Hackensack Citizenship Attorneys

Hackensack Citizenship Attorneys

Becoming a U.S. citizen affords an individual all of the rights and benefits that a natural U.S. citizen would have. This is one of the most compelling reasons why people from all over the globe have an interest in coming to the United States and ultimately be successful in becoming a citizen. 

Examples that illustrate rights that are afforded to U.S. citizens include being allowed to vote in state and federal elections, having the right to sponsor family members to live in the U.S., and traveling abroad without the fear of not being able to come back. 

However, U.S. citizenship is difficult to obtain. Prospective applicants often find the process confusing, tedious, and complex. Unless you qualify through birth or your parents, you will have to go through the naturalization process. Before you apply, you must be a lawful permanent resident or a Green Card holder for three or five years while also satisfying certain eligibility requirements. 

When it comes to becoming a citizen in the U.S., our citizenship attorneys in Hackensack at Zaveri Law Firm can help.

Am I eligible for U.S. citizenship?

Those who are interested in becoming U.S. citizens should first be aware that they must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You are 18 years old or older.
• You’ve been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years except if You are an asylum seeker or refugee, obtained your green card through a U.S. citizen spouse, or are a member of the U.S. military.
• You lived in the country continuously for the past five years before filing your citizenship application, and you haven’t spent more than a year continuously outside of the U.S.
• You reside in the state or district where you’re filing your citizenship application.
• You’ve been physically present in the U.S. for a minimum of 2.5 years of the five years before filing for U.S. citizenship.
• You’re in good moral standing, IE, have not committed a crime or failed to pay child support or taxes.
• You’re willing to swear under oath that you believe in the principles of the U.S. Constitution and will remain loyal to the United States.

What is the naturalization process like?

You are required to complete the citizenship application and then file it with the USCIS with a copy of your green card (permanent resident card), the required fee, and photos. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for several months to hear back from your local USCIS, depending on how backed up the office is. 

If the USCIS sees nothing wrong with your application, you’ll be scheduled for a biometric fingerprint appointment and then given an interview date. During the interview, the USCIS officer will give you a test on the U.S. government and history knowledge as well as your English language skills unless you are exempt from taking these tests. Those with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for taking the tests and during the interviews. 

If all goes according to plan, you will be given a date for your oath or swearing-in ceremony. During the ceremony, you will officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your certificate of naturalization.

Talk to a Hackensack Citizenship Attorney

The Hackensack citizenship attorneys at Zaveri Law Firm represent the interests of U.S. green card holders looking to become U.S. citizens. Call today to learn more.