Dallas Citizenship Attorney
Advantages of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Immigrating to the United States is a lifelong dream for countless people from across the globe. Successfully gaining entry to the U.S. and becoming a lawful permanent resident can often be a significant challenge, but it is well worth the effort. Now that you have obtained a green card and started building a life in this country, your next step is to apply for citizenship through the process of naturalization.
The benefits of becoming a citizen are numerous:
- You will be able to vote in elections and even to run for elected office.
- You will become eligible for federal employment and will be able to obtain a U.S. passport.
- You will be able to come and go as you please, without any concern over maintaining your immigration status.
- You will gain the power to sponsor family members in their own immigration petitions with the immediate relative visa.
Finally, you will be able to enjoy the pride of being a full citizen of the United States of America.
Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
There are several different paths to naturalization. You can apply after obtaining a green card through family or employment, or as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces is another route, as is being the foreign-born child of a citizen. If you are applying via the most common route, as a green card holder, you must be at least 18 years of age and must have had your green card for a minimum of 5 years.
You must have maintained continuous residence in the United States for 5 years, and must have been physically present in this country for half of that time (30 months). Beyond these basic eligibility requirements, you must pass a test of your ability to read, write and speak English, as well as an examination of your knowledge of U.S. history and government. Further, you will have to supply evidence that you are a person of "good moral character," that you are attached to the principles of the Constitution and are well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.
How a Dallas Citizenship Lawyer Can Help
Before you take any action on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, come to the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., for help. The Department of Homeland Security reports that there were 756,008 petitions for naturalization in 2011 alone. With such a massive volume of incoming applications, it is easy for your own form to be denied based on simple mistakes or lack of sufficient information.
You need an experienced Dallas immigration attorney on your side. We can assist you with preparing the petition, gathering the necessary documentation and evidence, and can even help you prepare for your interview and testing.
Contact us now for a case evaluation to learn more about how we can help and to get started on the process.