The Path to Citizenship

Should I Consider U.S. Citizenship?

The decision to apply is a significant one and should be discussed with an attorney. Citizenship offers many benefits, including the right to vote. When you become a citizen you are demonstrating your commitment to the United States of America. Below you will find several rights that all citizens are entitled to as Americans.

• Right to vote in elections for public officials.
• Freedom to express yourself.
• Freedom to worship as you wish.
• Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
• Right to vote in elections for public officials.
• Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
• Right to run for elected office.
• Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

How Do I Go About Obtaining Citizenship?

Your situation will determine which pathway is best for you. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). One of the most common pathways is through lawful permanent residency.

To be eligible for naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident, you must meet the following:

• Be at least 18 years old when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;
• Show you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years;
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400;
• Show you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400;
• Show you have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence;
• Show that you are a person of good moral character and have been a person of good moral character for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400;
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution;
• Be able to read, write and speak basic English (there are exceptions to this);
• Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States, (civics); and
• Take an Oath of Allegiance to The United States.

Marriage, military service, and acquisition of citizenship (an option for children born to a U.S. citizen) are additional ways an individual may obtain citizenship. We highly recommend speaking with a knowledgeable immigration attorney to determine your best pathway to citizenship.

For more information regarding naturalization, download our free handout, “5 Steps to Naturalization”.

Do I Need an Attorney?

YES. There is a huge misunderstanding that all you must do is fill in the blanks to the petition and supply the necessary evidence that USCIS request. Applying for immigration benefits is much more than that. One mistake can cost you! At LaGrone Law, we can guide you through the citizenship process and help make sure that your application for citizenship is granted. We recommend working with an experienced immigration lawyer to avoid confusion, unnecessary delays, and to ensure that you comply with applicable laws and immigration requirements. We are ready to help you achieve your American dream. Pick up the phone now and call 678-250-5449 to schedule a consultation.