Citizenship & Naturalization

Citizenship Lawyers in Santa Ana

US Citizenship Through Naturalization Process

Because it comes with so many invaluable benefits, U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal for many immigrants. Although it is a relatively straightforward process, meeting all the requirements and determining whether you qualify can be an enormous challenge without professional assistance.

At U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP, our high-powered legal team treats every client with care, respect, and personal attention. We understand how important this process may be to you and your loved ones, which is why we work tirelessly to help you overcome the challenges of naturalization and experience the benefits of citizenship in as little time as possible. We have secured more than 500 naturalization approvals, and we look forward to using our decades of experience to help you achieve the same goal.

To learn more about citizenship and naturalization, call our Santa Ana attorneys at (714) 786-1166 or get in touch with us online. We provide services in English and Spanish.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization

If you were born in the United States, or you were born outside of the U.S. to parents who are U.S. citizens, you have a birthright claim to citizenship. You might also become a citizen through acquisition, which is when your parents become U.S. citizens before you turn 18.

If none of the above scenarios apply to you, you will need to obtain citizenship through naturalization. This process involves an application, an interview, and several other steps.

To be eligible for naturalization, you must be 18 years or older, and you must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years. If you became a permanent resident through your U.S. citizen spouse, however, you may apply within three years of obtaining your green card, so long as you are still married and living with your spouse.

In addition to possessing a valid green card for either three or five years, you must:

Meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements;
Demonstrate good moral character (i.e. complying with criminal and tax laws); and
Pass a U.S. civics/history exam and English language assessment during your naturalization interview.

Serious criminal offenses may make you ineligible for naturalization. If you have a criminal history, we urge you to get in touch with us so we can determine what options you may have at your disposal.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I still apply for U.S. citizenship if I have a criminal history?

Having a criminal history can complicate your naturalization process, but it does not automatically disqualify you from applying for U.S. citizenship. The nature and severity of the offenses will be taken into account, as well as your compliance with other laws, such as tax regulations. We recommend consulting with our attorneys in Santa Ana to assess your specific situation and explore your options for naturalization.

Do I need an attorney to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?

While it is not mandatory to have an attorney for the naturalization process, professional legal guidance can significantly increase your chances of success. Our legal team in Santa Ana can provide personalized assistance, help you avoid common pitfalls, and represent you throughout the process. With our track record of over 500 naturalization approvals, we are committed to helping you achieve your goal of U.S. citizenship.

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Benefits of US Citizenship

For many, the extensive process of naturalization is worthwhile because of the substantial benefits that come with U.S. citizenship.

These benefits include:

The right to vote and run for public office. While green card holders can reside permanently in the U.S., they cannot participate in local, state, or national elections like U.S. citizens can.
The ability to sponsor more family members. Compared to green card holders, citizens can petition additional family members, and they receive preferential processing times. This reduces and sometimes even eliminates the substantial immigration backlogs faced by non-citizens and their families.
Citizenship for minor children. If your children are under 18 and have green cards when you naturalize, they automatically qualify for citizenship (i.e. acquisition).
The ability to freely travel abroad. When a green card holder leaves the United States for six months or longer, they start to run the risk of losing their status. The U.S. government may conclude that the green card holder “abandoned their residence.” U.S. citizens, however, can leave the country for an unlimited amount of time without jeopardizing their status.
Protection against deportation. While green card holders can live and work permanently in the U.S., certain factors (e.g. criminal activity, extended trips abroad, etc.) may jeopardize their status and result in deportation. Citizens, however, cannot legally be deported unless USCIS discovers that they obtained citizenship through fraud.

This is not a comprehensive list of the benefits of citizenship. To determine whether naturalization is the right process for you, let U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations for your future.

Local Support for Citizenship in Santa Ana

Living in Santa Ana, you are part of a vibrant and diverse community that values the contributions of its residents. Navigating the naturalization process can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. With U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP at your side, we can guide you through the process each step of the way.

Seasoned Guidance Through the Citizenship Process

One of the common challenges faced by residents in Santa Ana is understanding the specific requirements for naturalization, especially when it comes to continuous residence and physical presence. Many of our clients have questions about how their travel history or temporary relocations might affect their eligibility. Our team is well-versed in these local nuances and can provide tailored advice to ensure you meet all the criteria.

Another significant concern for Santa Ana residents is the impact of any past legal issues on their naturalization application. The Santa Ana Police Department and local courts are familiar with the complexities of immigration law, and we can help you navigate these challenges by working closely with you to gather the necessary documentation and present a strong case for your good moral character.

At U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP, we understand the unique needs of our Santa Ana community. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support to help you pursue your dream of U.S. citizenship. Whether you need assistance with your application, preparing for your interview, or addressing any legal concerns, we are here to help every step of the way.

Give our Santa Ana citizenship lawyers a call at (714) 786-1166 or contact us online. We look forward to using our 30+ years of legal experience to help you accomplish your short-term and long-term immigration goals.