Naturalization and Citizenship Attorneys in Los Angeles, California
Naturalization or citizenship is a process established by the government of the United States. This type of process allows foreign individuals to obtain U.S. citizenship. All those who wish to obtain U.S. citizenship must meet the requirements established by immigration law. This procedure is usually very extensive, detailed, and complex. For this reason, anyone who meets the requirements and wishes to begin this process should have the help of legal professionals who are experts in the law to provide all the guidance they need.
The requirements needed for naturalization and citizenship are:
- Meet the minimum period of continuous residence and physical presence within the United States.
- Reside in a state before filing the application.
- Have a high level of English that allows the person to write, speak, and read the language.
- Have good moral character.
- Know and demonstrate attachment to the principles established by the Constitution of the United States.
- Have a good disposition toward the country.
There are other types of requirements for these kinds of processes that may be modified or may not apply to some applications, such as spouses of U.S. citizens or individuals with mental or physical health problems.
The citizenship and naturalization process
In a naturalization process, it is very important to have legal advice to guide you step by step and avoid mistakes or errors. The naturalization process generally proceeds as follows:
- Once it has been determined that the person is eligible or qualifies for the application, the attorney submits Form N-400 with the person’s information and all the required documents that support the application. Once USCIS has received the documents, it will notify the applicant and provide a personalized number so the applicant can monitor online how the process is progressing.
- A biometric appointment notice will be sent by email. This is an appointment where a photograph and fingerprints are taken so that background checks can be verified before the interview. Once all the applicant’s biometric data has been collected, USCIS will schedule a naturalization appointment at the USCIS office closest to the applicant.
- When an attorney experienced in naturalization cases is hired, part of their work is to provide support and assistance during the interview if necessary. During the interview, the applicant will be given a test to evaluate their ability to read, speak, and understand the English language, as well as a civics and U.S. history test. The USCIS officer will also review the applicant’s Form N-400 to update and confirm the information presented in the application with the supporting documents.
- Once the interview is completed, the USCIS officer must provide a document indicating whether the applicant passed the English test and the civics and history test. After this, the officer will inform the applicant when to expect their oath ceremony date.
- After this, the applicant will receive by mail a letter called an oath notice. This document informs the applicant when and where the oath ceremony will take place, and on that day the applicant will become a U.S. citizen.
There are some exceptions to the English and civics exams, and only individuals with special conditions are exempt from these tests. These individuals include the following.
- If the applicant is 50 years old and has lived in the country for more than 20 years, they do not have to take the English exam.
- If the applicant is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for more than 15 years, they are not required to take the English exam.
Although people under these conditions do not take the English exam, they must bring an interpreter to their naturalization interview and must take the civics exam, which in this case may be taken in the applicant’s native language.
The exception to taking the English exam also applies to individuals over 65 years of age who have held a green card for more than 20 years.
Benefits of U.S. citizenship:
- Protection against deportation.
- The right to vote.
- Freedom to travel.
- Eligibility for employment and federal benefits.
- The opportunity to sponsor family members for a green card.
- Benefits under United States law.