Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Experience the benefits afforded to citizens of the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. You want to ensure everything about your application is 100% in order. For this, you’ll need the services of a Ventura citizenship attorney from El Camino Inmigracion.
Our California immigration lawyers have vast experience assisting immigrants with the naturalization process. Our immigration law firm has helped many families with their immigration concerns, and we are eager to help you as well. Call our Ventura citizenship attorney immediately to get started on your immigration path.
Why Hire a Citizenship Attorney in California?
The last step of your immigration journey is naturalization. Are you willing to risk it all by skipping an attorney? Of course not! You want your naturalization to go off without a hitch! An immigration attorney has the knowledge and skills to maximize the chances of success.
By retaining the services of our Ventura-based attorney, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Someone to handle the paperwork
- Efficient filing of your application
- Answers to your immigration concerns
- Help facing immigration court
- Experience and knowledge to protect your rights and improve your chances of approval.
What are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and call our Ventura law firm today for legal advice on your immigration case!
How Do I Apply for Citizenship in the U.S.?
There are two ways to obtain US citizenship. The first is by operation of law, which means you don’t have to do anything to become a citizen of the United States. For example, people born in the United States are granted citizenship instantly.
Another option is naturalization. This procedure entails applying for and proving your eligibility to become a US citizen.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
American citizens enjoy certain privileges that not even legal permanent residents get. If you become a citizen,
- You now have extra possibilities for filing for relatives’ immigration benefits.
- You may go outside of the United States.
- Other than fraud connected to the naturalization process, crimes cannot result in your deportation.
- You are eligible to vote in local, state, and federal elections.
- Depending on where you live, you may be entitled to additional healthcare and benefits.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
There are five basic requirements for you to become a US citizen:
Good Moral Character
You must demonstrate that you have a good moral character for the whole statutory period. This is usually five years or three for those married to a US citizen.
In general, the conviction of a crime automatically means that a person lacks moral character. However, there are other acts that may signal to the authorities that a person does not fulfill the requirements. Some examples include excessive drinking, excessive gambling, or failing to pay domestic support obligations.
Residency
You have to continuously live in the country for at least five years. Leaving the U.S. for too long in a single trip can interrupt your continuous residence.
It would be best if you kept your trips outside the US for no more than six months. Otherwise, immigration officers will think you have surrendered your resident status. You must demonstrate that you have continuously lived in the United States in this situation.
If you stay outside the United States for more than 12 months, your continuous residency will be terminated. Certain people, however, are exempt from this requirement:
- Immigrants married to U.S. Citizens
- VAWA Applicants
- Individuals who are working for certain U.S. government agencies
English Literacy
Your fundamental English reading, writing, and communication skills will also be tested. This may be frightening, but the test will consist of an immigration officer asking you simple questions about yourself and the application, to which you will respond in English. In addition, you will be required to respond to a written question in English.
As a citizenship applicant, you must also pass an oral test in American history and government.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Yes, you have to be 18 or older to qualify for citizenship.
Green Card
To petition for US citizenship, you must first get a Green Card. You must have a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status that has not changed since you applied for a change of status. Otherwise, the USCIS has the authority to revoke your citizenship through a process called denaturalization.
You may apply to become a US citizen after five years as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) (naturalize). If you earned your permanent residency card by marriage, you could apply for citizenship three years later if you are still married to the spouse who petitioned for you.
Before you submit your USCIS applications, you may want to have our Ventura immigration attorney review them. A small error can cause them to reject your application. Or worse, they may find an excuse to have you deported. Consult our trusted immigration attorneys to learn how you can become a US citizen!
What If I Have a Criminal Violation?
Sometimes, we have encounters with the law that cannot be avoided. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, you must reveal all of your criminal history to your immigration counsel and USCIS. This includes
- Small violations
- Criminal records that have been deleted or sealed by the court
If you are an immigrant and are concerned that your criminal past could jeopardize your application, contact our dependable immigration attorney right away. El Camino Inmigracion has extensive experience dealing with numerous immigration matters and will assist you in finding the best solution for your specific circumstance. Call our law office for help solving your immigration issues!
Consult Ventura Immigration Attorney Now!
Because immigration procedures in the United States can be challenging, you must devise a thorough strategy to complete the citizenship process effectively.
El Camino Inmigracion’s experienced Ventura immigration lawyer can assist you in achieving your objectives. Don’t pass up the advantages of being a US citizen! For your family-based immigration and green card needs, you can also trust El Camino Inmigracion to solve your case. Make an appointment to retain the legal service of our California immigration law firm.
El Camino Inmigracion provides legal services for all types of immigration cases, including:
