New Orleans Naturalization & Citizenship Lawyer

The naturalization process is crucial for anyone seeking to become a United States citizen. Before you can apply for U.S. citizenship, you must first be a lawful permanent resident and meet all eligibility requirements set by citizenship and immigration services. The process involves more than just submitting Form N-400; applicants must also pass the citizenship test, attend a citizenship interview, and demonstrate good moral character.

Naturalization lawyers play an essential role, guiding applicants through every step of the citizenship application process. With help from experienced naturalization lawyers, you can avoid issues that might lead to removal proceedings and ensure your citizenship application is successful. Whether you’re facing criminal charges or need help navigating immigration services, seeking advice from immigration lawyers can make the process smoother.

Moreover, once you become a U.S. citizen, you’ll enjoy numerous immigration benefits, such as the ability to sponsor family members for a green card and travel freely with a U.S. passport. Your journey to the American Dream starts by becoming a naturalized citizen and taking the Oath of Allegiance. Citizenship attorneys are available to assist with any complications that may arise during this life-changing process.

Eligibility for Citizenship in the United States

To be eligible for United States citizenship, you must spend considerable time in the United States. To be eligible to seek citizenship by naturalization, you must be a U.S. green card holder for three to five years.

In other words, an individual must have lived in the U.S. for 3 years if they are a spouse of a U.S. citizen or 5 consecutive years in other cases. However, other requirements have to be met.

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Be a permanent United States resident (have a green card).
• Be at least 18 on the date of filing Form N-400.
• Show proof of continuous residency in the United States for at least five years (three years if you are married to a U.S. Citizen).
• Demonstrate that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years.
• Show proof that you have lived in the state or district in which you are applying for at least three months
• Speak, read, and write basic English
• Meet the requirements for good moral character
• Understand the history and governance of the United States (civics)
• Demonstrate a commitment to the ideas and goals of the United States Constitution.

Are you looking for an attorney to help expedite your naturalization or citizenship application and offer counsel throughout your immigration journey? We can help. Contact The Sunseri Law Firm, LLC, today.

Common Challenges Faced During the Naturalization Process

Many immigrants find the naturalization process daunting. One significant hurdle is the naturalization interview, where applicants must demonstrate knowledge of citizenship requirements.

The citizenship test, assessing understanding of U.S. history and government, poses another challenge. Many applicants also grapple with continuous residence and physical presence criteria. Legal issues, such as discrepancies in the application or a criminal background check, can complicate matters.

In such cases, an experienced immigration lawyer or a naturalization attorney from a reputable law firm can provide invaluable assistance. Lawful permanent residents often seek the counsel of naturalization attorneys to navigate these challenges and ensure a successful appeal, if necessary.

Bars to Naturalization or Citizenship

SCIS refers to some actions and circumstances as “bars” to naturalization, which may prevent you from becoming a citizen. These are as follows:

• Criminal Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of murder at any time or any other aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990, you cannot prove that you are a person of high moral character.
• Tax Returns: To seek US citizenship, you must conform to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You must present verified tax returns for the last five years or three years if you are married to a US citizen.
• Effect of Removal Proceedings: In the event that you have been ordered removed from the country, naturalization is no longer possible for you, and your application will be denied. These limits apply to all naturalization applicants except for those who qualify for citizenship based on military service.
• Selective Service: If you are male and have lived in the US from the ages of 18 to 26 as a lawful non-immigrant, then you must have registered with the Selective Service System. Proof of selective service registration is required when applying to obtain citizenship. Failure to provide this evidence could result in your ineligibility.

A skilled immigration lawyer can help you determine whether your case falls under any grounds of inadmissibility. 

Process for Obtaining Citizenship

The naturalization process follows the following process:

• Check Eligibility for United States Citizenship
• Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization certificate provided by the USCIS
• Along with the Form N-400, you will need to submit two photographs of yourself
• Submit multiple photocopied documents along with the Form N-400
• Send your citizenship application package to the USCIS office.

After the American Citizenship application has been accepted, you will be called for biometric verification at a designated USCIS office. However, your application will be rejected if the USCIS finds a significant crime. 

After the biometric session, you will be scheduled for the citizenship interview with the USCIS, where you will be asked a series of questions.

The USCIS officer will check your ability to read, write, and speak English by making you take both an English and Civic Test.

After the interview, the USCIS will decide whether or not to grant citizenship.

If the application is accepted, you’ll be asked to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. Afterward, you will attain your U.S. Citizenship status.

Why Hire a Lawyer for Naturalization or Citizenship?

For several reasons, hiring the right citizenship lawyer is always a wise decision. Because of their experience in citizenship and immigration services, your lawyer will: 

• Carefully explain all your options to help decide the path best for you
• Review citizenship documents and help you avoid costly mistakes
• Help speed up the process of applying for U.S. citizenship through their experience navigating the immigration system
• Ensure that your rights are protected
• Help you prepare your paperwork and represent you in 

Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a significant undertaking that might be intimidating. There are a lot of details to get right, from fulfilling the prerequisites to passing the interview. The goal at The Sunseri Law Firm, LLC is to make things simpler. Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers will help you avoid typical blunders, walk you through each stage, and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Allow us to assist you in moving forward with your future. To begin, get in touch with us right now.