Houston Naturalization Attorney

Helping Clients Achieve Their Goals of Citizenship in the U.S.

Obtaining U.S. citizenship is one of the most common goals of immigrants to the United States. Citizenship has many benefits, including security, stability, voting rights, and the ability to sponsor family members as they enter the country. U.S. citizens can travel abroad with the knowledge that they’ll be able to return to their homes. They also enjoy the ability to vote and get financial support through government programs.

With the wonderful life available to U.S. citizens, it is no wonder that individuals around the world, including Mexico, Canada, Iraq, England, and India, seek citizenship. However, the path to naturalization is not easy or simple. Individuals must pass a naturalization test, which is a test on basic U.S. history and government. Prospective United States citizens must also be able to speak English. These requirements, along with the complicated process of applying for naturalization, can be overwhelming for many immigrants.

Working with an experienced Houston citizenship lawyer is one of the best ways you can progress on the path toward naturalization. Your lawyer can help you obtain permanent residency, complete the proper forms, and give you the greatest chance of success when seeking United States citizenship. Whether you are currently a permanent resident, are seeking employment-based immigration, or need help with family-based immigration, a Houston immigration attorney can help.

Contact our naturalization lawyer immediately for answers and assistance regarding immigration law. We have helped countless clients with their immigration needs. Attorney Christensen has lived abroad and understands the yearning for the freedom and stability that American citizenship offers. Our legal team promises to work tirelessly to help you get the results you need in your immigration case. Call 346-423-2375 to schedule your free consultation right away. We offer phone consultations for $50 in Texas and for free if you are out of state.

What Are the Steps to the Naturalization Process?

Individuals and families seeking to become United States citizens should follow a few basic steps. While the process may seem simple, please remember that it is crucial to complete each form completely and submit all necessary evidence. Failing to complete the required forms thoroughly could jeopardize the results of your application. Houston immigration lawyers like Attorney Aaron Christensen can help guide you through this process and give you greater chances of success.

Some of the main steps in gaining U.S. citizenship include filling out the correct forms, passing a citizenship test, and attending an interview with your USCIS officer.

Preparing and Submitting the N-400 Form

The N-400 application for naturalization notifies government officials that you intend to seek citizenship. It should include crucial documentation, including photos of you, your green card, payment of fees, and any other documents the USCIS requests as evidence. Having an immigration lawyer help you fill out this form can increase your chances of getting your Form N-400 application approved.

Attending the Naturalization Interview

The next step is being interviewed by a USCIS officer to verify your comprehension of the English language and establish your candidacy as a U.S. citizen.

Passing Citizenship Testing

As part of the interview process, you will take a civics test to demonstrate your knowledge of basic U.S. history, the English language, and other U.S. laws.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance

When your application is approved and you pass all testing, you will be required to attend a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and become a U.S. citizen.

What Are the Benefits of Citizenship?

Becoming a U.S. citizen is valued worldwide because of the benefits that citizenship offers. One main advantage of obtaining citizenship is the ability to live and work permanently in the United States. Unlike temporary visas, citizenship does not have to be renewed.

The following are some additional benefits of being a citizen of the United States of America:

• Travel abroad and be able to return to the United States
• Vote for government officials
• Enjoy benefits of government programs, including social security, medical benefits, and welfare
• Sponsor family members, including a spouse, parents, children, and siblings in their immigration goals
• Live without fear of deportation
• Obtain a U.S passport

A Houston naturalization lawyer can help you complete form N 400 and prepare for your interview and testing so you can have your permanent residence upgraded to citizenship. Call Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law, PLLC, to learn more about how we can help you enjoy the benefits of citizenship.

What Are My Options When Seeking Citizenship?

Depending on your circumstances, you have options when seeking U.S. citizenship. Most individuals obtain legal citizenship, which allows them to live and work freely in the U.S., through either the naturalization process or the transmission of citizenship. An attorney in Houston, TX, can help you identify the method that makes the most sense for you and your family.

Naturalization

The naturalization process is the best option for individuals who do not have parents who are U.S. citizens. These individuals must go through rigorous testing to verify that they have good moral character and are prepared for citizenship. Usually, individuals obtain a green card and become lawful permanent residents before seeking citizenship.

Transmission

Transmission is another way to become a naturalized citizen. If one or both of your parents are citizens of the United States, you can become a citizen even if you were not born in the U.S. Please reach out to a trusted immigration lawyer for help determining whether you can gain citizenship through transmission and for help through the application process.

Am I Eligible to Become a U.S. Citizen?

