Citizenship Attorney Lombard

Citizenship Attorney Lombard

Becoming a United States citizen is something many immigrants look to once they have migrated into the country. This is possible under current US immigration laws if one meets the eligibility criteria. However, as many applicants for citizenship often find out, meeting the eligibility criteria is one thing but getting approved for citizenship is quite a different matter. Many applications for citizenship are denied for various reasons. Our citizenship attorney in Lombard can help you in making sure that is not the case if you are eligible and seek to become a United States citizen.

Eligibility for Naturalization

One becomes a citizen by birth or through what is referred to as the “naturalization process.” This is a process that involves submitting Form N-400 Application for Naturalization to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the applicable fee. To apply for naturalization, one must meet the following requirements:

You must:

• Be 18 years old or older when you submit the application.
• Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder) for the past three or five years prior to your application, depending on which category of naturalization you seek citizenship
• Have continuously lived and have been physically present in the U.S.
• Be able to speak, read, and write basic English
• Be a person of good moral character
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
• Show loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Steps in Naturalization Process

Once you have submitted your application for naturalization, the following steps will take place as part of the naturalization process:

1. Biometrics. If you are required to take biometrics, you will receive an appointment notice from USCIS, which will provide you with the date, time, and location where you should go for your biometrics appointment. It is important that you keep this appointment; otherwise, failure to do so will derail your naturalization process until you have rescheduled and have the biometrics done.
2. Interview. Once all the preliminary screening and background checks are done in your case, USCIS will schedule an interview for you to complete the naturalization process. You must go to the USCIS office on the date and time you are given on your appointment notice. 
3. Decision. Once the interview is done, USCIS will send you a decision by mail. There are three possible decisions: approval, continuance, or denial. If the N-400 and evidence you submitted establish that you are eligible for naturalization and this is verified during your interview, your application will be approved. If additional information is needed at the time you appear for your interview, your application will be continued, and you’ll be asked to provide that information. If the N-400 and the evidence you provide do not prove your eligibility for naturalization, your application will be denied.
4. Oath of Allegiance. Taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States is the last step in the nebulization process, and only after this is done does one become a U.S. citizen.  

If you are in the Lombard area and seek naturalization, contact us today and request a consultation.