your total to $725. Applicants who are 75 years of age or older are not required to pay the biometric fee.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
The time it takes to become a U.S. citizen varies on a case-by-case basis. However, in most instances, it can take anywhere between six months and one year. This is because there are multiple steps to complete, such as filing your Form N-400, attending your citizenship interview, passing your naturalization test and so forth. If your citizenship request is denied, then you will have to start the process all over again.
Can your citizenship be revoked?
In some instances, your citizenship can be revoked through a process called denaturalization. Although rare, you can have your U.S. citizenship stripped away, and you will be deported. Some instances in which your citizenship can be revoked include:
- Obtaining naturalization illegally
- Concealing material facts or having willful misrepresentation
- Having membership or affiliation with certain organizations, such as a terrorist organization or the Communist party
What documents do you need?
There are three documents all citizenship applicants must send in with their N-400 application:
- Photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card
- Check, money order or credit card information for the application and biometric services fees
- Two identical color photographs with your name and Alien Registration Number written lightly on the back of each photo if you reside outside of the U.S.
In addition to these documents, you may need to submit other pieces of paperwork in situations such as the following:
- If an attorney or accredited representative acts on your behalf, then you must send a completed original Form G-28
- If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, then you must send four documents:
- Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years (for example, their birth certificate or certificate of naturalization)
- Current marriage certificate
- Proof of termination to all prior marriages of your spouse (such as divorce decrees or death certificates)
- Documents that refer to you and your spouse (for example, tax returns, bank accounts or leases)
At Consumer Law Group, our immigration attorneys for citizenship can help you figure out what documents you need to apply for American citizenship.
What Are Common Citizenship Test Questions?
To become a U.S. citizen, you must take and pass the citizenship test. The English portion of the test goes as follows:
- Ability to speak will be determined by the USCIS officer during your eligibility interview
- Ability to read will be determined by correctly reading the sentences out loud
- Ability to write will be determined by correctly writing out one of three sentences
In addition to the English portion of the test, you must complete the civics portion, where there will be 10 out of 100 possible questions. You must answer six of the 10 questions correctly. While you can never predict what civics questions will be asked, some common questions include:
- What is the supreme law of the land? (Answer: the Constitution)
- What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution? (Answer: the Bill of Rights)
- Name one branch of government (Answers: legislative, executive, judicial)
- We elect a president for how many years? (Answer: four years)
- What is the highest court in the United States? (Answer: the Supreme Court)
- How old do citizens have to be to vote for president? (Answer: 18 or older)
- What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? (Answer: Africans)
- Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? (Answer: Thomas Jefferson)
- What movement tried to end racial discrimination? (Answer: the Civil Rights Movement)
Let Consumer Law Group Help You With Your U.S. Citizenship And Naturalization Needs Today!
You’re not alone. Call upon our experienced immigration attorneys for help now by contacting us online or calling 312-766-7777.