Our law firm specializes in helping clients navigate the complex process of naturalization and obtaining U.S. citizenship. If you have been a green card holder for 5 years (or 3 years if you obtained it through marriage and are still married to your sponsoring spouse), you may be eligible to file for naturalization. However, there are numerous conditions and potential obstacles that must be addressed before you can apply, such as demonstrating good moral character and avoiding voting in a U.S. election if you are not yet a citizen. Failure to address these issues can result in a denial of your application, potentially leading to removal proceedings.
At Clarke Law Office, LLC, we understand the stress and emotions that can arise during the naturalization process, and our experienced attorneys are here to provide knowledgeable legal advice and effective help. Our goal is for you to leave your legal problems with us and feel relieved of stress. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients by providing professional legal representation, including guidance in applying for naturalization and obtaining U.S. citizenship. Our clients are educated and informed throughout the entire process, and we work together as a team to achieve the goal of U.S. citizenship.
It’s also important to note that you may already be a U.S. citizen if your parents became citizens when you were a minor child. The laws surrounding this can be difficult to navigate, so it’s recommended to seek consultation from a knowledgeable attorney. Our law firm can assist you in obtaining your certificate of citizenship, even if you face challenges with state or country legitimization laws. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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Birth in the United States
Children born in the U.S. are automatically U.S. citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.
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Birth outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents
Certain children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents are automatically citizens of the U.S.
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Naturalization of parents
A child born outside the U.S. may automatically become a U.S. citizen if both parents become U.S. citizens prior to the child’s 18th birthday. It does not matter if both parents naturalize, or if one parent is a U.S. citizen by birth and the other a U.S. citizen by naturalization.
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Adoption by U.S. citizen parents
Certain children adopted and in the physical custody of their U.S. citizen parents for at least two years may acquire U.S. citizenship. The child must be under the age of 16 at the time of the legal adoption.
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Naturalization
The general rule is that anyone over the age of 18 who has been a legal permanent resident alien for at last five (5) years may apply for naturalization. The applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years prior to the date of filing of the application and must have resided for at least three months within the state in which the application is filed. The applicant must demonstrate good moral character, be attached to the principles of the U.S.
Constitution, be willing to bear arms on behalf of the U.S. or perform other work of national importance, and must not otherwise be barred from naturalizing, e.g., as having committed an aggravated felony. All naturalization applicants will be fingerprinted by the USCIS and have their criminal backgrounds reviewed by the FBI.
The applicant must demonstrate a basic ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
If you have any questions or would like to meet with an attorney, please contact us by clicking the link above or by phone or email.
TIPS
- If you’re not a U.S. citizen or Permanent resident, you have to carry a passport.
- If you grossly overstay your B-2 Visa, you are out of status. Pay attention to Expiration Date on your I-94.
- If considering adoption, please adopt the child before 16 years of age.
- Any criminal penalty punishable by a year or more may subject you to removal hearing (including Deferred Adjudication).
US Citizenship | Naturalization | Certificate of Citizenship