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When you are a legal permanent resident of the U.S. and wish to take the next step and become a U.S. citizen, our attorneys are ready to guide your journey. There are some actions you must take after we determine your eligibility, but the benefits are worth the effort.
You will always remember the first vote you cast for the nation’s president, and you will not have to fear being deported. As a citizen, you can petition for a sibling, parent, or married adult child to join you in America, and if you should need them in the future, federal benefits such as Medicaid are more easily accessible. Call today to discuss the Lombard naturalization process with one of our skilled citizenship attorneys.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has been the definitive source for immigration law since it was adopted in 1952 and is included in the United States Code. INA 316, which is also 8 United States Code §1427, spells out the requirements a legal permanent resident (LPR) must meet to become a naturalized citizen. Requirements include:
There are nuances to the requirements, some of which are subjective. For instance, finding that an applicant is not deportable is not enough evidence to conclude the applicant is of good moral character. Talk to our Lombard immigration lawyers to learn more about the naturalization process.
Once an LPR is found eligible for naturalization he or she must submit a written application on Form N-400. Certain documents must be attached that prove who you are, back up your residency requirements, and disclose if you have any criminal activity in your background. You will also be interviewed at an office of U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services (USCIS) and asked questions about yourself, your family, and your loyalty to what America stands for. You will also take a two-part test. An attorney in Lombard could help you fill out Form N-400, gather the supporting documentation, and help you get ready for your interview and naturalization test.
Most naturalization applicants must take a written test comprised of two parts, for which a Lombard attorney can help you study. The language component tests the applicant’s knowledge of English, which they must be able to read, write, speak, and understand.
The civics portion of the exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of American history and form of government. Applicants have two tries to pass the naturalization exam. If they do not pass on the second try, immigration authorities will deny their application. Some exemptions apply for people with physical or mental disabilities or who reach a certain age. For example, LPRs who are 50 and have been living in the U.S. for at least 20 years, or 55 and living in the U.S. for 15 years, can skip the English portion of the exam.
You will never forget the day you take the oath of allegiance as an American citizen. Our attorneys know you worked hard to build your knowledge of English, understand America’s history and how its government works, and raise your family in a free country as an LPR.
Now, we are here to help you take that last step before we shake your hand as an American citizen. We could help you fill out and file your application, prepare for the interview and test, and stand by you when you take your oath of allegiance. Call today to schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers and receive guidance on the Lombard naturalization process.
