Citizenship Attorney Elmhurst

Citizenship Attorney Elmhurst

The citizenship process is one of the greatest privileges in which an immigrant could participate. After obtaining a green card and meeting certain requirements, it is now time to obtain the great honor of being an American citizen and all of the benefits that come with it. When you become an American citizen, you are able to:

• Vote
• Obtain an American passport
• Bring family members to the U.S.

For additional information about naturalization, contact a citizenship attorney in Elmhurst. 

The Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

Before you even begin the citizenship process, there are certain criteria that you must fulfill. For example:

• You must have resided continuously in the United States for 3-5 years, depending on the circumstances. You must have physically present in the United States for 18-30 months, depending on the circumstances.
• You must have had a green card for 3-5 years, depending on the circumstances.
• There is an in-person interview that you must attend.
• You must speak English and pass a civics exam.

While many will tell you that the citizenship process is the easy part and getting the right to be in the U.S. in the first place is the most difficult, you need to take the naturalization process seriously. Any error in your paperwork could cause delays in the process and cause USCIS to ask questions. 

Possible Holdups in the Citizenship Process

Even if you meet the legal requirements, citizenship is not automatic. There are reasons why the government may oppose your application. The government has recently expanded the circumstances under which it could try to deny you citizenship. For example:

• The government may claim that you are not of good moral character based on a crime that you may have committed. Not every single crime would disqualify you for citizenship.
• You could owe back taxes to the federal government.
• You might owe back child support.
• USCIS could argue that extensive foreign travel during your residency period makes you untrustworthy.

The reasons for denying citizenship can be pretty broad as USCIS may take an expansive view of the “good moral character” requirement. Their word is not the final say. If USCIS indicates that it may deny your application, you have the right to be heard in person. First, you could resolve their questions, and they may drop any potential opposition. Second, you may be able to gain citizenship at a hearing in front of an immigration judge. Your citizenship attorney could help present your case for why you should be naturalized. 

The end goal is for you to obtain your naturalization certificate that proves you are a citizen after you take the treasured oath of citizenship. It is better not to leave anything to chance in the process. You need a trusted lawyer to advise you throughout the process who would be ready to step in and help if there are any bumps in the road.

Experienced Elmhurst Citizenship Lawyers

For help with naturalization and your other immigration matters, contact the lawyers at Minsky McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. We are here to answer your questions in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.