The United States of America is famously known as a “melting pot” for its diversity and opportunity. Many people dream of the day they can obtain United States citizenship, both for themselves and their families. However, the citizenship and naturalization process is extremely complex and comes with many potential challenges. If you’re thinking of becoming a U.S. citizen, call the Phoenix citizenship attorneys at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group.
Our legal team understands how difficult it can be for our clients to navigate complex immigration issues. Our Phoenix immigration lawyers strive to make things easier for our community through our immigration services. We use our knowledge and experience in immigration law to provide ongoing support for your immigration journey.
If you need immigration help, rely on our trusted immigration lawyers. Contact Ybarra Maldonado Law Group for an initial consultation. Call our Phoenix law office at (602) 905-9299 or fill out our online intake form.
What Is Citizenship in Immigration Law?
Citizenship is the legal status granted to full members of a country or sovereign state. In the United States, citizenship may be granted at birth or through naturalization. Acquiring U.S. citizenship comes with certain legal rights and responsibilities. Citizens receive benefits and protections from their nation, and in return, they agree to follow the nation’s laws and pay taxes.
The benefits of citizenship vary from country to country. For immigrants, becoming a United States citizen often has many perks, such as the following.
Naturalization is the voluntary legal process through which a person who was born outside the United States becomes a U.S. citizen. This process involves meeting specific legal qualifications, submitting relevant forms, taking a test, and completing an interview.
Due to the complicated nature of naturalization, it is wise to seek experienced legal counsel for this process. The YMLG Phoenix immigration attorneys assist clients with various immigration goals, including filing for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
What Is Denaturalization?
Denaturalization occurs when the United States government revokes the citizenship of a naturalized immigrant. There are a few reasons why the government might revoke someone’s citizenship status. However, it is a very serious matter that should always be handled with care. Below, we list some of the reasons why the U.S. government might seek to revoke someone’s citizenship.
Procuring one’s naturalization illegally
Willfully misrepresenting facts in order to obtain naturalization
Becoming a member of a totalitarian party, a terrorist group, or the Communist Party within 5 years of one’s naturalization
Receiving an other-than-honorable discharge from the military before 5 years of honorable service after naturalization
Refusing to comply with a court order to testify about subversive activities in relation to certain cases
Denaturalization can lead to deportation and removal proceedings. For this reason, it is important to seek legal counsel if you or a loved one is at risk of denaturalization. An experienced attorney can help you overcome the unique challenges associated with denaturalization. Contact our Phoenix denaturalization attorneys for effective legal representation in immigration court.
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Who Is Eligible for Citizenship in the United States?
Be at least 18 years of age when you begin the naturalization process and file your application.
Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a United States citizen.
Read, write, and speak English.
Have physical presence and continuous residence in the United States.
Have good moral character.
Show loyalty to the United States Constitution and its principles.
Show a basic understanding and knowledge of United States history and government.
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Obtaining citizenship is also possible through military service, although the requirements differ. To learn more about becoming a naturalized citizen by serving in the military, speak with an experienced citizenship and immigration attorney in Phoenix, Arizona.
Can I Become a U.S. Citizen if I Have a Criminal Record?
It is possible to be barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have a criminal record. However, some crimes only impose a temporary bar, while others impose a permanent bar. The USCIS considers criminal records from both the United States and other countries. Under certain conditions, an I-601 immigration waiver may allow you to apply for your green card and thus for citizenship, even if you have a criminal record. Consult with an immigration waiver lawyer in Phoenix to learn more.
Below, we outline crimes that could result in either a temporary or permanent ban.
Some children qualify automatically to become U.S. citizens at birth. This legal right is referred to as birthright citizenship. Any child born in the U.S. who is subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. is a citizen. This includes children of certain indigenous people or members of Aboriginal tribes.
Children born outside of the U.S. may also qualify for birthright citizenship if one or both of their parents are U.S. citizens. Additionally, the U.S. citizen parent must meet certain requirements regarding their residence and physical presence. In other words, the citizen parent must be physically present or reside within the U.S. or an outlying possession for a certain amount of time before the birth of the child.
What Is the U.S. Citizenship Process?
Before you begin the citizenship process, we strongly recommend that you speak with an experienced immigration lawyer in Phoenix. Applying for U.S. citizenship and navigating immigration law can be both complicated and frustrating. This is especially true if you’ve never dealt with immigration issues before. Working with a citizenship lawyer can help you navigate the process much more smoothly, as well as avoid costly errors. Below, we briefly outline the steps of the naturalization process:
Determine if you are already a United States citizen. Nationality law in the U.S. allows children to become citizens through their parents, so check to see if you received this benefit.
