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Securing citizenship could be possible for legal permanent residents through a process known as naturalization. Citizenship opens many doors but becoming naturalized can be challenging. Attempting to undertake the naturalization process alone could lead to significant setbacks and headache.

Thankfully, if you want to pursue citizenship, you could rely on the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney. If you have questions about citizenship or the naturalization process, now is the time to seek answers. A Lombard citizenship and naturalization lawyer could answer your questions and guide you through this challenging process.

Understanding Citizenship

When a person is born in the United States or their parents are citizens, they enjoy transmitted citizenship. They have the rights associated with citizenship and do not need to go through any application process.

For everyone else, naturalization is the only option for securing citizenship in the U.S. This type of citizenship assigns the same rights as transmitted citizenship, including the right to vote in federal elections or sponsor family members to immigrate into the country.

Other rights come with becoming naturalized, such as the ability to travel internationally without risking a change in immigration status. A knowledgeable citizenship and naturalization lawyer in Lombard could provide further insight into the importance of this process.

How Does Naturalization Work?

The federal government empowers a specific agency to oversee the naturalization process. This agency is known as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The organization falls under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security.

An individual must meet mandatory eligibility requirements before he or she can become naturalized. Failing to comply with these requirements could prevent an applicant from becoming a citizen. For instance, USCIS requires a minimum age for naturalization. Minors cannot achieve naturalized citizenship independently, although parents or guardians can sponsor them. A foreign national could be eligible as long as he or she is over 18 years old.

One of the most important requirements for citizenship involves an applicant’s current immigration status. Not just anyone can seek naturalization. An applicant must hold permanent resident status in the U.S. for at least five years before applying for citizenship. Some final requirements to understand include:

  • Speaking, reading, and writing English
  • Demonstrating good moral character
  • Continuous residence in the U.S.
  • Understanding of civics and government

A seasoned attorney in Lombard could help a foreign national prove that he or she meets all the citizenship and naturalization qualifications.

Beginning the Naturalization Process

The first step towards acquiring citizenship is filing a crucial document, known as Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Ensuring that every aspect of an application is correct is crucial, as even minor errors could disrupt the process. An experienced lawyer in Lombard could help an applicant include all the information and supporting documents that he or she needs with his or her petition for citizenship and naturalization.

Call a Lombard Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney Immediately 

For many legal residents in Lombard, citizenship is the ultimate goal. To achieve this goal, you must go through the naturalization process. The process itself could be time-consuming and complex, but with the right help, success could be possible. Reach out to a Lombard citizenship and naturalization lawyer right away to learn more.

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