With the significant advantage of obtaining citizenship, it is understandable that you want to achieve this goal and start a new life in the U.S. Becoming a citizen is a complicated process, but you can reach your goal with the legal guidance of an attorney with a thorough understanding of immigration laws. Houston immigration attorneys can help you understand whether you are eligible for citizenship and help you do what it takes to become a U.S. citizen.

The requirements for citizenship include:

• Physical presence – You must prove that you have had continuous residence as a legal permanent resident for at least the previous five years, which may be shortened to three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
• Good moral character – Your criminal history will be inspected when you apply for citizenship. Your application may be denied if you have been convicted of murder or another serious felony. However, a skilled Houston naturalization lawyer like Attorney Christensen may be able to help you overcome these challenges and obtain citizenship.
• Compliance with tax laws – You must show that you have tax returns for at least the last five years (three years if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen).

If you need help determining whether you qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, call our Houston, TX law firm immediately. We will offer legal guidance based on your unique situation and goals. We can also help you file your N-400 application for naturalization to simplify the process and give you the greatest chance of success.

What Does Good Moral Character Mean?

One question many immigrants have is how “good moral character” is defined in immigration law in the United States. This aspect of an application can be confusing and scary as individuals worry about what a criminal record will show the USCIS officers.

In general, having good character refers to a person’s measuring up to societal standards of morality. This may include showing evidence of positive acts, such as helping one’s family, being a productive member of society, and serving others in the community on a volunteer basis. Some examples of crimes that may jeopardize your moral standing include acts of “moral turpitude,” such as violent crimes. Prostitution, murder, and drug dealing convictions may all be considered serious offenses which could lead to a denial.

If you are worried that you may not qualify for citizenship because of acts on your criminal record, please don’t lose hope. Our immigration attorney has helped many individuals get a waiver of inadmissibility for immigration violations and other crimes. We can also help get your application approved if you qualify for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act, which may also be used for men and children). Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions about moral standing in your journey toward citizenship.

What Obstacles Could I Face During the Naturalization Process?

Immigration cases can be complex, presenting many challenges for foreign-born individuals seeking permanent residency and citizenship in the United States. The good news is that Houston citizenship attorneys can help with the process by offering support and legal representation when obstacles arise.

Some immigration issues that many applicants face include:

• Language barriers
• Increasing filing costs
• Adjusting to the new culture of the United States
• Complicated paperwork
• Government demands for evidence
• Proving they are a person of good moral character
• Learning to read, write, and speak English
• Passing the civics portion of the test
• Enduring long waiting periods for results
• Strict legal requirements for naturalization
• Being denied
• Deportation
• Filing without the support of an abusive spouse or relative

Contact our law firm right away for immigration services from a naturalization lawyer in Houston with vast experience and knowledge of immigration law. We will stand by your side to help you overcome these and other challenges that may arise during the naturalization process.

Why Do I Need a Citizenship Attorney in Houston?

When you have established residency in the U.S., it means you have built a whole new life full of freedom and opportunity. Don’t risk these advantages by going it alone when seeking citizenship. An immigration law firm can help simplify the complex naturalization process and get you the best chances at approval. Your legal team will help with your Form N-400 application, including gathering evidence and handling the legal details so you can focus on your life and family.

Your immigration lawyer will also be on your side when obstacles arise during your immigration journey. They can help you understand the basics of the naturalization process, prove that you are of good moral standing, obtain nonimmigrant visas and green cards for your family members, and more.

Should You Hire Our Houston Naturalization & Citizenship Lawyer?

When you need to obtain legal counsel and support from an experienced Houston immigration attorney, you need look no further than Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law, PLLC. Our caring, capable legal team proudly serves immigrants and their families as they seek the American dream of citizenship.

We understand how frustrating it can be to encounter difficulties and delays on your immigration journey. We promise to use all our skills, dedication, and honesty to help you achieve your goals. Whether you need information about filling out applications, help passing the civics test, or guidance on sponsoring family members, we will stand by your side and give you the answers you need. We can also offer legal representation and counsel when seeking citizenship with marks on your criminal record.

If you or a loved one is seeking citizenship, contact our naturalization attorney immediately. We will answer your questions in terms that are easy to understand so you can participate fully in every part of the process. Unlike other law firms, we make it a priority to give clients face-to-face time so they feel heard and valued throughout the application process.

We offer free consultations, so you don’t need to pay anything to consult with our talented attorney. While we charge for phone consultations, we waive this fee for residents living outside the State of Texas. Call 346-423-2375 to speak with our legal team and schedule your initial case review.