why do you need a lawyer to become a us citizen

However, some applicants choose to consult with an attorney when there are red flags that include tax issues, previous dismissed convictions or charges, or less serious misdemeanours. You can easily file your U.S. citizenship application if you just follow all the form filing instructions.

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?

Jun 16, 2017 · No, you don’t need a lawyer to help you file your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you are able to understand and answer all questions on the form, you can complete the form without help. However, some applicants choose to consult with an attorney when there are red flags that include tax issues, previous dismissed convictions or charges, or …

Why do I need an immigration lawyer?

Jun 27, 2021 · If you don't want to have your application delayed or denied because you made a mistake on the form or didn't give USCIS the right type of evidence it was looking for, just a hire a lawyer to do it for you. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for this type of service, so you'll know in advance how much you will owe.

What are the advantages of being a US citizen?

An attorney's role in a naturalization application is more about spotting issues that could cause the application to be denied (and your filing fees lost), or more serious issues that could put your legal status in jeopardy.

What are the rights of a US citizen?

Nov 04, 2009 · The advantage of an attorney is usually to get everything on file correctly the first time -- errors in filing location and procedure will result in a rejected case and a delayed filing but would not prevent you filing again; it just loses time in the process -- knowledge of what to do if your case is not proceeding as it should, and of course advisng you on any potential land …

Do you need a lawyer to get US citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.Sep 16, 2021

How much does a lawyer charge for US citizenship?

$500 to $2,500Citizenship/Naturalization Application: $500 to $2,500. Green Card Renewal: $300 to $700. Asylum Application: $1,000 to $7,000. Deportation Defense: $4,000 to $12,000 (and higher if the case gets more complicated)Dec 29, 2020

Should you bring a lawyer to citizenship interview?

Though the interview does not require your immigration and naturalization attorney to be present, there are benefits of having a lawyer at citizenship interview. The experienced attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. are able to help you study, prepare, and protect you during your citizenship interview.

Do I need US immigration lawyer?

You will definitely want to consult with an attorney who practices immigration law if: you are uncertain about your basic eligibility for a green card or other immigration benefit. you have received government assistance while living in the U.S. or are concerned that you might be inadmissible for some other reason.

How long does it take to become a legal citizen in the US?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below). The overall naturalization process involves more steps and a longer citizenship timeline.

How do I become an immigration lawyer?

How to become an immigration lawyerEarn a bachelor's degree. Before attending law school, future lawyers first obtain a bachelor's degree. ... Obtain a J.D. ... Gain hands-on experience. ... Develop your skills. ... Earn certifications. ... Gather clients.Mar 8, 2021

Can USCIS check my bank account?

Yes USCIS may verify information about your bank account with bank.Jul 9, 2020

What is the English test for US citizenship?

The naturalization test consists of two components: English language proficiency, which is determined by the applicant's ability to read, write, speak and understand English; and. Knowledge of U.S. history and government, which is determined by a civics test.

Does USCIS know everything about you?

Did they get caught lying? The simple answer, of course, is that it is impossible to know whether USCIS knows if an applicant for a green card or for naturalization is lying to them. The safe assumption is that they DO know everything about you and that, if you lie in the interview, you will be caught.

What does a immigration lawyer do?

The job of an immigration lawyer is to provide pragmatic and strategic legal advice on immigration in India. Immigration attorneys are primarily associated with the responsibility of assisting their clients on complex issues with regards to settling down as citizens of India.Jan 12, 2021

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

An immigration lawyer cannot magically speed up your applications process once it has been submitted, however by hiring an immigration lawyer you can greatly decrease your chances of unnecessary delays caused by mistakes in your application.

How much do immigration lawyers make?

The salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the US range from $55,870 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $115,820 . The middle 60% of Immigration Lawyers makes between $115,820 and $120,480, with the top 80% making $187,200.

How long do you have to live in the US to get a green card?

Once you have your green card, you must live continuously in the US. If you live with US citizen spouse, you will become eligible after three years for citizenship. Otherwise the duration is five years. Using form N-400, you can apply for naturalization 90 days earlier.

Can a widow be a US citizen?

The widow (er) of a US citizen who died while in honorable active service in the United States Armed Force, is entitled to immediate naturalization as a US citizen, provided that he or she is already a lawful permanent resident. Certain additional conditions apply; see INA 319 (d).

3 attorney answers

In addition to the information contained in the previous two replies, note that sometimes an applicant may handle every detail about a naturalization petition correctly, but the USCIS makes consequential mistakes.

David Nabow Soloway

In addition, by hiring an attorney, you will have someone with you throughout the application process and at your interview that can answer your questions, make sure that your rights are protected, and ensure that the law is applied correctly in your case. Respectfully, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Rompf Bruen

Many people navigate the citizenship process successfully without an attorney. This is impossible to answer without knowing your sophistication and education level. There is more to the process than just reading and answering the form but of course this is important as well.

What is the process of becoming a citizen?

Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens: Owe their allegiance to the United States.

What is the citizenship of a person born abroad?

