Citizenship

Naturalization

Immigrants can obtain citizenship in the United States through the process of naturalization. This process makes immigrants full citizens of the United States, with all the accompanying rights and responsibilities. There are two primary benefits of citizenship that are not available to legal permanent residents — voting and receiving state and federal benefits. There is also the security of knowing that your right to equal protection under the law cannot be challenged.

Contact a knowledgeable attorney for information about becoming a United States citizen. At the Orange County, California, law firm, the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah, our immigration lawyer has helped many people achieve full citizenship. Call our Newport Beach office at 1-866-511-2757.

Requirements for citizenship

The process of becoming a citizen begins when you obtain a green card or legal permanent resident status (LPR). In order to become a citizen, you must demonstrate:

• That you have LPR status and have had this status for not less than five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
• That you are more than 18 years old
• That you have lived in the same state for at least three months
• That you have been living in the United States for at least half of the five years since obtaining LPR status
• That you have lived continuously in the United States since filing the petition for citizenship
• That you are a person of good moral character and have been so since receiving LPR status
• That you can read and write English at an elementary level; if you are over 50 or have lived in the United States for more than 20 years as a legal permanent resident, you do not have to demonstrate English proficiency
• That you know the fundamentals of U.S. government and history; if you are over 65 and have been a legal permanent resident for 20 years or more, you will be tested on different aspects of U.S. government and history

What can a lawyer do to help me?

Our law firm advises and helps people completing the application for naturalization form, N-400. We make sure that the application is filled out correctly with all the required documentation. We help prepare clients for the citizenship test on government and history. We accompany them to the interview with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. If the application is denied, our lawyer advises clients about the law relating to the appeals process. We are with you every step of the way.

The process can take many months or years. We keep you informed about the status of your application and help you submit any additional documentation required. If you hope to attain U.S. citizenship, contact an immigration attorney who knows how the naturalization process works. Call the Orange County, California, law firm of the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah at 1-866-511-2757.

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