A Houston naturalization lawyer can help you navigate the complicated process of obtaining citizenship. Citizenship attorneys can assist with all legal paperwork and help prepare you for an interview successfully.
With immigration laws constantly shifting and evolving, it’s vitally important that you work with an attorney who stays abreast of any changes to the regulations.
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Representation
No matter if it be for business or family reasons; Houston citizenship lawyers understand the complexities of US Immigration. Houston citizenship attorneys will help make sense of it all for you while making sure all necessary papers and documentation is provided for filing purposes.
Naturalization is the process by which legal permanent residents become citizens of the United States. To qualify, individuals must meet all the criteria established by Congress under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Attestations is required of those seeking naturalization; these include proficiency in English language skills and knowledge of American history and civics as well as submission of documentation demonstrating good moral character. Typically the process takes 18-24 months from application to naturalization. At this point, an interview will take place with a USCIS officer to review your Form N-400 and background, in addition to any English or civics tests which might apply (unless exempt due to medical condition or disability).
Knowledge
A Houston naturalization lawyer can provide guidance in the complex process of becoming a United States citizen. Importantly, legal representation helps clients avoid deportation risks and enable them to participate in elections. An attorney will negotiate or communicate with government agencies on the client’s behalf while helping ensure all forms are filled out correctly – providing ongoing legal support services as necessary.
Naturalization can be an involved and lengthy process that involves multiple steps and forms; you need a Green Card as permanent resident status, eligibility to gain citizenship status and completion of various documents such as Form N-400 known as Application for Citizenship to begin the journey to naturalization. After USCIS approves the form, it will schedule an interview to take your fingerprints and perform a background check. Applicants for citizenship may be required to take an English and civics test at their interview. There are expedited naturalization options for spouses of U.S. citizens who are being transferred overseas for work assignments.
Experience
Through years of hard work and sacrifice, many immigrants finally reach the final step on their immigration journey: citizenship. But this journey may be treacherous: applicants must first become permanent residents (also called Green Card holders), be at least 18 years old and capable of reading, writing and speaking basic English at an advanced level; pass both a civics test and English language proficiency exam before showing good moral character (although some exceptions to these requirements may exist).
A Houston immigration attorney can help with the naturalization process by ensuring Form N-400 is completed properly and submitted on time to USCIS. The lawyer will also evaluate your criminal history to determine whether there could be any convictions that can be a denial factor.
The lawyer can also assist with family-based immigration. Lawyers offer invaluable help when sponsoring the immigrating parents so they can receive green cards in the United States, or helping with the applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status; both processes should not be attempted without any professional guidance.
Cost
Immigration lawyers can typically charge by the hour; thus their fee will depend on the complexity of your case and will generally increase as it becomes more involved. Usually speaking, more intricate matters cost more.
Houston naturalization attorneys can assist in helping to ascertain if you meet all the qualifications for citizenship of the United States. There are various pathways available to you for attaining American citizenship – military service or marriage to an U.S. citizen are both viable ways; expedited naturalization processes exist also for spouses of U.S. citizens assigned overseas work assignments who meet this qualification.
No matter the basis for your citizenship application, it’s wise to consult an experienced attorney as early as possible in the application process to ensure it is filed accurately and resolve any potential complications, such as criminal convictions which might obstruct it – these crimes can typically include drug trafficking and terrorism – although each situation is different.
