Passionate Salem Citizenship Lawyer
At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we understand the significance of achieving U.S. citizenship. As your dedicated U.S. citizenship attorney, Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette brings a wealth of experience. As a child of Mexican immigrants, she is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams of U.S. citizenship.
Our law firm helps people in Salem and throughout Massachusetts who are seeking citizenship or who have other immigration issues. We invite you to connect with us today. Contact our Salem office today via phone at 978-627-8560. Or, use our email form to schedule a consultation. Se habla español.
Who Can Become A U.S. Citizen?
You may qualify for U.S. citizenship if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of 5 years
- Those married to U.S. citizens
- People serving in the U.S. military and their spouses and children
- Children of U.S. citizens, including adopted children
While fitting into one of these categories is crucial, there are additional requirements. These requirements are different from category to category, although there are some general ones.
For example, in most cases, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship on your own. You must be able to speak, read and write basic English. You must have a good understanding of U.S. history and government. You must demonstrate your good moral character. Your citizenship attorney can explain the specific requirements in your category.
What Are The Steps To Becoming A U.S. Citizen?
The journey to U.S. citizenship involves ten basic steps. Each one has important tasks within that step:
- Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen: Sometimes citizenship is already yours through your parents.
- Check your eligibility: Confirm that you meet all criteria for applying. An immigration lawyer can help you do this.
- Prepare form N-400: This is your formal application for naturalization. It is crucial that you complete it fully and provide evidence where necessary.
- Submit form N-400 and pay the fees: It is important to ensure your paperwork is correct and the fees are paid.
- Attend a biometrics appointment: To verify your identity, you will need to provide fingerprints, a photo and your signature.
- Pass the civics and English tests: These assess your knowledge of U.S. history and your language skills.
- Complete your interview: A USCIS officer will interview you to ensure you are being fully candid in your application.
- Receive a USCIS decision: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will inform you of your application status.
- Receive your oath of allegiance notice: You’ll be notified about the date and time of your naturalization ceremony, where you will swear an oath of allegiance to the United States.
- Swear the oath of allegiance: This is the final step to becoming a citizen.
Completing these steps marks your transition from applicant to citizen. Your citizenship attorney will explain each step as it applies to you.
How Long Does It Take To Become A U.S. Citizen?
The path to becoming eligible for naturalization can take several years. However, the naturalization process itself typically takes 18-24 months. This time can vary based on case complexity and the USCIS’s current processing times. Your citizenship attorney can give you more detailed information about how long your naturalization process might take.
What Is The Difference Between Naturalization And Citizenship?
Naturalization is one of two paths to becoming a U.S. citizen. It allows someone 18 or older who was not born a U.S. citizen to voluntarily become one. The other path is the acquisition of citizenship, which is for those under 18 who qualify for U.S. citizenship through a parent.
Is Dual Citizenship Permitted In The U.S.?
The U.S. allows for dual nationality, where individuals can be citizens of more than one country simultaneously. This status can arise automatically, such as by birth in a foreign country to U.S. parents. U.S. law does not require citizens to choose between nationalities, and becoming a citizen of another country does not jeopardize your U.S. citizenship.
Let Us Help You On Your Journey To U.S. Citizenship
MCD Immigration Law, P.C., is here to guide you through the complex process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Contact our Salem office today via phone at 978-627-8560. Or, use our email form to schedule a consultation.