Becoming a United States citizen is a substantial achievement, offering security, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. For many people, it is the achievement of a lifelong dream. However, the naturalization process could be complex. It has strict requirements and plenty of obstacles that could interfere with the process along the way. While mistakes may be natural, the consequences of those mistakes could be severe, with delays, denials, or even the risk of losing legal status.
An experienced DuPage County citizenship and naturalization lawyer could help you avoid those errors and streamline the process. At Godoy Immigration, we understand the emotional weight of this journey. We are committed to guiding you through every step and helping you identify and avoid potential problem areas. Our attorneys could help you with your citizenship and naturalization case.
Naturalization is the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen. While lawful permanent residents—also known as Green Card holders—have substantial rights in the U.S., these rights are incomplete. U.S. citizens have additional rights, including the ability to vote, travel freely, and sponsor family members for immigration benefits. The most common paths to citizenship include naturalization for Green Card holders, citizenship through marriage, military service, and citizenship for children of U.S. citizens.
To qualify for naturalization, applicants must meet eligibility requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which include:
Some individuals may be ineligible for naturalization. For example, if he or she has a criminal history, spends extended time outside the U.S., or has past immigration violations.
Consulting with a knowledgeable citizenship and naturalization attorney in DuPage County could help determine eligibility and address any potential concerns. For example, if an applicant has a criminal history, the lawyer may suggest working with a criminal defense attorney to try to obtain an expungement of a conviction before applying for naturalization.
Knowing the steps in the naturalization process could help people prepare for it, and a citizenship and naturalization attorney in DuPage County could help. It is a notoriously lengthy process that is fraught with difficulties and challenges, but understanding the steps could help people avoid pitfalls.
The first step is determining eligibility. If an immigrant does not meet the requirements for naturalization, there is no reason to begin the process. If an immigrant does meet the requirements, he or she needs to file Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization. It is essential to complete the form accurately and submit it with the correct supporting documents.
Naturalization applicants generally need to attend two appointments. The biometrics appointment is where USCIS collects fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for background checks. The applicants also must attend an interview and test, demonstrating knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
If an applicant is accepted for naturalization, he or she takes an Oath of Allegiance and then receives their citizenship upon the completion of the oath ceremony.
While many applicants successfully become U.S. citizens, challenges may arise, including:
Many of these challenges could be fixed with the help of a citizenship and naturalization attorney in DuPage County. Carefully filling out the application and providing all the required supporting documents could fix problems with the application. Not taking extended trips outside of the U.S. could ensure continuous residence. Finally, tutoring could help people with their English and civics tests and even prepare them for the interview process.
The naturalization process requires careful preparation, as tiny mistakes could jeopardize your application. With an experienced DuPage County citizenship and naturalization lawyer, you could avoid common pitfalls and increase your chances of success.
The team at Godoy Immigration could help you determine your eligibility and identify risks. Our attorneys can also help prepare Form N-400, provide guidance on tests, represent immigrants at the USCIS interview, and handle any appeals. Call us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.
