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3340 Pepper Lane
Suite 103
Las Vegas NV 89120
USA
Phone: 702-451-8815
Fax: 702-450-9925
Understanding Naturalization
Las Vegas Immigration Naturalization—Understanding Naturalization
Naturalization is the process a foreign national must go through to become a U.S. citizen. Understanding the naturalization process can be difficult for individuals because the U.S. legal system is complicated and often English is not their native language. A Las Vegas immigration naturalization service, such as Fountas & Associates, can help you overcome barriers to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Basic qualifications for naturalization
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees and regulates the naturalization process, which requires filling out the naturalization application, Form N-400, along with meeting the following eligibility requirements:
- 18 years of age
- U.S. permanent resident for five years or three years if a spouse of a U.S. citizen; no minimum for active duty personnel in the US Armed Forces
- U.S. residence for half the time during the five or three year period, but under no circumstances may a person be outside the US for a continuous period of 1 year or longer
- Physical evidence of U.S. residence
- Three months residence in the state or USCIS district where submitting the Form N-400
- Good moral character during the statutory period
- Ability to speak, read, and write basic English
- Some U.S. civics knowledge (history and government)
- Taking the U.S. oath of allegiance
Situations where legal help is crucial
If you are in violation of immigration laws that could lead to deportation (removal), applying for naturalization could bring matters to the authorities' attention and lead to deportation proceedings. Common reasons for deportation include:
- Membership in prohibited organizations
- Certain criminal convictions
- Immigration fraud
- Marriage fraud
A skilled immigration lawyer can review your situation and advise you about applying for naturalization. In addition, you can receive legal help on how to remedy situations that potentially put you in danger of being deported or could result in denial of naturalization.
At Fountas & Associates we understand you may need help when applying for naturalization. We provide assistance for the following:
- Determining whether you qualify for U.S. citizenship based on your parents' citizenship
- Filling out Form N-400
- Documenting continuous U.S. presence during your three or five-year residency
- Filing the N-400 and ensuring payment of proper filing fees