Citizenship Lawyer Chicago

Leaving your home and taking the plunge to living in the United States takes a lot of courage. It also entails jumping through the hoops of U.S. immigration laws and regulations. Chicago (and the rest of the country) have so many opportunities for green card holders, but to fully experience the freedoms and possibilities the country has to offer, citizenship via naturalization can unlock them all. For this last yet important step of your immigration journey, you may ask yourself: Do I need a citizenship lawyer?

 

Let us help you with this final step to living the American dream.

 

While becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen may seem pretty straightforward, it’s not without obstacles. Don’t chance missing out on the benefits of citizenship.


Let us help you take the steps to becoming a U.S. citizen.

The Benefits and Challenges of Becoming a U.S. Citizen in Chicago

Once you’ve gotten your green card and have settled into life in the Windy City of Chicago, you may be longing for more of what living in the United States can offer. Lawful permanent residents do have many benefits, but obtaining citizenship can certainly open more doors and provide the whole U.S. experience. A few of the perks of becoming a naturalized United States citizens include:

 

  • The Right to Vote: U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections, giving them a real voice in the laws that govern the nation.
  • Federal Job Opportunities: Many federal jobs require being a U.S. citizen. Becoming naturalized allows for a wider range of job opportunities.
  • Protection from Deportation: U.S. citizens can’t be deported. Naturalization provides security and protection.
  • Travel Benefits: A United States passport allows for easy travel abroad.
  • No Need to Renew Status: Green card holders must renew their status every ten years, which involves fees and processing time.

Deciding to switch from a green card holder to a naturalized citizen may not be as easy as you might think. Some common issues include:

 

  • Failure to Meet Continuous Residence: Extended time outside the country could cause problems when applying for citizenship. 
  • Criminal Convictions: Any legal problems could affect the outcome of filing for citizenship.
  • Tax Issues: Green card holders must file U.S. taxes on their worldwide income. Failure to do so can affect applying for naturalization.
  • Errors or Omissions on the Application: Incomplete forms or those with errors and inconsistencies can cause delays or denial.

Working with an experienced Chicago citizenship lawyer can help ensure the best possible possibility of your application being accepted and approved. Let MyImmigration help you obtain citizenship.

The Naturalization Process

The leap from green card holder to naturalized citizen shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a big step, and you’ll want to ensure you do everything correctly the first time. Before applying, you must meet these eligibility requirements:

 

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 4 years and 9 months or 2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have lived continuously in the United States for a minimum of 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 read, write, and speak basic English
  • Must have an understanding of U.S. history and government

When applying for U.S. citizenship, here’s what to expect:

 

  1. Application: Eligible permanent residents will first need to file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
  2. Biometrics appointment: If your application is accepted, you’ll receive an appointment to have a photo and fingerprints taken to be used for a background check.
  3. USCIS interview: Next, you’ll be scheduled to meet with a USCIS officer for an in-person 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 level of English, 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. This document officially proves you are a citizen of the United States. You can use this certificate to apply for a U.S. passport.

How MyImmigration Can Help With All Your Immigration Needs

James L. Robertson, a seasoned immigration lawyer who supervised immigration applications at USCIS for twelve years, has compiled a team of experts and founded MyImmigration. Whether you need a work or education visa or your goal is to become a naturalized citizen, MyImmigration has the know-how to help you achieve your goals. Here’s how we do things:

 

  • Digital Interview: Using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, answer some questions so we can determine what your immigration needs are.
  • Application Prep: With MyImmigration, there’s no worry about selecting the wrong forms or not filing them out correctly. Our cutting-edge technology will choose the correct forms and ensure they’re error-free.
  • Translation Services: Should you require supplementary documents translated into English, we’ve got you covered.
  • Lawyer Review and Consultation: One of our immigration lawyers will double-check your forms for completeness and accuracy. If they foresee any issues, you’ll be notified of what you should do to remedy the problem.
  • Application Package: You will be sent your completed forms and clear instructions on where to sign them. Enclose them with your USCIS processing fee in the self-addressed envelope. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

MyImmigration Law Office: Our Strengths

  • Simplified Immigration for Everyone: Everyone’s immigration journey is unique. Our streamlined process can help you reach your goals without headaches or hassles.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced immigration lawyers will build the best strategy for your immigration needs and guide you along the way.
  • Affordable Support You Can Count On: You won’t need to visit a lawyer’s office or empty your bank account with MyImmigration. We provide affordable immigration support from the comfort of your home.

Contact a Chicago Citizenship Attorney Today

For many immigrants, the last step in their journey is becoming U.S. citizens. While this step may seem easy, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. No matter your situation, the immigration experts at MyImmigration will determine the best strategy to ensure your success.


Schedule an appointment with a Chicago citizenship lawyer today.