Brooklyn Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys

Your Trusted Citizenship & Naturalization Assistance in New York & New Jersey

Naturalization refers to the process through which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes a citizen of the United States by meeting the requirements put forth by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Navigating the naturalization process can be a confusing and intimidating process. At Usher Law Group, our Brooklyn naturalization attorneys are here to guide you through the process and represent your best interests. Whether you are a lawful permanent resident or a foreign national, we can support you throughout the citizenship process to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen? Contact our experienced Brooklyn citizenship attorneys at Usher Law Group for personalized assistance. Contact us at (718) 484-7510 today!

Essential Qualifications for U.S. Naturalization

Our team of experienced immigration attorneys can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the qualifications needed for naturalization in Brooklyn. In addition to filling out all requisite forms, such as the Form N-400, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines several requirements for naturalization, including:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency: You must have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years. In some cases, such as for certain U.S. military members and their families, residency can be shorter.
3. Physical presence: You need to have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the last five years.
4. Good moral character: The USCIS may deny naturalization if the applicant has certain criminal records.
5. Language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak.
6. Knowledge of U.S. government and history: Applicants are required to pass a civics test.
7. Oath of Allegiance: To become a U.S. citizen, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

It’s important to remember that every naturalization case is different, and certain circumstances might require additional qualifications. That is why it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney who has your best interest at heart to navigate the process effectively.

Naturalization for Children and Families

Overview:
Children of naturalized U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship through their parents' naturalization process. In certain cases, children under the age of 18 can automatically become U.S. citizens when their parent(s) are naturalized.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Automatic Citizenship: Children under 18 years old who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize.
• Residency: The child must be living with their parent(s) in the United States in lawful permanent resident status at the time the parent(s) are naturalized.
• Legal Custody: If the child is in the custody of a naturalized parent, they may automatically acquire citizenship.

Why It's Important:
Many people don’t realize that their children or other family members might qualify for U.S. citizenship through their own naturalization. This automatic process can save time and effort. Additionally, naturalization through a parent can allow children to benefit from citizenship rights such as access to federal benefits, voting, and education.

Petitioning for Family Members:

• U.S. citizens can petition for certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to become lawful permanent residents, which is often the first step toward naturalization.
• The petition process involves filing a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the relationship.

Citizenship Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Overview:
Individuals married to U.S. citizens have a special pathway to citizenship. The residency requirement for naturalization may be shortened to just three years instead of the usual five years.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Marital Status: The applicant must be married to a U.S. citizen.
• Three-Year Residency: The applicant must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least three years and lived in marital union with their U.S. citizen spouse during that time.
• Continuous Residence: Applicants must demonstrate that they have lived in the U.S. continuously for three years and that they meet all other naturalization requirements.

Why It's Important:
Marriage to a U.S. citizen can significantly shorten the wait time for naturalization. Many applicants may not realize they can take advantage of this expedited process. Understanding this provision can help applicants move toward U.S. citizenship more quickly.

Naturalization for Military Personnel and Their Families

Overview:
U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families have special provisions that allow for expedited naturalization. This is due to their service to the country, and the process can be faster than for civilians.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Military Service: U.S. service members (including those in the Reserves or National Guard) can apply for naturalization during their service, and in some cases, even after serving abroad.
• Special Provisions: Certain family members of service members, including spouses and children, may also be eligible for expedited naturalization.

Why It's Important:
Military personnel and their families can benefit from a streamlined process, allowing them to gain citizenship more quickly. For service members stationed abroad, this can make the naturalization process much simpler. Understanding these benefits ensures that military families do not miss out on opportunities to naturalize.