Atlanta Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer

Applying for United States citizenship is an important moment in any immigrant’s life. Becoming a U.S. citizen could open up a world of new possibilities for yourself and your family members. However, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services impose numerous strict rules and regulations on this process. Failing to comply with even one of these rules could cause substantial delays in processing your petition or even lead to outright rejection.

A pursuit this serious is not something you should try to go through alone, especially without the guidance of a seasoned immigration attorney. By retaining a knowledgeable Atlanta citizenship and naturalization lawyer, you could significantly improve your chances of obtaining a positive case result and preserving your future plans as a permanent citizen.

When to Apply for Naturalized Citizenship

There are three primary ways to become a naturalized citizen of the United States: living here as a Legal Permanent Resident in good standing for at least five years, good-faith marriage to a U.S. citizen and lawful residence here for at least three years, or honorable U.S. military service for at least one year. It is also possible for someone to obtain citizenship by proving they were born to at least one U.S. citizen parent, but since any person born to a U.S. citizen parent automatically becomes a citizen at birth, this is technically not naturalized citizenship.

Regardless of the specific method and applicable time limits, applicants must meet numerous other prerequisite conditions to be eligible for the naturalization process, including the following:

• Being at least 18 years old at the initial filing date
• Maintaining continuous residence in the U.S. for the applicable period, physical presence here for at least half that time, and residence in the specific state or district of application for at least three months
• Possessing good moral character
• Having a basic knowledge of American history, civics, and government
• Basic English speaking, reading, and writing ability
• Attachment to Constitutional principles and ideals

A practiced attorney in Atlanta could explain these naturalization and citizenship requirements in more detail and help collect all evidence necessary to prove eligibility.

What Happens After Filing a Naturalization Petition?

According to the Case Processing Times estimate provided online by USCIS, it takes the Atlanta Field Office around 18 months to finish processing a Form N-400 submitted by someone seeking naturalized citizenship, although processing times can vary from case to case. As part of this process, an applicant will need to complete several additional procedures, including biometrics screening, an in-person interview, and tests of American civics knowledge and English literacy.

If an applicant receives approval from USCIS to become a naturalized citizen, they do not obtain citizenship until they attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance. A skilled lawyer could go into more detail about each step of the citizenship and naturalization process in Atlanta and provide crucial help preparing for interviews and tests.

Get in Touch with an Atlanta Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney

U.S. citizenship can provide many opportunities, privileges, and rights not available to lawful permanent residents. However, obtaining naturalized citizenship is a multi-step process that could be challenging to complete by yourself, especially if you have not had extensive interactions with USCIS in the past.

Having an Atlanta citizenship and naturalization lawyer help with your petition could give you the best chance of achieving your desired result. Call today for a consultation.