Fairfax, Virginia Naturalization Attorney
Lawyer Helping Immigrants Apply for U.S. Citizenship in Fairfax, VA
The goal of many immigrants is to become a U.S. citizen, since this will provide them with a number of benefits while solidifying their place in American society. Naturalization is the process through which immigrants can obtain citizenship after meeting certain requirements. This process can provide a person with greater security and additional rights, but it will also allow them to fully participate in the civic and political life of the country. The Estevez Group, PC helps our clients navigate the naturalization process, working to ensure that they will have a smooth path to U.S. citizenship.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
U.S. citizenship provides numerous advantages, including:
- Voting Rights: Citizens can participate in federal, state, and local elections, ensuring that they will have a say in who will serve as leaders of their local communities and who will represent their interests at higher levels of government.
- Eligibility for Federal Jobs: Many government positions require U.S. citizenship. Naturalized citizens will also be able to run for certain public offices if they wish.
- Family Reunification: Citizens can sponsor relatives for family-based immigration with fewer restrictions than permanent residents. Immediate relative visas for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens can be obtained more quickly than family preference visas, which have quotas and waiting periods. U.S. citizens can also sponsor romantic partners for fiancé visas so that they can get married in the United States.
- Protection From Deportation: U.S. citizens cannot be removed or deported from the country. They will be able to continue living in the U.S. without restrictions for the rest of their lives.
- Travel Benefits: A naturalized citizens can obtain a U.S. passport that will allow them to travel internationally and re-enter the United States with no restrictions. If necessary, they can also receive assistance from U.S. embassies while they are abroad.
- Access to Public Benefits: Certain benefits are available exclusively to citizens, including public assistance and other forms of government relief. Citizens who are pursuing an education may be eligible for scholarships that are not available to non-citizens.
- Jury Service: Citizens have the opportunity to serve on juries. This is a critical component of the justice system, and it allows a person to participate in legal cases and help to make the ultimate decisions about criminal convictions and other types of cases.
The Naturalization Process
When applying for naturalization an immigrant will need to submit the correct information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while meeting other requirements. The steps to naturalization include:
- Submit Form N-400: The immigrant will file an Application for Naturalization, ensuring that all required information and documentation is included.
- Complete a Naturalization Interview: A person must meet with a USCIS officer to review their application and answer questions about their background.
- Take Required Tests: An immigrant will need to pass English and civics tests before they will be granted citizenship.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance: After receiving approval, a person will attend a naturalization ceremony and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Requirements for Naturalization
To be eligible for citizenship, an immigrant must meet specific requirements for naturalization, including:
- Age: An applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Lawful Permanent Residency: An applicant must have a valid Green Card, and they must have maintained their lawful permanent resident status for a certain period of time.
- Physical Presence and Continuous Residence: A person must have maintained a residence in the United States for a certain period of time, and they must also have been physically present within the country for a certain amount of that time.
- Good Moral Character: An immigrant will need to show that they have abided by U.S. laws and fulfilled their civic responsibilities.
- Civics and English Knowledge: Tests given during the naturalization process must show that a person has a knowledge of U.S. history and government and that they have basic English proficiency.
- Oath of Allegiance: A new citizen must pledge allegiance to the United States and state that they will uphold the Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization
Yes, certain exemptions apply to the English test requirement, such as for older applicants or those with qualifying medical conditions. However, most applicants must demonstrate basic English proficiency.
Applicants who fail the tests are usually given a second opportunity to take them within 60 to 90 days.
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may affect your eligibility. Consult with The Estevez Group, PC to assess your situation.
Processing times can vary, but most naturalization applications take six to 12 months to complete. At The Estevez Group, PC, we can help you avoid delays by providing the right information on your application and making sure you are prepared for your interview and tests.
Yes, but you will need to make sure you have met the requirements for physical presence in the United States during the years you have held a Green Card. Prolonged absences may disrupt your continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
A child who is under the age of 18 will automatically derive citizenship after a parent has gained citizenship through naturalization, as long the child has a valid Green Card and is living in the U.S. in the custody of the parent who has gained citizenship. A child who is eligible can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.
Contact Our Fairfax Citizenship Lawyer
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing achievement. At The Estevez Group, PC, we help immigrants achieve their dreams of citizenship by providing skilled legal assistance throughout the naturalization process. Contact our office at 703-829-5179 to set up a free consultation today. Let us guide you on your journey to U.S. citizenship and help you secure a brighter future for you and your family.
