Attorney Medya Ansari is a citizenship and naturalization lawyer serving San Jose and the Bay Area. Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. can provide legal counsel and represent you in the naturalization process. To talk to an experienced citizenship lawyer and get legal help today, please contact us.
Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney
Becoming a citizen is life-changing, but the process of getting citizenship can be daunting. There are many steps to take and detailed paperwork. There are plenty of rules and regulations, and they can change.
You can have a citizenship attorney assist you with everything. Our law firm provides quality legal services. Our law office has been helping people like you for over two decades.
We are passionate about using our skills and fight on your behalf. To see how a naturalization attorney can assist you, call or message us.
Legal Help for Citizenship and Naturalization in the US
- With a lawyer, you have a trained professional working on your case.
- Avoid mistakes that could delay your application and result in a frustrating denial.
- If you have been previously arrested and are worried about its impact on your citizenship application, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the process.
- Do not wonder if you are missing something important! You can have peace of mind with legal help at every step.
- Our services are comprehensive and take care of everything you may need.
We help people in San Jose, CA, but our services extend to the Bay Area, California, and worldwide. We are eager to assist you wherever you may be located.
Help from an Immigration Lawyer for Citizenship
Here are some ways that Medya Ansari can help as your immigration lawyer for citizenship:
Legal advice
Do you qualify for citizenship? Are there things that are specific to your situation that may stand in your way? What do you need to know? You can have legal advice that is personal to your situation. Your lawyer is your counselor and guide. We offer consultations and legal advice.
Acquiring citizenship
You can have a lawyer represent you to help you prove that you acquired citizenship through your parent(s). The process is detailed, but you may have legal representation through every step. We are proud to help our clients, changing their lives as we help them become U.S. citizens.
N-400 and the Citizenship Process
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
- Residency in the United States: For most applicants, you must have been a resident for five years without long absences from the country. The period may be shortened to three years if you are married to a citizen or one year if you served in the U.S. military. (There is a significant exception for U.S. military service. Ask us if this may apply to you.)
- English literacy test: Demonstrating basic knowledge of English. There are some exceptions, including those with disabilities.
- Civics test: Showing your understanding of American history and how the U.S. government works. There are some exceptions, including those with disabilities.
- Oath of allegiance: You must have a favorable disposition towards the United States and a willingness to uphold the Constitution.
- Good moral character: A determination of good moral character is based on conduct. Criminal convictions may be disqualifying. Other factors may be weighed, including family ties, community involvement, education, employment history, and meeting financial obligations.
- Not ordered removed: If you have been ordered removed, or if there is a removal proceeding pending, you cannot be approved for naturalization. There may be an exception for military service.
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. It is the way to become a U.S. citizen if you do not acquire citizenship at birth or before turning 18.
Form N-400 is the application for naturalization. The document includes:
- The reason you are eligible (select only one box)
- Your legal name and other names that you have used
- Your USCIS account number, if you have one
- Background information, including country of citizenship or nationality and whether either of your parents was a citizen before your 18th birthday
- Biographic information, address history
- Marital history and children
- Other personal information, including political activity, military training
- Time spent outside the United States
- Criminal history
- Signature, Oath of Allegiance
- Interpreter information, if applicable
As your citizenship and naturalization lawyer, we can make sure that your application is complete and correct.
Note: You may file your N-400 application online through your USCIS account. The N-400 form has recently been updated (4/1/24 edition), so if you use a paper form, make sure that you are using the latest version.
What type of lawyer helps with citizenship?
An immigration lawyer can represent clients in the process of acquiring U.S. citizenship and/or naturalization. At Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., our law firm handles citizenship and naturalization matters.
Is it better to get a lawyer for citizenship?
A lawyer for citizenship can help you with all the steps needed for a smooth process. They can advocate for you and avoid problems that delay your case or result in the denial of your citizenship. They can also help you prepare for the English and civics tests.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Every person and every situation is different. As your lawyer, we can discuss the reasons that you may want to pursue naturalization and what to consider as you make your choice.
However, here are some of the benefits of U.S. citizenship:
Status
- No green card renewal: Once you have citizenship, you do not need to renew your green card, and there are no more immigration fees.
- Sponsoring family members: As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor family members to come to the United States. Certain family members of citizens may be processed more quickly than family members of green card holders.
- Transmitting citizenship to children: Children born to U.S. citizen parent(s) or their parents become a U.S. citizens after their birth but before they turn 18 may qualify to acquire citizenship through their parent(s). Even if they are born abroad, your children may acquire U.S. citizenship if they meet certain qualifications.
Benefits
- Voting: You can participate and vote for the U.S. president or in any federal, state, or local election.
