Silver Spring Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys

Honest & Reliable Legal Representation Nationwide

Naturalization is the legal process immigrants go through to become United States citizens. Eligible immigrants must be Lawful Permanent Residents for five years, or three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen, to submit naturalization applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, applicants must prove they have "good moral character," don’t have criminal convictions, and that they are familiar with U.S. history and the English language. Applicants also have to be physically present in the U.S for more than half of the 3 or 5-year residency period.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

While some immigrants don’t apply for naturalization because the process is too confusing or because they do not see all of the benefits, becoming a citizen is the only sure way to avoid being deported or removed from the country.

Immigrants who complete the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens gain the following benefits:

• 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

Navigating The Naturalization Process

The naturalization process starts with the filing of Form N-400. There is also the application fee, passport-style photos, and other documents that must be submitted. Applicants will be issued a receipt for the filing of the form and USCIS will send an appointment letter with a date and location for fingerprinting.

The last step of the naturalization process is the naturalization interview. At the interview, the immigrant will be asked questions about their application and will be administered an English test and Civics test. If the application is approved and the tests are successfully completed, USCIS will set a date for an oath ceremony. Once the immigrant takes their Oath of Allegiance to the United States, they will be issued a Certificate of Naturalization and officially become a citizen of the United States.