Chicago Citizenship Lawyers

If you have immigrated to the United States and would like to enjoy all of the rights and benefits of U.S. citizens, call the law office of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to discuss your options for citizenship and naturalization. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys has helped countless individuals become citizens of the United States and receive the right to vote, right to sponsor family members, right to travel freely, and much more. If you are interested in learning more about the citizenship and naturalization process, please consult with a member of our team today.

Requirements for Citizenship

Not everyone qualifies for U.S. citizenship simply because they request it. Instead, if you have foreign citizenship, you must meet certain requirements and go through the process called naturalization. Some of the requirements under the law include the following:

• Actual presence in the U.S.;
• Continuous residence in the U.S. for five years and in your state for three months;
• Status as a permanent resident for five years or more (though in some cases, only three years are required);
• Have the ability to write, read, and speak English at a basic level;
• Understand the basics of U.S. civics, including history and governmental structure;
• Demonstrate a belief in the U.S. Constitutional principles and ideals; and
• Show good moral character.

An experienced immigration lawyer can help you determine whether you meet the requirements necessary to qualify for naturalization or whether you qualify for a waiver or exemption of certain requirements due to special circumstances. Such circumstances may include certain medical conditions, the applicant’s age, or whether the applicant is a member of the military or married to a U.S. citizen. In addition, some people are able to bypass the naturalization process by deriving citizenship from one or both of their parents.

The Process of Naturalization

Naturalization does not occur overnight. Instead, you must take several specific steps in order to obtain citizenship. Some of these steps include:

• Complete and file an application for naturalization with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Attend a biometrics appointment and submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check;
• Attend a USCIS interview regarding your background and the information provided on your application;
• Pass the United States civics test and an English test, including speaking, reading, and writing;
• Receive approval of your application from the USCIS;
• Take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.; and
• Understand what it means to be a citizen, including your responsibilities and rights.

Helping You Overcome Citizenship Obstacles.

While many people applying for naturalization have no criminal record or issues from their past that may interfere with the process, many individuals have made an error in judgment in their lives that may make obtaining citizenship more challenging. An experienced Chicago citizenship and naturalization attorney can help you try to overcome past criminal convictions, allegations of domestic violence, or other legal issues by framing your situation in the best way possible to the USCIS.

Contact An Experienced Chicago Citizenship And Naturalization Lawyer

Becoming a U.S. citizen is extremely rewarding; however, the process is not always an easy one. At the Chicago law firm of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we will guide you through every step of naturalization and aim to make the process go as smoothly as possible for you. If you would like more information on how we can help you, please call our office at 312-332-2550 for assistance.