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Naturalization Lawyer Atlanta, GA

Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are able to work and live in the U.S. permanently, but becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step to fully enjoying the American dream. Naturalization gives you all the rights, freedoms, and opportunities of citizenship. To make the process smoother, the smart move is to work with a MyImmigration naturalization lawyer in Atlanta.

 

Let us help you take that final step to living the American dream.

 

Being a lawful permanent resident for years doesn’t mean you automatically become a U.S. citizen. You have to apply, and the process can feel stressful. But there’s a way to make it easier.

 

 We can guide you through the steps to becoming a U.S. citizen.

The Benefits and Challenges of Becoming a U.S. Citizen in Atlanta

Not everyone with a green card wants to become a U.S. citizen. Everyone has their own immigration goals. For some, that goal is to become a U.S. citizen and enjoy all the benefits that life in Atlanta has to offer. The naturalization process can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Naturalization has many benefits that green card holders don’t have:

  • Voting Rights: U.S. citizens can vote in all federal, state, and local elections, giving them a say in how the country is run.
  • Better Job Opportunities: Many federal jobs are only available to U.S. citizens, opening up more career options.
  • Protection from Deportation: Once you become a citizen, you can’t be deported.
  • Easier International Travel: A U.S. passport makes traveling abroad smoother since U.S. citizens face fewer visa requirements.
  • No More Green Card Renewals: Green card holders must renew their status every ten years, which costs time and money. As a citizen, you won’t have to worry about that.

Common Issues That Can Affect Naturalization

Not everyone has trouble applying for citizenship, but here are some of the most common things that could cause delays or denial:

  • Criminal Convictions: Certain legal issues can impact your application.
  • Application Mistakes: Even small errors or missing information can lead to delays or rejection.
  • Tax Problems: Green card holders must pay U.S. taxes on all income, even money earned in another country. Not filing taxes properly can hurt your application.
  • Failure to Meet the Residency Requirement: Leaving the U.S. for long periods without advanced parole can create issues when applying for citizenship.

Our naturalization experts can help you avoid these problems and create a strategy to make your dream of U.S. citizenship a reality.

How the Naturalization Process Works

A green card doesn’t give you all the same benefits as U.S. citizenship. To enjoy full rights and protections, green card holders must apply for naturalization. Becoming a citizen is a choice, and many immigrants stay lawful permanent residents without taking this step. But for those who want citizenship, they must meet these requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a green card (lawful permanent resident status) for at least five years
  • Have lived continuously in the U.S. for a minimum of five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Have been physically present in the U.S. for a minimum of 30 months in the past five years
  • Have lived in their state or USCIS district for at least three months before applying
  • Show good moral character (usually proven by a clean criminal record)
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English (some exceptions apply)
  • Pass a U.S. civics test on history and government
  • Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

What to expect when applying for naturalization:

  • Submit Your Application: If you’ve met these requirements, start the process by filing Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Attend a Biometrics Appointment: After your application is accepted, you’ll get an appointment to have your photo and fingerprints taken for a background check.
  • Go to a USCIS Interview: A USCIS officer will interview you about your background and why you want to become a U.S. citizen.
  • Take the Required Exams: You must pass an English test to show basic language skills and a civics test to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.
  • Take the Oath of Allegiance: Once you pass your exams and your application is approved, you’ll attend a naturalization ceremony where you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.
  • Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization: This certificate proves you are a U.S. citizen and allows you to apply for a U.S. passport.

Contact an Atlanta Citizenship Attorney Today

If you want to fully enjoy the American dream, becoming a U.S. citizen is the way to go. The naturalization process can be challenging, but the benefits make it worth it. An Atlanta naturalization lawyer can guide you through the process and make things easier.


Schedule an appointment with MyImmigration today.