Atlanta Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer
Naturalization is the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship by individuals not born within the United States. U.S. citizenship can be attained by legal residents who have fulfilled certain requirements, including (but not limited to):
- Legal residency for a period of several years (three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen; five years if you are single).
- 18 years of age.
- Upstanding moral character.
- Ability to read, speak, and write English.
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you must submit an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, to begin the naturalization process.
If you have additional questions, please call our team of dedicated experts now at (404) 523-361. The Atlanta citizenship & naturalization lawyers at Shirazi Immigration Law are here for you with advice and assistance for all your immigration legal needs, including citizenship through naturalization.
What are the Requirements for Naturalization?
The specific requirements to be eligible for naturalization differ depending on the path you choose toward naturalization. For instance, you could pursue naturalization after living as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the U.S. for five years, or you could pursue citizenship after marrying a U.S. citizen. In general, though, the following are required for naturalization:
- At least 18 years old when filing the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization.
- Lawful permanent residence for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous residence in the U.S. for the preceding five years.
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months in the last five years.
- Residence in the state or USCIS district of filing for at least three months.
- Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.
- Demonstrate good moral character for the five years preceding filing the Form N-400.
- Demonstrate good moral character between filing the Application for Naturalization and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
- Demonstrate an “attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution” and be “well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States”.
Proving all of these pieces is not always easy, and failing to include required information can delay your application for months or years. Make sure you have a diligent and skillful immigration attorney helping you with your application before you submit it.
What Benefits Does Naturalization Offer?
A Green Card gives you the ability to live and work in the United States permanently, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be deported for a number of different reasons, including crimes that involve “moral turpitude” or constitute “aggravated felonies,” domestic violence, marriage fraud and more. Naturalized citizens can’t be deported.
Citizenship bestows many other benefits that other immigrants, even lawful permanent residents, don’t always enjoy. These privileges include:
- Voting in local, state and national elections.
- Bringing family members into the U.S.
- Acquiring citizenship for your children born outside the U.S.
- Traveling on a U.S. passport.
- Getting a federal government job that is restricted to U.S. citizens.
- Serving as an elected official in local, state or federal government.
Help Is Available With Naturalization in Atlanta
You’ve waited long enough to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Don’t delay or lose your chance due to making some mistake on your application or elsewhere during the process. Get helpful advice and professional assistance with naturalization by calling Shirazi Immigration Law at 404-523-3611.
