Naturalization & Citizenship

Overview

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant milestone that grants individuals the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, access social security and retirement benefits, and enjoy other benefits of citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

Alternatively, Acquired and Derived citizenship is also available to obtain U.S. citizenship if you have a U.S. citizen parent or grandparent and you are less than 18 years old.

General Requirements for Naturalization:

Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file a family petition, but the types of family members eligible differ:

U.S. Citizens can petition for:

01. Be at Least 18 Years Old

Minors may acquire citizenship through their U.S. citizen parents or grandparents (depending on your case, see below)

02. Be a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

For at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen that has held status as a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years).

03. Meet Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Requirements

You must have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen and

Been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (or 18 months if applying based on marriage).

04. Demonstrate Good Moral Character

No serious criminal history or immigration violations. *Some exceptions may apply

05. USCIS Interview: Pass the English & Civics Test.

English test: Basic reading, writing, and speaking.

Basic Civics Test: U.S. history and government

*Some exemptions apply for both items.

06. Take the Oath of Allegiance after approval,

*Our firm is committed to helping green card holders navigate the naturalization process with confidence. We provide expert guidance to ensure your application is properly prepared and assist in overcoming any legal obstacles. Contact us today for a consultation and take the next step toward your or your family’s U.S. citizenship!

Citizenship Through Parents (Derivative Citizenship)

Derivative citizenship allows some children of U.S. citizens to automatically obtain U.S. citizenship after birth without going through the naturalization process. This usually applies to children who become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and meet specific requirements before turning 18.

General Requirements:

At least one parent is a U.S. citizen.
Establish the Parent-Child Relationship * additional; requirements for Adopted children
The child is under 18 and enters or resides in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. *Some exceptions apply

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Right to Vote in elections.
U.S. Passport for international travel.
Protection from Deportation
Ability to Petition for Family Members with shorter wait times.
Eligibility for Government Jobs & Benefits available only to U.S. citizens.

General Requirements for Family Petitions:

To start the family immigration process, the petitioner must file a Petition for the Alien Relative with USCIS. This step aims to establish a valid family relationship between the petitioner and the intending immigrant (the beneficiary).

Acquired Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Through Parents

Acquired citizenship refers to individuals who automatically obtain U.S. citizenship at birth, even if they were born outside the United States because one or both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of the child’s birth. This method differs from naturalization, which requires applying for citizenship after holding a green card.

General Requirements

Possess at least one U.S. citizen parent at the time of your birth,

Meet specific legal requirements based on the laws in effect when you were born.

Birth Outside the U.S. to a U.S. Citizen Parent

Physical presence of the parent in the U.S. before your birth.

Establish the Parent-Child Relationship* special requirements for children born out of wedlock.

Physical Presence Requirements for the U.S. Citizen Parent

Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship can be an intricate journey, filled with challenges and nuances that require careful exploration due to changing immigration laws and documentation requirements. Our firm provides expert guidance to evaluate your eligibility based on past and current laws, assists you in filing your application, and prepares you for your USCIS or consulate interviews. Contact us today for a consultation to confirm your U.S. citizenship status and secure your official proof of citizenship!

Our Services For Naturalization & Citizenship

N-400 Naturalization:

USCIS and Consular Inquiries

N-600, derivative or acquired citizenship from a USC parent (inside U.S.)

Ombudsman Requests

N-600K - acquired citizenship from a USC grandparent (inside the U.S.)

FOIAS

NOID - Notice of Intent to Deny Applications Responses

Motions to Reopen or/and Reconsider a Denied Application

US passport requests -First time

RFE -Request for Evidence Responses

Criminal Investigation

(CRBA) Consular Report of Birth Abroad, derivative or acquired citizenship from a USC parent (outside the U.S.)

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We may disclose your information if required by law, in response to legal processes, or to protect our rights and the safety of others.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at ‪+1-210-807-7867‬ or sandraledesma@sandraledesmalawfirm.com

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