New York City Naturalization Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Cheryl R. David, our New York City attorneys advise permanent residents interested in United States citizenship about the naturalization process and help applicants for citizenship overcome any obstacles that might come up along the way. Our goal is to help you find the smoothest path to U.S. citizenship. For a consultation, contact a seasoned New York City naturalization lawyer from The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David.

What is Naturalization?

For many of our clients, naturalization represents more than a legal process; it is the fulfillment of a long-held dream. It is the final step in a journey that may have begun years ago, involving great effort, sacrifice, and hope. Naturalization is the means by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a United States citizen, and with it comes a host of benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to apply for a U.S. passport, and the security of knowing that your status in this country is permanent.

At its core, naturalization reflects a commitment: your commitment to the United States, and the country’s recognition of your place within its civic fabric. If you are wondering whether you may be eligible for naturalization, or if you have questions about what lies ahead, we are here to provide thoughtful, experienced guidance every step of the way.

Are You Eligible? A Quick Overview

While every situation is unique and deserving of individual attention, most applicants for U.S. citizenship must satisfy several fundamental requirements. Our office can help you understand how these apply in your specific case, but as a starting point, you may wish to consider the following:

• You must be at least 18 years old at the time you file your application.
• You must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for either five years, or three years if your status is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• You must have continuously resided in the United States during the required period, and you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time.
• You must have good moral character and not have committed certain disqualifying crimes.
• You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, and have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (exceptions may apply).
• You must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance and affirm your commitment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

These are just the general guidelines. Many people who assume they don’t qualify are, in fact, eligible, or can take steps to become eligible in the near future. If you are unsure where you stand, we invite you to reach out. We will evaluate your circumstances and advise you on your best path forward.

What to Expect During the Naturalization Process

Though every journey is different, naturalization typically follows a series of well-defined steps. A brief outline of those steps is as follows:

1. Initial Consultation and Document Review: We begin by gathering relevant background information and identifying any issues that may need to be addressed before filing. This includes travel history, criminal records, tax obligations, and other personal circumstances.
2. Filing Form N-400: This is the official Application for Naturalization. We help prepare and review the form with care, making sure that every answer is accurate and appropriately supported by documentation.
3. Biometrics Appointment: After filing, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, during which the government will take your fingerprints and photograph to conduct a background check.
4. Naturalization Interview and Testing: You will be interviewed by a USCIS officer, who will ask questions about your application and test your knowledge of English and U.S. civics. We help our clients prepare for this step so they know what to expect.
5. Decision and Oath Ceremony: If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for a ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance. At that moment, you will become a United States citizen.

The timeline can vary depending on your location, your personal history, and USCIS backlogs. However, throughout this process, our firm remains committed to guiding you with clarity, professionalism, and care. We are honored to assist clients as they move toward this meaningful and life-changing goal.

Our Naturalization Services

We recognize the significance of becoming a citizen. Our naturalization lawyer works tirelessly for clients as they pursue their dreams. If you are interested in naturalization, a lawyer from The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David is ready to serve. Our services in any given situation might include:

• Examining whether any criminal convictions will prevent you from citizenship or put you at risk of removal proceedings when applying for citizenship
• Getting a waiver of the citizenship test or language requirements for people over 55 or who have lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years
• Making sure that divorce or employment problems won’t threaten the interests of permanent residents whose original visas were based on marriage or work
• Considering the effect of extended travel abroad during the U.S. residence period
• Resolving tax problems prior to the application for citizenship
• Identifying grounds for claiming derivative citizenship or acquired citizenship based on family circumstances

We review all citizenship applications carefully with our clients. In the best circumstances, we discover that immigrants are already U.S. citizens. In most cases, however, our job is to make sure that we can document your eligibility for citizenship while addressing any problems that might interfere with the naturalization process.

Contact an NYC Naturalization Lawyer Today

Citizenship is a significant step in one’s life. When a person becomes a citizen of the United States, doors are opened and opportunities come to fruition. Our firm is honored to help people through the process and achieve their life goals of becoming naturalized. For a lawyer’s advice about becoming a U.S. citizen or for help investigating the facts supporting your claim to citizenship, contact The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David.