At Gomez Law we are here to walk with you through every step of the immigration process. With Sandra Gomez’s legal expertise, Gomez Law is a trustworthy guide from application to final interview. Gomez Law can help you attain all the benefits of United States Citizenship.
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and U.S. citizens enjoy many of the same rights. Generally, both statuses sound similar, and they both allow you to live and work in the United States legally. However, obtaining U.S. citizenship allows for citizens to enjoy important benefits that green card holders do not have. A naturalized U.S. citizen will enjoy every right afforded by the U.S. Constitution; Green Card holders enjoy limited privileges.
A United States permanent resident is someone who has been issued a green card which is used to identify and prove your status as a permanent resident. Through this designation you have been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. A United States citizen is someone who was born in the U.S., who was born to U.S. citizen parents, or through a process known as “naturalization”. The process of naturalization is applicable to those who were born in a foreign country and immigrated to the U.S. Immigrants may apply for citizenship after acquiring permanent resident status (being issued a green card). In addition to the rights of LPR’s, U.S. citizens have more rights protected by the constitution.
Obtaining United States Citizenship
Once you have held a green card in the United States for five years (three if married to a U.S. citizen), you may apply for citizenship. Additionally, those applying for citizenship must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
Maintaining continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years since you obtained your green card (or at least three years if you are filing as a spouse of a U.S. citizen). You have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of those five years. You are at least 18 years of age when applying. You have continuously lived in the U.S. from when you file Form N-400 to when you become a U.S. citizen. You can read, write, and speak basic English. You can pass a test of basic U.S. history and government questions. You have lived within the state or USCIS district for at least 3 months prior to filing. You have demonstrated good moral character. After you have met all the criteria for the naturalization process you may now be eligible to receive your certificate of naturalization confirming your status as a new U.S. citizen.
President Biden issued an Executive Order in February 2021 stating that the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Homeland Security will be reviewing the immigration system to remove unfair barriers and promote naturalization. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have recommended redesigning the speaking and written test to improve the testing standard. Gomez Law focuses on staying update on the constantly changing immigration laws and will ensure clients are prepared for the interview and test. If you are interested in beginning the naturalization process, our free initial consultation is a very good place to start!
