Have you considered US citizenship’s benefits? US citizenship offers freedom and security, from voting to peace of mind. However, complex legal criteria make it hard to realize these dreams. That’s why you need a skilled citizenship lawyer to help you.
Overview of the US Citizenship Application Process
Understanding the US citizenship application process unlocks its benefits. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the first step. Before starting the naturalization process, this USCIS form must be filed.
After the USCIS gets the application and supporting documents, biometrics, or digital fingerprint scans, will be set up. To avoid delays, applicants must pay attention to USCIS correspondence regarding biometric appointments. After that, USCIS will confirm the receipt status of the N-400 form and any additional paperwork.
After applicants send in all of the required documents and biometrics, USPS will let them know when they have an interview at a local USCIS field office. During the appointment, Form N-652, which has questions about the application and eligibility, will be filled out. Applicants must pass a USCIS-administered naturalization test by showing civics and English proficiency.
USCIS may take over six months to decide on an application. Some people say that cases that are likely to succeed should be given more attention than those whose outcomes are unclear because complicated situations would require the USCIS to look into them more before making a decision. Regardless of that argument, a citizenship law attorney can prepare an applicant for every step of the application process, streamlining their path to US citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
It takes time, effort, and knowledge to meet US citizenship eligibility requirements. All applicants for green cards must be at least 18 years old, have good moral character, speak English, and know U.S. history and civics. An applicant must also have lawfully held a valid Green Card for five years without leaving the US.
Unique circumstances or variables may allow non-standard naturalization candidates to become citizens. Affidavits or witnesses attesting to the parentage and birthplace of foreign nationals can prove citizenship for US-born people without birth certificates.
Since no law says you have to file a naturalization application, it is questionable whether you need to hire a US citizenship lawyer. Both sides’ supporters give different reasons for their positions. Some think they need a lawyer to fill out all the forms correctly, while others think they can do it themselves. Each person must make their own best decision.
Benefits of Hiring a US Citizenship Lawyer
The first step to becoming a lawful permanent resident or a naturalized US citizen is hiring a US citizenship lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you with the application, the oath of allegiance, and everything in between. An attorney can help with legal advice, paperwork, and filing deadlines, making your permanent residency or naturalization easier.
However, going it alone may be cheaper than hiring a lawyer. This may include gathering all necessary forms, documents, and evidence for their application. In addition to using public resources like libraries or asking local officials for information, they may have family members or friends who have gone through the same process and can give them advice on how they applied. But the lack of professional experience and knowledge of immigration cases makes this option difficult.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rules and regulations make navigating these requirements difficult without guidance. Hiring an attorney can help applicants feel confident that applicable laws and USCIS policies are being followed. Citizenship lawyers specialize in immigration law and can help clients avoid potential pitfalls by preparing documents like affidavits of support and visa petitions.
Professional Guidance and Support
Hiring an immigration attorney for US citizenship applications or other immigration procedures has many benefits. Lawyers understand citizenship requirements, from complex regulations to timelines and processes, which helps them give the best advice. They can also mediate disputes between applicants and government entities. Professional assistance throughout the application process helps applicants avoid costly mistakes and time-consuming delays and reduces stress.
How a US Citizenship Lawyer Can Help You
A good U.S. citizenship lawyer knows the immigration system and the steps to citizenship. They can advise you on how to complete the documents and what to do at each stage, such as attending naturalization interviews or taking the U.S. citizenship exam. If you’re stuck on fees immigration appeals, or processing issues, a well-versed lawyer can help you get all the legal information you need to navigate the system and achieve your goals efficiently and effectively.
A US citizenship lawyer can also help you solve complicated problems with federal agencies or private companies that could slow down or make it hard for you to become a citizen, such as having a criminal record. Non-attorneys need legal representation to obtain such knowledge.
But if you are applying through the naturalization program for immediate family members of American citizens or if your application is uncontested under the general policy for asylum seekers or military personnel admitted after September 11, 2001, talking about immigration status to an expert first can save you time and money.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a US Citizenship Lawyer
To successfully apply for citizenship, choose the right immigration lawyer. Avoid these US citizenship lawyer hiring mistakes. Avoid non-US citizenship lawyers first. Immigration lawyers may know about citizenship requirements, but they are not experts. Before choosing a lawyer, do your research. Make sure the lawyer is US-licensed and has experience helping immigrants.
Avoid waiting too long to hire a US citizenship lawyer. Don’t wait until the last minute to gather the documents and paperwork needed to start an application—it will make the process harder and longer. Finally, avoid lawyers who promise fast results. No lawyer can guarantee a faster result because applications can take months or years to process.
You can become a US citizen if you don’t make these mistakes and if you hire a qualified and experienced citizenship lawyer. After discussing mistakes to avoid when hiring a US citizenship lawyer, let’s discuss alternatives.
Risks of Not Hiring a US Citizenship Lawyer
The fastest and safest way to become a US citizen is to hire a lawyer. Lawyers know how to submit applications, prepare dossiers, process visas, and more. These legal services can be pricey. US citizenship applicants without money can represent themselves.
Self-representation has risks, like not knowing how to file documents, not being able to handle problems because you don’t know much about immigration matters the law, and not being able to fight a refusal or opposition from the Immigration Office. Applicants must also pass an academic test to prove they can read, write, speak, and understand English, which is best done with a native speaker.
Self-representation saves money because there are no attorney’s fees. Though helpful, an online government portal provides official forms that applicants may need to fill out during the process. However, don’t underestimate the complexity of the process.
Contact the Leading Citizenship Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
At Elliott Immigration Law, we have knowledgeable immigration attorneys who will guide you through the application procedure and advise you on the best time to apply for immigration.
We are well-versed in helping people become US citizens. We know immigration laws and citizenship pathways. Our Atlanta Immigration Lawyers are familiar with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) process and can accurately assess each situation to create a customized plan for our clients.
We can also handle US visa requests, family-based immigration petitions, and other green card and naturalization processes. We will make certain that you comprehend the full immigration process.
To speak with an expert citizenship lawyer, contact us at (404) 890-0372 today.
