Obtaining a legal permanent resident green card is the first step for an immigrant to live and work permanently in the United States. Unfortunately, if several perceived immigration criminal activities or violations arouse suspicion, the legal permanent resident status can then be revoked.
Residents are not notified that their green card and legal permanent residency may be in jeopardy. Rather, they become notified of possible deportation after submitting their fingerprints for a replacement green card, citizenship, or removal of conditions.
By then, it may be too late. The resident may be placed in removal proceedings and face the risk of being deported back to their home country. Even worse the resident may be subjected to being held in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
An Oak Brook naturalization lawyer may assist in the preparation of evidence or legal arguments necessary to counter the removal proceedings, thus securing a positive resolution. To learn more or discuss how to begin the citizenship process, consult with our experienced immigration attorneys today. En Español.
Realistically, there are three ways someone can become a citizen of the United States, either through birth, derivation or through naturalization. When someone is born in the United States, they are automatically a US citizen.
There are also some cases where people who are born abroad to a US citizen automatically gain citizenship. However, this law may vary according to each situation. The law that applies to each case is the law that was in effect at the time the individual was born.
Other people can derive citizenship through the naturalization of a parent. These people may instead need to seek a certificate of citizenship (USCIS Form N-600) with the help of a dedicated citizenship attorney in Oak Brook.
Naturalization occurs when a person voluntarily applies to become a permanent US citizen. There are various steps to prepare for naturalization which include:
There are common stumbling blocks during the naturalization process that may seem minor and accidental but are regarded extremely seriously by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as claiming to be a United States citizen by registering to vote.
For example, the state of Illinois instituted a program that encourages driver’s license applicants to register to vote. A misnomer such as this can be discovered during the naturalization process and can lead to removal from the United States.
A trusted attorney in Oak Brook who is knowledgeable on the legalities of the naturalization process could fight to protect one’s rights and address problems that may arise during the naturalization process, such as past criminal history or voter’s registration.
If a lawful permanent resident lived in the United States for five years, or three years in some cases, is fluent in English, and wishes to make the United States their home applying for citizenship is often the logical next step.
There are risks that people face during the application process, especially when subjected to a thorough evaluation by the USCIS. Each application will be reopened, which includes a thorough review the history of an immigration file and will be checked to determine whether the individual deserves the immigration benefits received.
If something troublesome arises, such as a criminal record, fraudulent activity, long trips outside the US, or history of drug abuse, the USCIS may take action and place the applicant in removal proceedings or possibly strip their status as a US permanent resident. A seasoned Oak Brook lawyer could help someone applying for citizenship or naturalization mitigate these risks.
With various situations causing trouble for would-be naturalization applicants, the procedures for citizenship/naturalization have become complex and stressful. Therefore, it is important to have legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney.
There is no substitute for a consultation with a skilled Oak Brook naturalization lawyer. For more information, contact us today.
