Citizenship Lawyers

Start the Path to Become an American Citizen

Deciding to become an American citizen is no easy decision. It is the beginning of a new life and identity. It is the start of a journey through immigration laws and regulations. Although our citizenship attorneys from Brown Immigration Law can’t decide your identity for you, we can help you make sense of all the legal paperwork that needs to be done correctly for you to become an official citizen through naturalization.

At Brown Immigration Law, we have a large team of immigration attorneys from a variety of different backgrounds and practice area focuses. We can work collectively to handle any immigration case, including the most complex citizenship cases and petitions. If you have any questions and concerns, then you already know that we have answers and solutions.

Ask about how to become a U.S. citizen by dialing (888) 861-4414 or fill out our online contact form now.

Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

When you become a U.S. citizen, it is not just a simple title change. Citizens can enjoy various benefits that other immigrants and non-immigrants do not. Even if you are currently a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who can renew your green card indefinitely, you can still take advantage of benefits available only through official citizenship.

After becoming a citizen, you will get these immigration and civil rights benefits:

• Can sponsor family members to come to the U.S.
• Cannot be targeted for deportation.
• Gain the right to vote in state and federal elections.
• Allowed to travel in and out of the country with far fewer restrictions.
• Obtain new civic duties such as serving on a jury.
• Ability to work for more government entities than before.
• File for certain government and public benefits.
• Run of state and federal offices that were once unavailable.

Citizenship Eligibility Requirements

Now that you know the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, you might be understandably eager to become one. Not everyone who wants to become a citizen can, though, due to restrictions with immigration law. When you hire us to handle your citizenship case, we will start by determining your eligibility and discuss the next steps based on our assessment.

To become a citizen, you must meet many requirements, including:

• Must be 18 or older – unless you are a minor who was adopted by a U.S. citizen.
• Must be considered a person of “upright moral character.”
• Must be able to speak, write, and read English.
• Must have a general familiarity with U.S. history and government policies.
• Must have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 5 years without any significant time out of the country.
• Must stay within the U.S. for 30 consecutive months before filing for citizenship.
• Must have lived in the state in which you are filing for at least three months before filing.
• Must have not committed certain serious crimes that can void eligibility.

What is the Naturalization Test & Oath of Allegiance?

When applying for citizenship, you might be required to take a naturalization test. During this test, you will be tested on basic questions regarding U.S. history and government policies, as well as your ability to communicate in English. The number of times you can take the naturalization test per citizenship petition can be limited to two, so it is important to thoroughly study for the test.

Citizenship applicants might be exempt from taking the naturalization test for these reasons:

• 50 or older and live in the U.S. as an LPR for at least 20 years.
• 55 or older and live in the U.S. as an LPR for at least 15 years.
• Medical conditions or learning difficulties would make passing the test unjustifiably difficult.

Once you complete and pass your naturalization test, you will also be asked to take an “oath of allegiance” to the United States. In effect, this oath requires you to commit yourself to be a productive citizen of good moral standing. Essentially, promise to be a good person, and United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will be more likely to welcome you as a naturalized citizen.

Birthright & Derivative Citizenship

In special circumstances, citizenship can be granted without the typical citizenship petition and steps as detailed above. Birthright citizenship is given to anyone who is born in the United States or a recognized U.S. territory. It can also be granted to a child who is born outside of the U.S. but to American citizens.

Derivative citizenship can be given to a child if their parents are officially naturalized themselves. Certain adoptions of non-citizen children by American parents can grant derivative citizenship as well.

Legal Help to Obtain Citizenship

Make the task of becoming a U.S. citizen less intimidating by teaming up with Brown Immigration Law. Our citizenship attorneys are here to walk you through this important legal process. When our work is done, we hope you will be enjoying all the benefits of being a U.S. citizen, so you and your family can start the next exciting chapter of your lives!

Contact us online or dial (888) 861-4414 with any questions about citizenship.