U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

At Vernon & Associates P.C., our citizenship and naturalization attorneys have successfully assisted over 10,000 individuals in obtaining immigration benefits in the United States. Our experienced and supportive team carefully prepares all required forms and reviews your supporting documents to help overcome any challenges on your path to becoming a U.S. citizen.

WHY HIRE VERNON & ASSOCIATES FOR CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION?

Our citizenship and naturalization lawyers at Vernon & Associates, P.C. have helped countless individuals obtain immigration benefits in the United States. Our experienced and compassionate immigration team will prepare the necessary forms and review supporting documents for submission to USCIS, helping to remove obstacles that may stand in your way of becoming a US citizen.

NATURALIZATION VS. CITIZENSHIP

The difference between citizenship and naturalization lies in how US citizenship is acquired. You can achieve citizenship in the US if:

  • You prove birthright citizenship. Under the 14th Amendment, “all persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States.”
  • You are born outside of the United States to one or two US citizen parents at the time of your birth. Depending on the year of your birth, there are time requirements for one or both of your parents to have been present in the United States prior to your birth.
  • You derive citizenship through your parents’ naturalization after your birth:

    As of February 27, 2001, you can derive citizenship automatically if you are or outside of the United States and, before your 18th birthday, you are:

    - A lawful resident

    - In the legal and physical custody of a biological parent who obtained naturalization after your birth

    Before February 27, 2001, the laws were more restrictive, and eligibility depended on the year of your birth.

At Vernon & Associates, we understand the complexities of these rules and can determine whether you may have acquired citizenship at birth or before your 18th birthday.

Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process by which lawful permanent residents are granted US citizenship. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To apply for citizenship through naturalization, you must meet these criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
  • Possess a Green Card as proof of lawful permanent residency
  • Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the US for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen and residing in a bona fide marriage)
  • Prove physical presence in the US for at least 30 of the 60 months before filing Form N-400 (or 18 of the 36 months for spouses of US citizens)
  • Reside in the state or USCIS district where you claim residence for at least three months
  • Exhibit good moral character for at least five years before filing Form N-400 (or three years for spouses of US citizens)
  • Uphold the principles and ideals of the US Constitution
  • Demonstrate basic English proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing
  • Understand the fundamentals of US history and government
  • Take the Oath of Allegiance

HOW TO BECOME A NATURALIZED US CITIZEN

To apply for citizenship through naturalization, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Green Card (lawful permanent residency)

2. Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

3. File Form N-400 with the necessary supporting documents

4. Wait for a USCIS receipt confirmation acknowledging your application is in process

5. Complete Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, if applicable

6. Attend a biometrics appointment

7. Participate in an official interview with a USCIS officer

8. Receive the USCIS decision regarding your application

9. Complete Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony

10. Take the Oath of Allegiance

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