Rockland County Citizenship Lawyer

Rockland County Citizenship Attorney

The dedicated legal immigration team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco has a decades-long history of helping immigrants in Rockland County and surrounding areas achieve their immigration goals, with US citizenship being no exception. A PPID Rockland County citizenship lawyer can provide clients with crucial legal support, helping them understand how to meet critical legal requirements and navigate the complex process of naturalization.

The Benefits That Come With US Citizenship

Those who are not born as US citizens or who do not receive derived citizenship must apply for US citizenship through the naturalization process. Although the naturalization process is lengthy and requires meeting various legal requirements, it is ultimately worth it for many individuals due to the plethora of benefits that come with being a US citizen. Some key benefits that come with being a US citizen include the following:

• More options for family reunification. When it comes to sponsoring family members who live abroad to come live in the US, US citizens are generally prioritized over lawful permanent residents, making family reunification faster. They can also petition for close family members, such as children, parents, and siblings, to immigrate to the United States.
• Extended voting rights. US citizens have the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections, which gives them the opportunity to have a greater say in who will represent them in government. This is a critical part in the democratic process of shaping policy.
• Deportation protections. US citizens are afforded peace of mind in knowing that they are protected from being deported from the country. Convictions for certain types of crimes that could lead to deportation of lawful permanent residents do not apply to US citizens.
• Access to public office positions. US citizens who have obtained their citizenship through naturalization can run for a majority of positions in public office. However, they are restricted from running for the position of US President.
• Access to federal government positions. US citizens can access jobs in the federal government, allowing them to qualify for more opportunities in the US workforce.
• International travel. US citizens can ask for a US passport, which allows them to enjoy the privileges of accessing many countries through international travel. As the US passport is relatively strong compared to other countries, this may open up the ability for travel to individuals that they may not have necessarily had before.

Overcoming Challenges to Reap the Benefits

A Rockland County citizenship lawyer can help you overcome the challenges of naturalization to ultimately access the benefits of being a US citizen. From helping you understand the required documentation for your application and helping you meet all crucial requirements, a lawyer can provide you with legal support to ensure that your application goes smoothly.

If you have any complications in your application, such as having stayed abroad for an extended period of time or having a crime on your record, a lawyer can help you develop legal strategies to get past these challenges.

As the naturalization process requires various steps and is considerably lengthy, a Rockland County citizenship lawyer can help you understand each part of the process so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Can I Apply for US Citizenship If My Green Card Has Expired?

A: If your green card is expired, you likely can still apply for US citizenship. However, this could introduce difficulties in your naturalization process. It is generally advised to have an up-to-date green card before starting naturalization so you can avoid any unanticipated problems. If your green card has expired and you are keen to pursue US citizenship, a Rockland County citizenship lawyer can provide you with legal assistance to navigate the process.

Q: What Happens If I Fail the US Citizenship Test?

A: If you fail the civics or English component of the US citizenship test at your naturalization interview, you can retake the test later. You will only be allowed one more attempt to take the test. It is crucial to prepare accordingly to avoid any potential issues. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the components of the naturalization test and provide you with advice to increase your chances of a positive outcome.

Q: How Long Do I Have to Wait After My Naturalization Interview for a Decision?

A: After your naturalization interview, the amount of time you have to wait for a decision on your US citizenship is dependent on various factors, including the complexity of your case and the caseload at USCIS. Complex cases or cases that require submission of additional documentation can take longer periods of time to be processed. A citizenship lawyer can assist you with checking on the status of your application.

Q: What Is the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony for US Citizenship?

A: The oath of allegiance ceremony is required for individuals to become US citizens, during which applicants are required to take an oath that renounces allegiance to their previous nationality. During this ceremony, they also need to state their dedication to fulfilling their duty as a US citizen and to support and defend the constitution. After applicants take this oath, they receive their certificate of naturalization to confirm US citizenship.

Take the Leap Towards US Citizenship With a Rockland County Citizenship Lawyer

Although going through the naturalization process to pursue US citizenship may seem complicated and overwhelming, it is completely doable with an experienced and compassionate citizenship lawyer. An attorney can help you understand if you meet the requirements and what you can expect through each step along the way. By helping you prepare ahead, they can optimize your chances of a successful outcome. Contact PPID today to get started.