- Running for office: You are eligible to run for political office. Foreign-born U.S. citizens can become senators after nine years of citizenship and representatives after only seven years.
- Accessing government programs: You will have full access to government programs and benefits that are available only to citizens.
Travel
- A passport: Travel with your U.S. passport. What country your passport is from determines what visas you need, and the U.S. passport is powerful. When you travel, you can get help from a U.S. embassy if necessary.
- Travel freely: With citizenship, you can leave the United States and return whenever you want.
- No deportation: While certain criminal offenses or abandoning your residence in the United States could result in loss of status for those with green cards, deportation is not a risk for those with citizenship.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen comes with responsibilities, too. You must file income tax returns, even if you do not live in the United States. Men age 18–25 may be called on to serve in the U.S. military, and anyone may be called to jury duty.
Problems You May Encounter With Obtaining Citizenship
You should retain a lawyer to address some specific issues. Here are some obstacles that you may encounter as you pursue U.S. citizenship.
Criminal history
If you have a criminal history, acquiring U.S. citizenship or naturalizing may still be possible. However, your criminal history will be reviewed in detail, and certain criminal convictions can cause denial of the application.
There may be a waiting period before you can apply. Certain criminal convictions may be per se bar to qualification for naturalization; sometimes, it is a temporary bar.
With legal help, you will know if your criminal history will be a problem for naturalization. You should have professional help to make the appropriate disclosures on your N-400 form, including arrests and criminal convictions, and take proper steps to ensure your status is not jeopardized.
Continuous residence and physical presence
Continuous and physical residence is an essential condition for a citizenship application. If you leave the United States for more than six months, you have disrupted your continuous residence in the United States.
Let us help you evaluate whether permanent residence or physical presence may be a question and address it as part of your citizenship application.
Dual citizenship
If you are a citizen of another country, acquiring U.S. citizenship may impact your status in another country. Get personalized legal advice before you continue.
False statements on your application
Making false statements on your application for citizenship may result in denial. Your naturalization is subject to revocation if it is found out that you misrepresented or concealed information.
Polygamy
Polygamy is not recognized in the United States. Bigamists and polygamists are not eligible to become naturalized.
Failing to meet legal obligations
Not supporting your minor children, not making court-ordered child support, or alimony payments may be seen as a lack of moral character.
Exceptions to the English and civics tests
The thought of difficult English and civics tests can seem daunting to applicants. As your legal counsel, we make sure that you understand what you need to know.
Also, there are some exceptions to having to take the tests. For example, people over age 50 may only have to take the civics test, and they can take it in the language of their choice. The exceptions depend on your age and how long you have lived as a permanent resident in the United States.
The truth is that anyone can benefit from a lawyer for citizenship and naturalization. We will determine your eligibility, help you present necessary evidence, fill out forms, help you study, address possible issues, and celebrate with you as you become a citizen of the United States.
LEAVE YOUR IMMIGRATION WORRIES IN OUR HANDS
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization FAQs
Where do U.S. immigration laws come from?
The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 states that Congress may establish rules for naturalization. These rules apply throughout the United States. However, the details of how citizenship is acquired are often determined by administrative rules, which are subject to change.
How much is the naturalization fee?
As of April 1, 2024, the fee for filing Form N-400 for naturalization is $760. This includes biometric services. Applications with household income at or under 400% of federal poverty guidelines may pay half the fee. You may file online for a $50 discount.
What is Form N-600?
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is the form to use for requesting a Certificate of Citizenship for a person born abroad to a parent who became a U.S. citizen before age 18. You may be eligible to use Form N-600 to request a citizenship certificate. A parent or legal guardian may file for their child. If you have acquired citizenship through your parents, you do not need to pass any English or civic test.
Do you have to pass a test to become a U.S. citizen?
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must show that you can read, write, and speak basic English. You must also pass a civics test, which includes questions about American history and government. There are some exceptions to this requirement.
Can you become a U.S. citizen if you are undocumented?
No. Time spent in the United States undocumented does not count toward becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, our law firm helps undocumented individuals find pathways to permanent residency and later citizenship. We invite you to contact us.
U.S. Citizenship and Dual Citizenship
U.S. law does not require you to choose only U.S. citizenship. As far as the United States is concerned, you may have more than one citizenship.
However, each country makes its own policies, and some countries will automatically revoke citizenship if you become an American. In addition, some countries do not recognize dual nationality, and they will continue to recognize their citizens solely as nationals of their country.
You should be aware of the potential ramifications of U.S. citizenship and naturalization. As your lawyer, we can advise you of your situation.
Talk to a Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer Today
Whether you are considering your options, ready to begin the process, or have already started, you can have help from a citizenship and naturalization lawyer. Contact Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. today. You can reach out online or call 408-292-7995.