Determine your eligibility. Not every person qualifies for U.S. citizenship, so we recommend working with citizenship lawyers to determine your eligibility.
Prepare your citizenship application (Form N-400). Work with your attorney to gather all necessary documents ahead of time. They will also help you fill out the form correctly and submit it properly.
Submit your Form N-400 and pay the associated fees. You can submit your form online through the USCIS website.
Attend your biometrics appointment, if required. Not everyone needs to undergo biometrics, but USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment if you do.
Attend and complete your naturalization interview and test. You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. We recommend taking your appointment notice with you to the interview. A USCIS officer will ask about your application and background. After the interview, you will take an English language test and a civics test.
Wait for a decision from USCIS. You will receive your decision in the mail, or you can access the decision via their website. Your application will either be granted, continued, or denied. If denied, you may make an immigration appeal regarding the denial.
If approved, you will receive a notice about taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The notice will specify the date, time, and location of a naturalization ceremony that you must attend.
Attend the naturalization ceremony. The ceremony involves multiple steps, including completing a Form N-445, turning in your green card, taking the Oath, and receiving your certificate of naturalization.
Become a United States citizen.
The YMLG team provides the support you need through every step of the naturalization process. Even if the USCIS denies your naturalization, our Phoenix immigration appeals attorneys can help you request a review of the decision.
Citizenship and Naturalization Fees
As of April 1, 2024, the cost to file a paper copy of the N-400 fee is $760. You can get a $50 discount for filing online. Keep in mind that these fees are nonrefundable, meaning that even if your application is rejected, you will not get this money back. However, some naturalization applicants can have their fees waived or reduced.
The best way to avoid rejection and a loss of your filing fees is to work with an experienced immigration attorney. We can help you fill out and submit the necessary forms in a timely manner, ensuring that you make no costly mistakes along the way.
How To Prove U.S. Citizenship
The documentation needed to prove citizenship depends on your individual circumstances. People born in the U.S. can use their birth certificate as proof of citizenship. However, those born outside of the U.S. cannot rely on their birth certificate to prove they are a U.S. citizen.
People born outside of the U.S. who acquired U.S. citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent are issued a Certificate of Citizenship. To obtain this certificate for your child, you will need to contact the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where the child is/will be born.
If you gain citizenship through naturalization, you will be issued a Naturalization Certificate. This proves your citizenship. U.S. passports are also considered proof of citizenship, regardless of how citizenship was obtained.
Benefits of Hiring a Phoenix Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group
Naturalization can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with U.S. immigration processes. Making mistakes will cost you time and money. Your progress towards citizenship will be delayed, and you will be unable to refund the money you’ve paid to apply. Working with an experienced immigration attorney in Phoenix increases your chances of completing naturalization.
Ybarra Maldonado Law Group provides expert guidance and personalized support for those seeking citizenship in Phoenix, Arizona. We aim to make the naturalization process as easy as possible for our clients. Our familiarity with local immigration authorities, courts, and laws allows us to thoroughly prepare clients facing a variety of complex legal issues. We have handled many local immigration cases and can help you avoid costly common mistakes during your naturalization process. Whether you need help filing out paperwork, writing a good moral character letter, or understanding requirements, we can help.
Yes, U.S. Citizenship may be revoked under specific circumstances. The circumstances that apply to the revocation of birthright citizenship and the revocation of naturalized citizenship can differ.
Yes, the U.S. government may revoke naturalized citizenship. Common reasons for denaturalization include acquiring naturalization illegally, misrepresenting facts to acquire naturalization, and becoming a member of a totalitarian or terrorist group. Contact an attorney to learn more about denaturalization.
Generally, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of lawful permanent residency. Alternatively, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years of lawful permanent residency and marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Contact a Phoenix Immigration Lawyer at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group Today
At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our immigration firm aims to benefit those in communities that we ourselves come from. Immigrant families and communities need a law firm that they can trust to help them fight for their rights. No matter your immigration needs, our attorneys can help. We provide a wide range of immigration based services, including help with family-based immigration, immigration criminal defense, and more. Our citizenship lawyers are here to guide you through the process of obtaining citizenship, ensuring that you are informed every step of the way. If you need assistance with your citizenship documents or your citizenship interview, our naturalization lawyers are here for you.
The YMLG commitment extends beyond offering help with immigration issues. As part of our holistic approach, we also help the Phoenix community with criminal defense and personal injury matters. Our lawyers will help you understand your legal options so you can feel confident facing difficult legal situations.
Professional legal guidance for immigration, criminal defense, and personal injury is only a phone call away. New clients can schedule a consultation with us by calling (602) 905-9299. Our team is ready to answer any potential questions you may have.
