How do I become a US citizen?

A person can acquire U.S. citizenship by operation of law or by affirmatively applying for that benefit.

Some examples of people who are U.S. Citizens and nationals at birth include those who are: those born in the United States, members of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe.

How do I apply for United States citizenship?

Different provisions apply depending on whether a person born outside the U.S. is claiming US citizenship through a mother or a father or whether the person was born in wedlock or out of wedlock. Some examples includes applicants born abroad who are now in the United States and apply for a Certificate of Citizenship or abroad via a Consular Report at Birth or FS-240 while the child is under 18. Both can apply for a U.S. passport.

To learn more about citizenship in the United States, please contact us to schedule an immigration consultation.

How do I become a United States citizen by naturalization?

Although there are numerous exceptions to these requirements, generally t o be eligible for US naturalization an applicant must establish that he or she is:

1. 18 years of age or older;
2. A lawful permanent resident of the United States;
3. Five years or more residing in the United States prior to application; under certain circumstances the amount of time necessary to become a US citizen can be shorter.
4. Has been present in the United States for 30 months or more of the 5 years before applying for naturalization;
5. Has resided for at least three months in the State or Service Center having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence;
6. Has resided continuously in the United States from the date of the application until they are sworn in;
7. Has been a person of good moral character for the applicable statutory periods;
8. Is not a deserter of the United States Armed Forces;

Applying for United States Naturalization:

The Attorney General, by way of the Immigration and Nationality Act, has the sole authority to naturalize applicants. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is in charge of processing the applications. An applicant would need to complete an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) to become a US citizen by naturalization, get photographed, pay the filing fees, and send along with supporting documentation.

Some people are concerned passing the citizenship test which contains English and Civics questions that are tested during the naturalization interview. Citizenship questions are designed to test an applicant's grasp of concepts such as attachment to the constitution. A Guide to Naturalization (M-476) is a citizenship education guide that contains citizenship questions and answers that a person can use to pass the citizenship exam. There are some exemptions from having to take the Citizenship test in English or answering the civics portion of the test.

Citizenship and naturalization applicants are required to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance unless they are too young, or too physically or mentally disabled to understand its meaning. Dual nationality is not encouraged but U.S. law does not prohibit it. This is because whether the oath of allegiance expatriates the person from any other nationality they may have depends on the law of the other country.

How can we help you?

We can determine if you are a US Citizen under existing laws, assist you in proving your claim, help you if it is being revoked, determine if you are eligible to become a US citizen by naturalization, and whether there are any problematic issues in your case. We assist you in preparing all applications, guide you in obtaining supporting documentation, and litigate issues in federal courts.

To learn more about becoming a Naturalized Citizen of the United States, please contact us to schedule an immigration consultation.