Fairfax Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys

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Naturalization is the process by which immigrants become United States Citizens. In most cases, an immigrant is eligible to naturalize after five years of lawful permanent residence. In some cases, an immigrant may be eligible after just three years of lawful permanent residence. Call our compassionate and experienced legal team at Murray Osorio PLLC to discuss your situation so we can determine if you have a path to become a U.S. citizen.

What Are the Benefits of Naturalization?

Many immigrants do not bother to apply for naturalization because it is too confusing and they do not see the benefits. However, becoming a citizen is the only sure way to avoid ever being deported or removed from the country. Even people who have been lawful permanent residents for decades can still be subject to removal or deportation if they are deemed to have committed a deportable offense.

Some of the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen include:

• The right to vote in local, state, and national elections
• The right to receive a United States passport and travel without worrying about losing citizenship status
• Broader access to public benefits like Supplemental Security Income
• The right to apply for green cards for family members and relatives
• The right to apply for jobs in the federal government

What to Expect During the Naturalization Process

Naturalization is initiated by the filing of Form N-400 with the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Along with the form, an application fee, passport-style photos, and other documents must be submitted.

USCIS will issue a receipt for the filing of the form, and at a later date, they will mail an appointment letter setting a time for the immigrant to appear at a fingerprinting location to have their fingerprints taken.

The final step of the naturalization process will commence with another appointment letter setting a date for the naturalization interview. At the interview, the immigrant will be asked questions about their application and will be administered two tests: an English test, and a Civic test.

If the application is approved and the tests are successfully completed, USCIS will set a date for an oath ceremony. At the ceremony, an official may ask the immigrant questions about their activities since the interview date. The immigrant will then take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and will be issued a Certificate of Naturalization, officially becoming a United States Citizen.