California U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer
Many immigrants who come to the United States and become lawful permanent residents may have a direct path to U.S. citizenship. While not immediately available or a direct result of all immigration programs, those who choose to become naturalized will experience all the rights, privileges, and protections guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
Naturalization can seem far away if someone does not understand the process. Working with a legal team who will stand by your side and tackle any unforeseen complications can help you understand what steps lie ahead and what strategies you can use to maximize your chances of success.
Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys at Law, California U.S. citizenship and naturalization lawyers, have decades of combined experience assisting individuals all over the United States with becoming naturalized. We will provide a confidential and no-obligation case review to discuss the steps to becoming a U.S. citizen while answering any questions you may have. Call (559) 878-4958 or Contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
How a California U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney Can Help
Preparing to be naturalized can be a long and complicated process if not handled with care. As a result, many permanent residents work with a legal team to ensure they meet all requirements, submit documents, and receive answers to all their questions.
Many permanent residents opt to work with a U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney to help them through the process and address potential complications. Speaking with Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys at Law can guarantee that we will address all concerns with legal advice and that applicants will have experienced legal guidance throughout the process.
We manage your case to reduce the stress and responsibility placed upon you while taking advantage of our familiarity with the major decision points agencies like USCIS must make while considering an application.
Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys at Law has a record of helping out hundreds of thousands of individuals with their immigration goals, including thousands of clients who have successfully been naturalized. We understand all of the options available to you, and we will help you select the path to citizenship that will have the highest chances of success for you.
Not only that, but you will be provided with comprehensive case management throughout the entire process, ensuring your paperwork is properly filed, you are prepared for any interviews, and you are aware of the common factors that can make or break an attempt at becoming a fully-fledged citizen.
What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen after a foreign national immigrates to the United States. This is a long process for many, as the minimum requirement is that they hold permanent residency for at least five years before applying to become naturalized. Additionally, they must be able to navigate the application process successfully.
While there are multiple visa immigration programs offered in the States, not all lead to U.S. citizenship. Naturalization candidates should work with a dual citizenship attorney, as the process can become quickly overwhelming, and they may find that they will require legal assistance.
Applicants must go through several steps to be naturalized, including proving their legal presence in the U.S., showing a continuous residence, and good moral character, passing the general civics test, and finally, pledging their allegiance to the United States. Working with a U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer will provide legal advice each step of the way.
Who Qualifies to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Not everyone who immigrates to the United States will qualify to become a U.S. citizen, mainly because many immigrant programs are temporary rather than perpetual. All permanent residents must meet the following:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years old to submit Form N-400 (children are an exception)
- Be of good moral character that they can demonstrate over the last five years
- Approve and agree to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Prove the ability to read, write and speak basic English – there are some exceptions to this based on age, and in those situations, applicants can take it in the language of their choice.
- Be able to pass the civics exam
- Participate and take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
The USCIS will grant U.S. citizenship to those under one of the four categories listed below.
An Immigrant Who Has Been a Permanent Resident for 5 Years
Permanent residents are immigrants who have been approved to remain in the U.S. when they have resided in the United States for at least five years, and they are likely eligible to become a citizen through the naturalization process.
To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must ensure that they meet the following requirements to complete the process:
- Must have been a permanent resident in the United States for no less than five years
- Be able to prove continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years before submitting any applications or additional forms.
- Prove to have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months within five years.
- Provide documentation showing residence in your home U.S. state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your residence for at least three months.
A Foreigner Who Has Married a U.S. Citizen
With similar requirements to those who are permanent residents, a foreigner who married a U.S. citizen must meet these additional criteria:
- Spending at least three years as a permanent resident
- Being legally married to a U.S. citizen during those three years
- Proving continuous residence for three years as a permanent resident
Applicants must meet these requirements before the submission of any application. However, the requirements for those married to a citizen residing abroad may have different requirements to be met before they can qualify for citizenship.
A Child Born in a Foreign Country of One or Two U.S. Citizens
Children born to one or two U.S. citizens abroad qualify for U.S. citizenship. However, children must receive citizenship before the age of 18 to qualify. Fortunately, they can apply for naturalization whether they reside in the United States or abroad.
All children must reside under the custody of a legal U.S. citizen who is also their parent by the time applications are submitted. Fortunately, children are exempt from some general requirements.
A Foreigner Who Is Serving in the U.S. Military
Those serving in the U.S. military have different requirements than the other categories. Because of the immigrants’ willingness to risk their own life for U.S. interests, they will only need to serve one year at a time to be considered for naturalization.
Of course, there are other requirements to meet, like serving honorably, completing all needed forms, and being a permanent resident, among the general requirements for all categories.
Choosing to Be a Dual Citizen
Dual citizenship describes someone who holds at least two legal and valid passports and is a citizen of more than one nation. When someone becomes naturalized, they are under no obligation by the U.S. government to renounce their native country’s citizenship.
No limit in the U.S. Constitution restricts how many countries a person can be a citizen of. However, not all countries follow the same policies, sometimes making it illegal to hold more than one valid citizenship at a time.
Dual nationals must ensure that they meet each country’s requirements to maintain citizenship in each country. Each country will require allegiance from the dual citizen, and failure to do so can lead to serious complications or the loss of their foreign nationality altogether.
All dual citizens are required to present their U.S. passports at all exits and entries to the United States. When they arrive at their second nationality, they must also present valid passports there.
If going through the naturalization process, having many questions about dual citizenship is normal. Speaking and working with a California U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer can help address all questions or concerns.
Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen? Speak to Our California Naturalization Lawyers
Becoming naturalized is a big decision that will influence the opportunities available to you and your family. Ensuring that you are working with a knowledgeable and expert California U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney can make applying, interviewing, and declaring allegiance to the United States smoother.
As a result, becoming a U.S. citizen can be much closer than it appears.
Our immigration lawyers have years of combined experience helping permanent residents become U.S. citizens. Contact Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys at Law today at Call (559) 878-4958 or Contact us online for a no-obligation consultation, either over the phone or in person at our local office.
