NATURALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP

Naturalization is the process in which a person who is not a citizen of the US becomes one. Usually the person has to be a Legal Permanent Resident for 5 years (3 if married) to apply for naturalization.

Legal Permanent Residents can request naturalization. Usually they must pass a US History and Civics examination, read English, write in English when dictated and at will, and pledge allegiance in a naturalization ceremony. Of course, the person need not know perfect English but enough to communicate orally and in writing with some ease.

Certain Legal Residents whom have been so for long periods of time, and whom are older than certain ages, can request the examination to be in their native language. This does not occurr automatically, it must be requested. The minial amount of time is 15 years of legal permanent residence.

-Children-

If a child is born abroad, the parent must notify the US Consulate or Embassy at once, otherwise the child runs the risk of not being a US Citizen later. We recommend notifying the consul or embassy, and applying for a passport for the child; that way there is a duplicate record of his citizenship.

If a child is adopted abroad, it usually becomes a US Citizen at entry into the US if the right notifications have been made. Other times, when a child is adopted, the child will not become a US Citizen automatically contrary to what people believe. If you are adopting a child, be it in US or abroad, be advised that you must follow the immigration law; otherwise your child will not be a US Citizen and might end up never being one.

-Military-

Persons who have completed a tour of duty qualify to become US Citizens, even if recruited abroad. Others whom have completed military service during any conflict also qualify for US Citizenship.

All qualify for legal permanent residence, but all can avoid that step if they act timely in requesting their citizenship. Please contact an attorney as soon as you can if you are serving, so they can help you as we also can.

In honor of our armed forces personnel we charge a reduced fee to those whom are serving, or have served in the US Armed Forces.

-Services-

We provide a US History and Civics educational book, an audio CD with the educational material, and workbook to those who we represent. We also provide a simulated naturalization examination to those clients who wish to come to our office for it; that way they can see if they have studied enough, and have no surprises on the day of examination. In addittion, we apply for a new examination if you do not approve your first one. There are only two examination opportunity per application filed.