Addison Citizenship Attorney

Addison Citizenship Attorney

Many individuals who become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in the United States ultimately desire to also become U.S. citizens. The process by which one becomes a U.S. citizen other than by birth is known as the naturalization process. At Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, we have experienced immigration lawyers who help Addison clients successfully navigate the naturalization process, which can be daunting and frustrating at times.

Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship

To be eligible for citizenship through the naturalization process, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time you file your application for citizenship.
• Have held status as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for three or five years, depending on the basis for your application for naturalization.
• Have been continually present physically in the United States and continually maintained residency in the country.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Show good moral character.
• Show knowledge of basic U.S. history and government.
• Show loyalty to the U.S. Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Applying for Citizenship

Applying for U.S. citizenship is accomplished by first filing an accurately and fully completed Form N-400 Application for Naturalization with USCIS. You will also need to attach supporting documents and pay a processing fee.

Once a properly filed application is received by USCIS, you will receive a Receipt Notice acknowledging receipt of your application. You may also receive a letter to go and have your biometrics taken at the nearest USCIS Application Support Center. If necessary, you may also receive notice for an interview at a USCIS office serving your area. 

Although processing an application for citizenship may be routine, there are many situations where things get complicated, and applications are often rejected or denied if the applicant fails to address legal and factual issues that adversely affect their eligibility.

What a Naturalization Attorney Can Do for You

There are many reasons why an application for citizenship through naturalization may be rejected or denied, starting with a basic one such as simply filing an incomplete application package or filing one missing all required information. While it is possible to refile a rejected application due to incompleteness, doing so results in unnecessary delay in the naturalization process, which is already long in normal processing.

A properly filed and complete application can also be denied for reasons that are substantive such as the applicant not being eligible or denial as a matter of discretion if the applicant has moral character issues USCIS deems not deserving grant of citizenship. One of the most common substantive reasons an application for citizenship is denied has to do with a failure of the applicant to meet their financial responsibilities related to child support or paying taxes.

Speak with an Addison Citizenship Attorney

In all these scenarios and potential reasons for denial, an experienced immigration attorney can help guide you in how to address these issues ahead of your application such that by the time you file your application, the issues will no longer be issues USCIS can use to deny your application.

If you are in the Addison area and want to seek U.S. citizenship, contact our office today for a consultation.