Citizenship

Naturalization And Acquisition Of Citizenship

For many immigrants, becoming a citizen of the United States is an achievement that they dream of for years. The process of becoming a citizen involves many steps, and having an immigration lawyer by your side can make the process much easier for you.

At R. Ramirez Attorneys and Counselors, located in Edinburg, TX, we understand the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen. We have helped countless clients through their citizenship journey, from filling out their application to preparing for their naturalization interview where they can get approved to become a US Citizen.

If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer for citizenship, you can count on R. Ramirez Attorneys and Counselors. We will help you navigate the process so you can achieve your goal of becoming a citizen of the United States of America.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Citizenship And Naturalization?

A legal permanent resident over the age of 18 may be eligible to become a citizen through naturalization. The person applying for naturalization must have been a legal permanent resident for at least five (5) years, or three (3) years if that person obtained residency through lawful marriage.

The applicant must also be able to demonstrate competency in the English language — unless that person is over the age of 50 and has been a resident for a certain number of years. A person over the age of 50 may be eligible to have the naturalization interview in their native language. In addition, the applicant must pass a U.S. government and civics written examination.

An applicant’s criminal record, immigration history and other civil issues, such as taxes and child support, may lead to denial of naturalization. An immigration lawyer can verify your eligibility and check for any potential issues before you apply. This can save you time and money, as the application for citizenship can be costly.

Sometimes a person may be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship recognizing that person as a US Citizen since birth. People born abroad may be able to claim U.S. citizenship if one of their parents was born in the United States. Depending on the year of birth, an applicant may be able to acquire U.S. citizenship if they can prove that their parent was physically present in the United States before the applicant’s birth.

Our law firm represents many individuals in naturalization and citizenship proceedings, including motions to reopen and reconsider denials. We also represent individuals claiming U.S. citizenship based on their parents’ birth in the United States.

General Information:

• What Is A TN Visa?
• What Are E1 and E2 Visas?
• What Is The EB-2 Visa?
• Who Qualifies For The EB-2 NIW Visa?
• What Exactly Is The L1-A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• How Long Is The L1 Visa Good For?
• Is Something New Happening in The Realm of Business Visas Under the Current Administration?
• What Is Happening with the Backlog of Applications for U.S. Citizenship Under the Biden Administration?
• What Types of Criminal Cases Related to Immigration Does Your Firm Handle in Texas?

How Long Does The Naturalization Process Take?

On average, it takes approximately 10 months to complete the naturalization process, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The exact amount of time it takes for you to become a citizen may be longer or shorter, depending on various factors.

Some of these variables are in your control, such as making sure your forms are correct and promptly sending any additional documentation. However, there are also external factors, like USCIS staffing levels, and how many applications your local office is processing that can affect processing times.

More information about USCIS application processing times can be found here. General information about what to expect during the naturalization process is on the USCIS website here.

What Are The Advantages Of Working With An Immigration Lawyer?

An immigration lawyer can provide a range of services that can help ensure you make it to the final step: your naturalization oath ceremony. A citizenship attorney can:

• Check your eligibility to apply for citizenship
• Help with filling out your application to ensure it is complete and accurate
• Prepare you for the interview and tests
• Attend your interview with you
• Offer legal guidance at every step of the way
• Advise on how your newly acquired citizenship can be used to petition for certain noncitizen family members.

If any issues arise and your application is denied, a citizenship attorney can look into the reasons for the denial. Applications may be denied for many reasons, such as if the applicant has had any previous immigration violations or trouble with the law. If this is the case, an immigration lawyer for citizenship may be able to resolve these issues so you can still become a citizen.

Get Peace Of Mind From A Citizenship Attorney

At R. Ramirez Attorneys and Counselors, we understand the challenges many immigrants and their families face, and the obstacles you must overcome as you start a new life in the United States. When it comes to applying for your citizenship, don’t risk having your application denied or failing the exams after you’ve worked so hard to get here.

Our law firm in Edinburg, TX, has been working with immigrants for a decade. We take immense pride in serving the immigrant community and helping our clients become citizens. We can support you along your journey to becoming a United States citizen.

For more information about our services and how we can help you through the naturalization process, please contact our citizenship law firm. We would be pleased to schedule a detailed case evaluation with you. Reach out to the visa citizenship lawyers at R. Ramirez Attorneys and Counselors today at (956) 766-4000.