Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer in Chicago

As a resident of the Windy City, many Chicago immigrants long to possess a blue passport, which is true proof of being a U.S. citizen and basking in all of the opportunities it brings. Whether you choose to live in one of the city’s colorful diasporas to maintain some cultural ties or you’ve decided to dive head first into the American dream, the choice is yours.

The most common path to U.S. citizenship is naturalization. However, it isn’t automatically granted, and there are steps to follow and questions to be answered. A Chicago citizenship attorney can help prepare and guide you through the sometimes challenging process. Although each immigrant’s journey to becoming a U.S. citizen may differ, it does involve some common steps. The first one is ensuring that you are eligible for naturalization.

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for a minimum of 4 years 9 months or 2 years 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen
• Must have lived continuously in the United States for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
• Must have lived continuously in the United States for at least half of the time in the country
• Be of good moral character
• Must be able to speak, write, and read basic English
• Must have an understanding of U.S. history and government

Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply for U.S. citizenship. Here’s what to expect:

1. Application: Green card holders will first need to file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Supporting documents, such as a copy of your green card, are required.
2. Biometrics appointment: If USCIS accepts your application, you must attend an appointment to have a photo and fingerprints taken.
3. USCIS interview: You’ll receive an appointment to meet with a USCIS officer for an interview. You’ll be asked about your background and why you want to become a U.S. citizen.
4. Examinations: Part of the naturalization process entails passing an English language and United States civics tests. The language exam will test your English skills, while the civics exam will test your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
5. Take the oath of allegiance: If your application is approved and you’ve passed the exams, you’ll be notified to attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance, which signifies your commitment to the United States and its laws.
6. Receive your certificate of naturalization: You’ll receive a Certificate of Naturalization, the document that officially proves you are a citizen of the United States. You’ll need this certificate to apply for a U.S. passport.

The path to U.S. citizenship may seem fairly straightforward, but you may have to overcome plenty of possible roadblocks and obstacles. Having a citizenship and naturalization lawyer on your team will make the naturalization process much easier. Let our Chicago team of immigration experts help to guide you.