Citizenship & Naturalization in Houston
Houston Immigration Lawyer for Naturalization
United States citizenship can be granted in one of several ways. The first
is by birth, when a person is born on U.S. soil, either within the country,
on U.S. territory, or on a military base in another country. An individual
can also obtain citizenship by being born to one or more parents who are
U.S. citizens and by meeting certain requirements. Lastly, an immigrant
to the U.S. can become a citizen through the naturalization process. This
is a complex process with many important steps, making it necessary to
consult a Houston immigration attorney as soon as possible.
How to Become a Naturalized United States Citizen
Immigrants to the United States do not have the same benefits and responsibilities
as U.S. citizens. Anyone who immigrates to the U.S. and then decides they
want to become a citizen must meet certain requirements and undergo an
extensive process. An immigrant must obtain a green card and live in the
U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before they
can pursue citizenship. If the immigrant is the spouse of a U.S. citizen,
he or she must be a permanent resident for at least three years.
Once the residency requirements have been met, an immigrant may file Form
N-400, Application for Naturalization with their local U.S. Citizenship
& Immigration Services (USCIS) lockbox facility. This application
must be filed along with any necessary application fees. Once your application
has been reviewed, you will be contacted with a location where you will
be fingerprinted.
Immigration Interview & Testing
After your fingerprints have been taken, you must wait to hear from the
USCIS about a date, time, and location for your immigration interview.
This interview is mandatory. You will visit your local USCIS office and
answer questions about yourself, your application and your background.
You will also take two important tests: the English test and the civics
test. By taking and passing these tests, you will prove that you can read
and write English and that you are knowledgeable of the history and government
of the United States.
Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Once you have received your case status and have been granted citizenship,
you will receive a ceremony date. At this ceremony, you will return your
green card and take a ceremonial Oath of Allegiance. You will then receive your Certificate
of Naturalization and be granted all of the rights and responsibilities
of a United States citizen.
Why hire our Houston immigration lawyer?
Throughout the naturalization process, you need the support and guidance
of an immigration attorney who is knowledgeable and compassionate. Hira
Law PLLC can help you prepare all necessary documentation and paperwork
for your case and can help you make all of your appointments on time.
Most importantly, we can help you prepare for the immigration interview
and the subsequent tests. Your performance during the interview, English
test, and civics test is vital to the success of your naturalization.
Attorney Randeep S. Hira is thoroughly dedicated to immigration law and
wants nothing more than to help you achieve your immigration goals. He
is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and will provide
honest counsel regarding your options. At Hira Law PLLC, we never make
promises we cannot keep and will always give you a factual evaluation
of your case.
Contact us as soon as possible to get started on your case.