Queens Citizenship Lawyer
Becoming a US citizen is a momentous decision and we provide expert guidance to fulfill the requirements.
Queens is full of immigrants that make up the vibrant culture of New York and provide crucial support to the economy. Non-citizens in Queens and the US who meet certain requirements can go through the naturalization process to obtain US citizenship. While applying for US citizenship can be an exciting time in the immigration journey, it can also come with high levels of stress and uncertainty. A Queens citizenship lawyer can provide needed support.
Queens Citizenship Attorney
The dedicated legal team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco has years of combined experience helping support individuals who are navigating the complex process of naturalization. A PPID Queens citizenship lawyer can provide tailored legal guidance to help clients understand if they meet naturalization requirements, and help them plan accordingly for each step in the process. A lawyer can help optimize the process and push for positive outcomes.
Naturalization and Eligibility Requirements
Some individuals may obtain US citizenship through other means of naturalization, such as through derived citizenship or being born as a US citizen. Naturalization is a legal process that non-citizens can go through to obtain US citizenship. There are multiple requirements that must be met and different steps that must be successfully completed. Eligibility for naturalization requires fulfilling the following requirements:
- Being at least 18 years of age.
- Being a lawful permanent resident for a certain period of time, depending on the details of the application.
- Having a continuous, physical presence in the United States for a certain period of time.
- Demonstrating good moral character, which typically means showing that applicants have abided by US laws and regulations and do not have a criminal history.
- Showing a basic command of the English language in terms of speaking, writing, and reading.
- Passing a citizenship test, which is composed of English language and US civics elements. The civics test covers knowledge of US constitutional principles, history, and government.
An experienced Queens citizenship lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of naturalization, providing you with critical legal support through each step of the way to ensure that your process goes smoothly.
How a Queen Citizenship Lawyer Can Support the Naturalization Process
Applying for US citizenship has various complex steps. It is important to work with a citizenship lawyer in Queens, NY who can help you through each stage and ensure that your application is adequately filled out and submitted. A lawyer can help you understand the requirements and important supporting documentation for filing N-400, Application for Naturalization, to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections on your application.
A skilled lawyer can also help you understand the various aspects of the naturalization process you may expect to go through, such as a biometrics appointment and a naturalization interview. By helping you anticipate potential questions that may come up during your naturalization interview and encouraging you to practice accordingly, you can go into this interview with a USCIS officer feeling confident and ready.
An attorney can also help you fully understand all the requirements for the US citizenship test, including demonstration of a command of English and the knowledge of US civics. If any challenges arise in your naturalization process, such as complexities related to criminal history or extended absences from the US, they can work to proactively address the situation and fight for a positive outcome.
FAQs
Q: Can I Apply for US Citizenship If I Was Arrested but Not Convicted in New York?
A: If you’ve been arrested in New York but not convicted of a crime, this does not necessarily disqualify you for naturalization. However, it could potentially impact your US citizenship application. USCIS will go over the details of your arrest record when they are conducting a background check to determine good moral character. During the application process, it’s important to fully disclose all arrests, even if they did not lead to a conviction.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for US Citizenship?
A: When applying for US citizenship, it is not a legal requirement to hire a lawyer. However, a citizenship lawyer can help protect your rights and interests throughout the process. They can help ensure that you meet the requirements for naturalization, guide you throughout the naturalization process, and help address any eligibility or legal issues that may come up. By working with an experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of success.
Q: Can I Apply for Citizenship While Serving in the US Military?
A: Yes, if you are serving in the US military, you may be eligible for a special or expedited naturalization process. As a general rule, those serving during periods of hostilities have further exceptions to ease the application process for US citizenship. A citizenship lawyer can support veterans and military service members with their US citizenship applications.
Q: Do I Need to Renounce My Original Citizenship to Become a US Citizen?
A: While individuals are not required to renounce their prior nationality to become a US citizen, they will be required to pledge their sole loyalty to the United States during an oath of allegiance ceremony to complete naturalization. While the US allows for dual citizenship, some countries do not. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand how your home country’s laws for dual citizenship could impact your case.
Q: How Do I Apply for Citizenship for My Child?
A: Children under the age of 18 may receive automatic US citizenship if at least one of their parents received US citizenship through the naturalization process and the child is located in the US as a green card holder. This is known as derivative citizenship. An immigration lawyer can help you understand if your child is eligible for derivative citizenship and the required application for their certificate of citizenship to get proper documentation.
Champion the Naturalization Process With a Queens Citizenship Lawyer
Obtaining US citizenship comes with various rights and responsibilities, such as being able to vote in federal elections and more easily bring immediate family members to the United States. Although US citizenship comes with perks, applicants are commonly intimidated from going through naturalization due to stringent requirements and process complexity. A skilled Queens citizenship lawyer can help you navigate these hurdles to get citizenship.
Contact the legal immigration team at PPID today to get started.
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization eligibility criteria and program details change. Consult a PPID attorney for guidance in your case. Consultations are available in-person and online.