Skilled Immigration Lawyers Help Immigrants Become Naturalized Citizens in New Jersey
A lawful permanent residence offers many benefits and opportunities in this country, but there are still rights and privileges that you will not be able to take advantage of unless you apply for and are granted U.S. citizenship.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen affords you the right to vote, run for public office and serve on a jury. Further, you will be able to apply and qualify for government jobs. Perhaps, even better, naturalized citizens are able to enjoy public benefits, including social security and Medicare, just as any other permanent resident and citizen of the country would. As a citizen, you would also be in a good position to assist your immediate family members in coming to the US and possibly obtaining their green cards as lawful permanent residents.
If you live in Newark, Morristown, Scotch Plains, Cherry Hill, or East Brunswick, talk with a highly experienced immigration lawyer at the law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC. Our attorneys help immigrants in Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties and throughout NJ by guiding them through the naturalization application process so they have the best chance of success.
What Is Citizenship Through Naturalization in the United States?
U.S. Congress established a series of guidelines to allow a citizen of a foreign country to become a legal citizen of the United States. In order to become a naturalized US citizen, you must fulfill all the requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These include:
You must be at least 18 years old
You must be a permanent resident, with a Green Card, for at least five years
You have lived in New Jersey for at least three months and the US for at least five years (or at least three years if you have been married and living with a spouse who is a US citizen.)
You have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the past five years from the date you fill out the naturalization application form (Form N-400)
You can speak, read and write basic aspects of the English language (This may be waived if you are at least 55 years old and have been a permanent US citizen for at least 15 years or you are 50 years old and have had a Green Card for at least 20 years. Additionally, anyone with a permanent physical or mental handicap that makes the person unable to fulfill these requirements may apply for an exception.)
You have general knowledge of US history and government issues (known as civics)
Be of good moral character
Be willing to pledge allegiance to the general guidelines of the U.S. Constitution
Note: Children born outside the US to a US citizen may qualify for naturalization, even if the child is living outside of the United States. Other eligibility requirements listed above must be met.
Anyone who meets these eligibility requirements can fill out Form N-400 (the US Naturalization Application Form). If you are in the military and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you will need to follow the guidelines in form M-599, Naturalization Information for Military.
How long it takes for the naturalization process to be completed depends on which state you live in (based on paperwork backlogs). However, most often, the process takes between six and seven months if you are an NJ resident.
Why You Need an Experienced NJ Immigration Lawyer to Help with Your Naturalization Application
Many people choose to go it alone. However, anyone interested in becoming a naturalized US citizen would do well to have an experienced immigration lawyer on their side. There are many confusing aspects to the process, including deadlines and requests for supplemental information. If the process is not followed to the letter of the law, delays and even application denials happen.
Further, if you have any prior criminal record or DUI offenses, you may confront several obstacles to becoming a U.S. Citizen. Having a qualified New Jersey immigration attorney from Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC on your side, making sure your naturalization application is done correctly and on time, may be your best chance at success. We serve clients from our conveniently located offices in Newark, Morristown, Scotch Plains, Cherry Hill, Clifton, and East Brunswick, NJ.
Talk with an Experienced Newark NJ Immigration Lawyer Who Will Assist You With Your Application to Become a Naturalized US Citizen
There are so many wonderful reasons to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, especially after you’ve decided that this is where you want to live, work and grow your family. However, as you know, the US Immigration laws are complex and sometimes difficult to navigate. Additionally, there are sometimes a combination of forms and accompanying evidence that must accompany your applications.
Contact Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC today for a consultation about your immigration-related legal issues. We can help with your naturalization application, as well as your efforts to obtain a Green Card, a visa, or to be granted asylum. If you are facing possible deportation, Our law firm will protect your rights and do whatever is possible to keep you in New Jersey.
