How Do I Become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

 Posted on December 11, 2020 in Immigration

In the United States, many immigrants who are lawful permanent residents (LPRs) eventually have the opportunity to complete the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens. Citizenship comes with many benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to travel with a United States passport and obtain permanent residency for your family, and protection from deportation. However, obtaining citizenship can be a challenging process that requires extensive preparation.

Important Steps in the Naturalization Process

In order to become a U.S. citizen, there are several steps you will need to follow. Your attorney can help with many aspects of the process.

1. Become a lawful permanent resident. If you are not yet an LPR, for example, if you have entered the U.S. on a temporary visa, you will first need to file for an adjustment of status to obtain your green card.
2. Reside in the U.S. for at least 5 years. Once you have become a lawful permanent resident, you will need to establish continuous residence in the United States for 5 years, usually without an interruption of more than six months. In some cases, immigrants who are married to a U.S. citizen only need three years of residence.
3. Complete and file an Application for Naturalization. After you are eligible for naturalization, you will need to fill out Form N-400 and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), indicating that you are applying for naturalization.
4. Prepare for your interview and naturalization test. After you file your form, USCIS will ask that you attend an interview at which you will be asked questions related to your moral character, your immigration and criminal history, and your willingness to support the U.S. Constitution. In most cases, you will also be asked to complete a naturalization test to gauge your understanding of American history and government and the English language. Before your interview, your attorney can help you prepare any important documents, and you should also study for the test and prepare responses to likely interview questions.
5. Swear an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. If your application is granted and you pass the interview and test, the last step in becoming a citizen is to take your Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. at your naturalization ceremony.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

If you have questions about naturalization or concerns about how your history may impact your eligibility, the attorneys at the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help, and we are committed to advising you throughout the process. Contact an Illinois immigration lawyer today at 630-932-9100 for a free initial consultation.