Territories. You are a U.S. citizen if: You have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state. You were born in a U.S. territory and have a birth certificate issued by that territory.

What does dual citizenship mean?

Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and of another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another. If you're a citizen of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate for information about its: Laws.

How long do you have to have a green card to get a green card?

Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. You must renew your Permanent Resident Card before applying for citizenship if: You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card.

How old do you have to be to become a US citizen?

When you become a US citizen, your children under 18 years of age also become Americans. As long as your children are lawful permanent residents living in the United States, and assuming they are in your physical and legal custody, they will become US citizens the moment you become one.

How long can a US citizen stay in the US?

Permanent lawful residents of the United States who travel outside the country for more than 180 days must apply for readmission to the US. However, as a US citizen you can stay abroad as long as you like without having to worry about your immigration status being affected.

How many countries can a US citizen visit?

To date, US citizens can visit 174 countries without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. Moreover, US citizenship entitles you to receive assistance from American embassies and consulates all over the world.

What is the right to vote?

Having US citizenship gives you the right to vote. And if you’re interested in serving as a public official in local or municipal government, most states require that candidates be US citizens, whether naturalized or whether they were born in the US. As a new American citizen, you will be eligible to run for most political offices across the country.

Can you be stripped of citizenship?

Contrary to legal permanent residents who may indeed be deported for breaking the law, naturalized US citizens who commit crimes cannot generally be stripped of their citizenship.

How to become a US citizen?

Lawful permanent residents are not exempt from US laws, taxes and other political measures. Think about becoming a US citizen in order to vote on political representatives as well as local, state and federal ballot measures. 2. Be able to run for public office.

What does it mean to be a US citizen?

Becoming a US citizen means you can sponsor relatives for a green card — everyone from your parents and siblings to your spouse. Additionally, if you have children under the age of 18 in your custody, they will automatically become citizens along with you. 7. Benefit from US tax laws.

Why not run for political office yourself?

As a matter of fact, why not run for a political office yourself? You may not be able to be the president, but becoming a US citizen permits you to hold numerous public offices — just look at Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Can a spouse bequeath property to a US citizen?

Benefit from US tax laws. If your spouse is also a US citizen, you can bequeath real estate to him or her that will be exempt from property taxes. US tax laws also allow other free exchanges of real estate between married US citizens. 8. Become eligible for free money.

Can a permanent resident be deported?

It doesn’t just happen to undocumented immigrants — permanent residents are eligible for deportation, and it doesn’t even have to be a very serious offense. Some believe that courts are harder on non-US citizens, and non-citizen immigrants and permanent residents don’t have as many options to take a plea bargain or do jail time or community service.

Is dual citizenship legal in the US?

While dual citizenship used to be banned in the United States, the Supreme Court struck down those laws — so if it’s the only thing keeping you from becoming a US citizen, it may be time to reconsider!

Can you renounce your citizenship?

While it’s true that the US has new citizens renounce their previous citizenships in taking the Oath of Allegiance during naturalization ceremonies, you can ask to omit that part of the oath if you want to retain your previous citizenship as well. While dual citizenship used to be banned in the United States, the Supreme Court struck down those laws — so if it’s the only thing keeping you from becoming a US citizen, it may be time to reconsider!

What is the Oath of Allegiance?

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God..

What If I Don't Agree with Everything in the Oath?

What if you are an atheist, and are uncomfortable using the phrase, 'so help me God?" Federal statute (8 CFR 337.1) makes clear that that phrase is optional. The phrase "on oath" in the first line may be changed to "and solemnly affirm" for those individuals who do not believe in swearing an oath.

How do Americans define their country?

That means Americans define their country by voting for their preferred leaders. Elections in the United States are managed by the Department of State, and they get to define who can and cannot vote. You should know that the US hosts elections at three different levels. Those are federal, state, and local. To vote in the elections, you need ...

How old do you have to be to vote in the US?

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of casting your vote. Must be in possession of a valid ID card. Must meet all state’s residency requirements. As opposed to above, you will not be able ...

Why aren't non-citizens allowed to vote?

One of the main reasons that non-citizens aren’t allowed to vote has to do with voter frauds that have taken place over the years. The efforts to curb voting fraud have been underway since 2000. The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, gave birth to the Read ID Act.

Can non-citizens vote?

But voting in federal elections is still a far-fetched dream for non-citizens. The ongoing debate on whether non-citizens can cast their vote can change the American voting landscape. Those in favor argue that anyone who works, pays taxes, and contributes to the economy should be eligible to vote.

Can immigrants vote in the US?

Other immigrants, unfortunately, are not allowed to cast their votes in federal elections. But some states might allow them to vote at state and local-level elections. For example, San Francisco allows certain non-citizens to vote at local elections.

Can permanent residents vote in the US?

When talking of immigrants, even the Permanent Residents who hold green cards and DACA recipients are not allowed to vote except in some states like San Francisco and Chicago. This might seem contrary to the fact that they’re allowed to live and work in the United States and pay their taxes.