Citizenship Attorney in Houston
Helping Clients Nationwide Navigate the Naturalization Process
For many immigrants, lawful permanent residence is not the end of their immigration journey. Citizenship and naturalization is an appealing status because of the additional benefits it provides.
The U.S citizenship benefits include:
- The right to vote
- The right to run for office
- Permanent protection against removal
- Access to government benefits that aren’t available to green card holders
- Access to employment opportunities that aren’t available to green card holders
- A greater ability to sponsor family members for green cards
- Unlimited ability to travel abroad without losing your status
- Automatic citizenship for your children
What is Naturalization?
Naturalization refers to the process in which an applicant is granted U.S. citizenship if they meet the criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Achieving citizenship, however, is not always an easy process. If you don’t have a birthright claim to citizenship, you will need to naturalize, which involves an application, an interview, and more. I, Attorney Ivan Neel, am fully prepared to help you with every aspect of naturalization, and I hope to make this process straightforward, efficient, and as easy as possible. Citizenship will allow you to experience the full rights and benefits of being an American, and I look forward to helping you achieve this status as soon as possible.
Call my firm at (832) 447-6748 or fill out an online contact form today. Let’s discuss your case during a complimentary consultation with a citizenship lawyer near you.
How to Become a Citizen
The first thing I will do when you come to my firm for your initial consultation is determine whether you are eligible for naturalization.
You may qualify for citizenship in the U.S. if:
- You are 18 or older
- You have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years
- You have lived continuously in the U.S. for the last 5 years
- You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the last 5 years
- You have demonstrated good moral character in the last several years
The permanent residence, continuous residence, and physical presence requirements may be shorter if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
In addition to meeting all the above requirements, you will need to submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. I can help you complete this application and include all necessary documentation and evidence. You will most likely need to attend a biometrics interview, in which they collect your fingerprints, signature, and photograph. Finally, you will attend an interview with an adjudicating officer.
The Naturalization Interview
During your interview, the officer will ask you questions about your application to check for consistency.
Unless you are exempt due to age, length of residence in the U.S., and/or a disability, the officer will also administer two exams during your interview:
- A U.S. history/civics exam. The officer will verbally ask you ten questions, and you must correctly answer six of them. To prepare, you can study from the bank of 100 possible questions, which you can find on the study materials page of the naturalization section of USCIS’s website.
- An English exam. You will need to correctly read aloud one of three sentences in English. You will also need to correctly write one of three sentences. The officer will assess your ability to speak and understand English during the course of your interview.
I can help you determine whether you may be exempt from one or both of these exams. For example, some who attend the naturalization interview are allowed to bring a translator. If you are exempt, we will need to provide proof along with an official request.
Call Our Houston Citizenship Lawyer
When you bring your case to Law Office of Ivan Neel, I will closely analyze your situation to assess your eligibility or help you take the right steps to become eligible. Once you’re ready, I can guide you through the process from start to finish. If you want the highest possible likelihood of experiencing the full benefits of citizenship, bring your case to my firm today.
Local Support for Citizenship in Houston
Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship can be particularly challenging, but living in Houston offers unique advantages and resources to help you through the process. As a bustling and diverse city, Houston is home to a variety of local government entities and community organizations dedicated to supporting immigrants. The Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities is one such resource that provides valuable information and assistance to those seeking naturalization.
One common pain point for many Houston residents is the complexity of the naturalization process, especially for those who may not be fluent in English. Fortunately, Houston offers numerous language support services and educational programs to help you prepare for the U.S. history/civics and English exams. The Houston Public Library system, for example, provides free access to study materials and citizenship classes.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by Houston residents, I, Attorney Ivan Neel, am committed to providing personalized and effective legal assistance. Whether you're dealing with the stress of meeting residency requirements or need help navigating local resources, my firm is here to guide you every step of the way. By leveraging local support and my extensive knowledge of the naturalization process, we can work together to achieve your goal of U.S. citizenship.
Schedule your free initial consultation by contacting my firm online or calling (832) 447-6748 today. I can assist you in English or Spanish. Don't wait, work with a citizenship attorney near you today!