Glendale, AZ Citizenship Lawyer

Becoming a citizen of the United States can be very rewarding to those who may have never experienced the sort of rights and civil liberties that Americans enjoy every day. Citizens have the freedom to express their unique opinions, practice their religion in peace, hold public office, cast their vote in elections, and pursue life, liberty, and happiness – as is enshrined in the Constitution. Millions of immigrants enter the country every year with the hope of one day gaining citizenship. If you have taken this very step and have lived legally and permanently in the country for over five years, you may be eligible to become a naturalized citizen!

While ultimately rewarding, the path to citizenship can be difficult as there are several stages to the citizenship process and any errors could lead to being denied. Many people choose to work with an experienced immigration lawyer who is knowledgeable of immigration laws and what it takes to be successfully granted citizenship. At Ortega Law Group, our lead attorney, Isaac Ortega, has helped hundreds of clients have peace of mind throughout the process. He has extensive practice in dealing with the USCIS, Board of Immigration Appeals, and 9th Circuit Court. Call our Glendale citizenship lawyer today to learn more about our services and how we can give you your best chance at achieving your American Dream!

What Makes Me Eligible To Apply For Citizenship?

In addition to having lawful, permanent residence in the United States for over five years, to be eligible for citizenship you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years and have been physically present for at least half that time
• Be able to speak, write, and read basic English
• Have knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
• Be a person of good moral character
• Swear loyalty to the United States and its Constitution, including all forms of government (this does not mean you must renounce your citizenship of your home country)

What Do I Need To Know About Form N-400?

Form N-400 is the 20-page application for naturalization. That’s right, 20 pages! Included in the application are questions regarding your personal information, biographical data, employment history, travel history, and family history. You will also need to address your criminal history, affiliations with organizations, and any past immigration violations. To supplement Form N-400, you will include documents such as copies of your green card, passport-style photos, proof of residence and physical presence, tax returns, and more. Our Glendale citizenship lawyer can coach you through the completion of Form N-400 to avoid making costly errors, as well as review all supporting documents to ensure your application is as compelling as it can be to obtain approval. 

What Are Common Reasons For Application Denial?

There are a few common reasons why your application for citizenship may be denied, the most basic of those being that you simply do not meet the eligibility requirements listed above. Beyond that, you may denied because:

1. You lied on your application. It is crucial to be completely honest when completing Form N-400, and only provide legitimate legal documents. Unfortunately, this includes any innocent error you may have unintentionally made. Again, this is where you are benefited by the eyes of a seasoned citizenship attorney who is skilled at catching mistakes like these. 
2. You have a criminal history. Every person applying for citizenship must complete a biometric screening, so if you have a criminal background – either in the United States or abroad – it will likely be found out. Even if you were honest on your application, there is a good chance you will be denied citizenship. If it was only a minor crime, however, you may only face a temporary delay
3. You display poor proficiency with the English language or U.S. civics. If you fail the English or U.S. civics portion of your USCIS interview, you may be rescheduled to do it again in a few months. A second failure will most likely result in being denied citizenship. 

Call Our Experienced Glendale Citizenship Lawyer To Take The First Step!

Don’t let another year of your life pass by in which you put-off following your dream of becoming an American citizen! Ortega Law Group offers affordable rates and even payment plans. Call today to schedule a free consultation with our bilingual attorney and learn more about how our dedication can give you an advantage.