Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting all legal requirements. Becoming a citizen is the ultimate goal of those who make the United States their home, allowing them to fully participate in civic life and enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. But naturalization takes time, and many individuals require the assistance of an experienced attorney. Yaqubie Law is ready to work with you.

Eligibility Requirements For Naturalization

Individuals who are lawfully in the United States can apply for U.S. citizenship – a process known as becoming naturalized – once they:

  • Have reached 18 years of age
  • Become a lawful permanent resident (have a Green Card)
  • Are able to read, write, and speak English
  • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and civics
  • Can demonstrate good moral character throughout their period of residency
  • Can show continuous permanent residence in the United States for at least 5 years (may be reduced to 3 years if the person is married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months (may be reduced to 18 months if the person is married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or district in which the person claims residence

How to Apply For Citizenship

Once you meet the above requirements, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete the Form N-400 application: This is the application for naturalization. It needs to be completely and accurately filled out, and you should expect to be asked about the information in the form during your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview.
  • Gather supporting documents: There are various records you must submit with your application and bring to your interview. Some, like the Form I-551, or Permanent Resident Card, are required of all applicants. Others are case-specific like for married individuals. Failure to include all documents could delay your application, so we can help you prepare.
  • Have your biometrics taken: After you submit your N-400, you will receive a letter about having your biometrics (e.g. fingerprints) taken. The letter will provide the date and location for your biometrics appointment. You will need to bring your appointment notice, Form I-797C; your Permanent Resident Card; and another form of identification that includes your photograph, like a driver’s license. We can walk you through this process.
  • Complete your USCIS interview: After the above steps are finished, you will receive a notice about your USCIS interview. This is the stage at which USCIS asks about your application and background, reviews any additional documents you were told to bring, and tests how well you know English and civics (see below regarding the last item). Our office can prepare you for this interview and answer your questions.
  • Receive a decision: Next, USCIS will send you a Form N-652 which explains the results of your interview. Your request to become a U.S. citizen will be granted, denied, or continued. “Continued” means your application is put on hold, usually due to failing the English and civics test or failing to provide all necessary documents.
  • Take the oath: Once your naturalization application is approved, you will receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Although the oath is sometimes administered on the same day as the interview, you may need to answer additional questions if time has passed since then.

What Can I Do If My Application is Denied?

If your naturalization application is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining why. The good news is that having your application denied is rarely something that cannot be fixed, and our law firm can assist. You may request a rehearing with a USCIS officer, and the notice will explain this process. If your application is still denied, you can move your case to the U.S. District Court. In some cases, applicants will need to re-apply at a later date.

What to Expect During Your Interview

You should bring all necessary documents and identifications with you to your USCIS interview. You will answer questions under oath about your N-400 as well as:

  • Your background
  • Evidence supporting your application
  • Your place and length of residence
  • Your moral character
  • Your support of the U.S. Constitution
  • Whether you will take an oath to support the United States

You will also take an English and U.S. history and civics test. See below for more information.

The U.S. Civics and English Requirement

A USCIS officer will test your ability to read, write, and speak English as well as your grasp of civics and history. You will need to correctly answer 6 of 10 civics questions to pass; all 100 civics questions are available on the USCIS website under the Education and Resources section. Regarding your understanding of English, there are options to prepare such as attending a local community college or adult education program. Our law office can connect you or your loved one to these resources.

What If I’ve Been Arrested or Convicted of a Crime?

The ability to demonstrate good moral character is an essential component of naturalization. All criminal arrests, no matter how minor they seem, must be disclosed to USCIS. This includes any arrests sealed by a court, expunged, or resolved by way of a plea bargain. Certain criminal convictions, such as prostitution and gambling, can be viewed as negatively impacting one’s moral character and jeopardizing naturalization. We can review your criminal background, ensure you fully disclose all arrests, and help you collect the documents you will need to present to USCIS.

How Marriage and Name Changes May Affect You

Many permanent residents have gotten married while in the United States. Others have been divorced or widowed. You should bring a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce judgment or annulment, or your former spouse’s death certificate to your USCIS interview. Also, if you changed your name through a court proceeding, bring a copy of the court decree. Lastly, if your current spouse was previously married, bring evidence that shows the marriage(s) ended. Our firm can assist with this process.

Contact Our Garden City Naturalization Attorney

Naturalization is a complex process, and you may have other questions or needs specific to your exact situation. Working with a naturalization attorney will improve your chances of successfully becoming a U.S. citizen and help you overcome obstacles you may encounter. Let our dedicated attorney advocate for you. Call Yaqubie Law today.

Yaqubie Law, located in Garden City, also serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Syosset, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and the greater New York area.