Naturalization Attorney Helping You Prepare for U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization is a major step, and the application gives USCIS another opportunity to examine an applicant’s immigration history closely.
For someone with a straightforward history, the process may be manageable. For someone with an arrest, conviction, tax issue, extended travel, or previous immigration concern, filing without first understanding the potential consequences can create unnecessary risk.
From our Orlando, Florida office, we help lawful permanent residents evaluate their history before submitting Form N-400 and address complications that arise during the naturalization process.
Who May Be Ready for Naturalization?
Naturalization eligibility depends on meeting the applicable legal requirements. These can include physical presence and continuous residence requirements, good moral character, and the ability to complete the required English and civics components unless an exception applies.
Financial and legal issues can also matter. Unpaid taxes, child support obligations, criminal history, or other problems may affect eligibility or the timing of an application.
Criminal History and Good Moral Character
Arrests and convictions deserve careful review before an N-400 is filed.
Certain criminal matters can affect the period during which an applicant must establish good moral character. Probation and the timing of a criminal case may also affect when that period begins.
The immigration consequences of a criminal record are highly fact-specific. If you have ever been arrested or convicted, review the history with an immigration attorney before filing.
Naturalization Can Expose Older Immigration Issues
USCIS closely reviews naturalization applicants. That review can bring attention to issues in the applicant’s underlying immigration history that may not have been raised previously.
This is why the application itself should be reviewed carefully before submission. An applicant should understand what is being disclosed and whether anything in the record may require further explanation or legal analysis.
Travel Outside the United States
Extended travel can affect the physical presence or continuous residence requirements for naturalization.
If you have spent significant periods outside the United States, the timing and duration of those trips should be evaluated before applying.
Denied or Delayed Naturalization Applications
A naturalization denial does not always end the process. Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may be able to reapply or challenge the decision through the applicable review process, including Form N-336 where appropriate.
We can also evaluate naturalization matters involving significant agency delay. In some circumstances, federal litigation may provide a way to require action on a case that has remained pending beyond the applicable process.
Check Before You Submit
Do not treat the N-400 as routine paperwork. Review the application, your immigration history, and any potential complications before filing.