NATURALIZATION

Naturalization is the process of becoming a United States citizen by application. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will process your application. You may apply for naturalization if you have been a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) for at least five years. In the instance that you are married and living with a U.S. citizen spouse for three years, you can apply sooner.

There are multiple parts on the application that will be reviewed by a USCIS officer. There are many ways USCIS can deny your naturalization application or delay making a decision. They review your criminal history, travel history, family relationships, and associations, as well as whether you pay your taxes and child support. Whether you are truthful before USCIS is important.

There are occasions where USCIS may determine that you committed an act that makes you deportable. In these cases, USCIS can refer your case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and begin removal proceedings to take your greencard away and deport you in the Charlotte immigration court.

It is important that you are honest and forthcoming with your attorney, so that he or she can assess your case in the manner that a USCIS officer would process it.

Learn More: Petitioning Relatives in the U.S.