CITIZENSHIP

Compassionate Immigration Attorney Here to Help Clients Through the Complex Process of Immigration Law

At Gilliam Law, our legal team proudly assists green card holders interested in obtaining United States citizenship through naturalization. There may be many obstacles during the challenging process of a foreign national becoming a United States citizen. You often require more than just a basic knowledge of immigration law and the eligibility requirements to make a successful naturalization application. To protect your immigration goals and those of your family members, we recommend hiring a Chicago immigration attorney who is well-versed in assisting clients throughout the citizenship immigration process.

One of the greatest joys of working in immigration law is helping our clients pursue the American dream and become citizens of this great country. Whether you are a green card holder or an armed forces veteran, you may be eligible to become a United States citizen if you meet certain basic criteria. Our immigration law firm has years of experience serving clients in and around the Chicago land area from our office in downtown Chicago. We would be proud to represent your interests by providing compassionate and knowledgeable Immigration Services throughout the complex process of naturalization.

To learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you during this challenging process, please contact our Chicago law firm to schedule your free case evaluation today.

What Are the Requirements of United States Citizenship?

In order for an individual to qualify for citizenship, he or she must meet a few requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years
• Is permanently residing in the United States
• Has been a Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) of the United States
• Can prove you were physically present during your continuous residence
• Has had Lawful Permanent Residency status for five years or more (or three years if you obtained a green card through your spouse)
• Must be of good moral character
• Has not taken a trip outside the United States that lasted 1 year, or more, during the last 5 years
• Demonstrate a belief in the United States Constitution and its ideals
• Pass the civics test and citizenship exam (with exceptions being made for the elderly and the mentally ill)
• Must pass a basic English test

How Long Are Typical Processing Times for a Naturalization Application?

In most immigration cases, the entire process of a foreign national becoming a United States citizen usually takes around eight months to a year from the date of their naturalization application to the final citizenship ceremony. However, certain factors may slow down or even potentially derail the immigration application process.

Factors that could impact processing times include the following:

• Scheduling interviews with USCIS officers, including biometrics appointments and more. Depending on the availability of interview slots, there could be processing delays
• A vital part of the naturalization process is that the USCIS will conduct thorough background checks on every applicant. If there are any issues detected in the background check, this could result in delays
• Some immigration cases are more complicated than others, such as those that involve a criminal history or other immigration issues that require additional review
• Errors or omissions in the citizenship application could result in delays. It is essential that your naturalization application be accurate and complete 
• if there is a backlog of naturalization applications, it could take longer for your application to be processed

There is no guaranteed processing time for citizenship applications and the naturalization process. However, working with an experienced immigration attorney can potentially streamline the process by avoiding immigration issues and ensuring that all necessary documentation has been included with every application. To learn more about how we may assist you, please contact our Chicago law office to schedule your free consultation today.

What is the Naturalization Process in Chicago, IL? 

Naturalization is not an overnight process. Several steps must be taken in order to obtain citizenship in the United States of America.

Common steps in the citizenship application process include the following:

• Complete and file a naturalization application with the USCIS
• Attend a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints will be collected to conduct a criminal background check
• Attend an interview with the USCIS regarding your background and any information provided in your citizenship application
• Pass the civics test
• Pass an English test, which will test your ability to write, read, and speak basic English
• Receive approval from the USCIS on your naturalization application
• Upon receiving your approved application, take an oath of allegiance to the United States

What Does ‘Good Moral Character’ Entail?

Those who wish to become a U.S. citizen must prove that they are individuals of good moral character and have been throughout their time as legal permanent residents. If you have committed a crime of moral turpitude, you may be barred from obtaining citizenship.

Crimes of moral turpitude may include the following:

• Drug crimes
• Domestic violence and domestic abuse
• Felonious assault
• Homicide or murder
• Theft
• Rape and sexual assault

How Can a Chicago Citizenship Attorney Help You Through the Immigration Process?

At Gilliam Law, we understand how difficult and intimidating the citizenship and immigration process can be. Understanding what’s expected of you and what you should do in order to increase the probability at successfully obtaining citizenship status is difficult. We can assist! If you’re interested in pursuing the naturalization process but are worried about your status or about meeting the requirements when you submit your citizenship application, give us a call! We’re more than willing to assist you as you embark upon the journey towards United States citizenship.

It can take U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) a long time to process applications for citizenship – and that’s assuming that the application has been submitted correctly and is completely filled out with all the necessary documentation. If you submit an application with errors or that is lacking in important information and certain required documents, you’re likely to face even longer delays. Investing in a Chicago attorney well-versed in immigration law is a great way to help reduce the risk that your application will be rejected and the entire process placed on hold. Gilliam Law has excellent and skilled attorneys who understand the immigration and citizenship process and are happy to help you through the entire process.

Another area of the process where qualified attorneys can assist is during the citizenship interview itself. The interview can be a long and intimidating affair, and even those who have prepared for years and are confident in their answers can experience some anxiety or nervousness. If you’re worried about the way in which your behavior might affect the way the interviewer sees your answers, then you should consider bringing experienced immigration lawyers along with you. They can help ensure that your nervousness doesn’t impede your qualifications for citizenship and will help get things started on a good note.

Remember that this is your citizenship and your life in jeopardy. While not every client will need an experienced immigration lawyer to accompany them to their citizenship interview, it’s better to have the option and not need it than to desperately need the help and be unable to find it. Don’t leave your future to chance.

When to Seek Legal Representation in Pursuit of the American Dream? 

At Gilliam Law, we understand how difficult and intimidating the citizenship process can be. It can be difficult to understand what’s expected of you and what you should do to maximize your chances of successfully obtaining citizenship status. We can help! If you’re interested in pursuing the naturalization process but are worried about your status or about meeting the requirements when you submit your application, give us a call! We’re happy to help you with all your immigration matters on your journey towards citizenship.

There are a few ways that an individual can become a citizen of the United States. You can be born to a citizen of the U.S., born in the country, or complete the naturalization process.

Becoming a citizen of the U.S. through the naturalization process can be difficult and complex. Many strive towards this ultimate goal but find themselves confused and overwhelmed by the long and multi-step process. This is why citizenship cases require the legal services of an experienced and capable attorney. Don’t let your case become hindered by mistakes or missed due dates.

When there’s this much at stake, it’s important to do everything in your power to ensure that all of the legal necessities are met. We recommend you hire a knowledgeable attorney who understands how to handle citizenship cases and will act with your best interests at heart. Gilliam Law is ready and willing to fight passionately for your rights.

Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship is a complex area. Talk to a lawyer to see if you fall under any of the below:

• Citizenship by acquisition by birth: You were born on foreign soil and ended up being declared a U.S citizen outright because of the status of one of your parents
• Citizenship by derivation: You were born somewhere else. One of your parents changing their status to U.S. citizen can lead to you becoming a citizen
• Citizenship by birth in the U.S.: You were born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are considered a U.S. citizen at birth

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced Immigration Attorney in Chicago, IL, Today

Those seeking to become citizens of this great nation must undergo a challenging process overseen by the United States immigration system. Going through this process on your own is not advisable. Any minor misstep could result in your case being delayed or dismissed entirely. Instead, we must recommend that you retain professional legal representation from experienced attorneys.

Our Chicago law firm can help ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for becoming a citizen of the United States of America. Then, we can assist you throughout the immigration process in pursuing the American dream.

To learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you and your family members, please contact our Chicago Law Offices to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today. You can reach us at 866-511-3422.