When clients are ready to take the next step in their immigration journey and become citizens of the United States, Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC is here to help. Our firm is proud to assist clients in achieving their citizenship goals, as we understand that our clients have had to work very hard to get to this point. The process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is difficult and time-consuming but in the end, worth it. Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC has decades of experience guiding clients through every step of the immigration process, from their first steps on U.S. soil to the day they become citizens of this country. If you need a strong legal team on your side as you work toward citizenship, Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC is ready to serve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Citizenship Eligibility
When an individual wishes to become a citizen of the United States, they will have to fulfill a number of requirements to ensure their eligibility. One must meet the requirements of continuous residence, meaning that they have lived in the United States without interruption for a certain period of time. Permanent residents must have continuous residence for 5 years prior to applying for citizenship. Spouses of U.S. citizens and military members that are lawful permanent residents must have continuous residence for 3 years. It is also important to note that those with a 5-year requirement must be physically present in the United States for 30 months of the 5 years. Persons who have a continuous residence requirement of 3 years must be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months. Additionally, those who wish to become citizens must show that they have good moral character, knowledge of U.S. government and history, and have the ability to read, write, and speak English (with some exceptions.)
The Process of Obtaining Citizenship
Individuals who wish to begin the citizenship process must file form N-400, which is the application for naturalization. Once the application is completed, it should be sent to the USCIS along with the corresponding documents and fees. The next step is a biometrics appointment at a USCIS-approved medical facility. The individual will then have to attend an interview with an immigration officer, where they will have to answer questions about the application and their background. The applicant will also be required to take an examination that tests their ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language and their knowledge on United States government and history. If all parts of the application process are successful, the individual will be able to move on to the final portion: the naturalization ceremony. This is the culminating point of the entire process where the individual will check in to the ceremony, return their Green Card, answer a few more questions, take the Oath of Allegiance, and finally receive their Certification of Naturalization.
After Obtaining Citizenship
When an individual becomes a citizen of the United States, they will be able to do a few things that they weren’t eligible to do previously. Citizens can vote in government elections, bring family members to the United States for citizenship, hold government positions, and apply for a U.S. passport.
Contact Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC
When an individual makes the decision that they would like to become a citizen of the United States, it is important that they retain the services of an experienced immigration attorney who can help them navigate each step. Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC has decades of experience guiding clients through the naturalization process and helping them achieve their goals. If you need the services of an experienced immigration attorney, contact Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo, LLC today.
