Dallas U.S. Citizenship Attorney

Lawyer in Dallas County for Immigrants Seeking American Citizenship Through Naturalization

To become a citizen of the United States, two primary methods are available: citizenship through parents and naturalization. If one or both of a child's parents are U.S. citizens, then they may either be automatically granted citizenship, or they can apply for citizenship if the parents meet the applicable residency requirements. For those who do not qualify for citizenship through their parents, including people who immigrated to the U.S. as adults and received a Green Card, citizenship may be available through naturalization.

Citizenship grants a person all the rights and obligations that are available to someone who was born in the United States or to U.S. citizen parents. At the Law Office of Jae Lee, we are honored to aid clients with their naturalization applications. Attorney Jae Lee, being a first-generation immigrant himself and possessing noteworthy experience in immigration law, is well-equipped with the skills and knowledge required to help immigrants complete the naturalization process successfully.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a lawful American citizen entitles a person to many rights and liberties. These include:

• Freedom of expression, including the right to speak freely without fear of reprisal, censorship, or other consequences.
• Freedom of religion in which a person can practice their choice of religion and be protected against discrimination based on their beliefs.
• The ability to vote in local, state, and national elections, as well as the right to run for public office.
• The ability to obtain a U.S. passport and travel internationally, with the freedom to leave and re-enter the United States when necessary.
• The ability to sponsor family members for immigration.

When a person is granted U.S. citizenship, the rights afforded to them will be permanent. Citizenship can only be stripped away in highly unusual scenarios, such as when a person is found to have falsified information on a naturalization application. As a citizen of the United States, a person cannot be deported or forced to leave the country, and they will be able to continue living in the community where they have resettled or other areas of the U.S.A. throughout the rest of their life.

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

Depending on a person's individual situation, the steps that must be followed when applying for naturalization may differ. Nevertheless, there are some standards that must be met in nearly all cases. These include:

• A person must be an adult. An immigrant who is under the age of 18 may apply for naturalization after their 18th birthday, as long as all other requirements have been met.
• A person must be a permanent resident of the United States with a valid immigration status. A valid, unexpired Green Card is typically required.
• A person must meet certain residency requirements. In most cases, immigrants must maintain a permanent residence in the U.S. for five years or more. A person who obtained a Green Card after marrying a U.S. citizen must live in the United States for at least three years. A person will also need to meet "continuous presence" requirements, in which they must not have been outside the United States for more than six months during their period of permanent residence.
• A person must demonstrate positive moral character, which generally means that they have not been convicted of criminal offenses that would disqualify them from becoming a U.S. citizen.
• A person must pass a citizenship test that will demonstrate that they can speak, read, write, and understand English and that they have a knowledge of U.S. history and the structure and functions of the country's government.
• A person must be willing to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, which states that they will be committed to furthering the country's goals and will uphold the laws and principles of the United States Constitution.

Though each naturalization case is unique, and some of the general requirements may differ depending on a person's individual situation, our firm can provide assistance to ensure that immigrants take the proper steps to gain the benefits of citizenship. In addition to helping immigrants meet all applicable requirements, we can also respond to any complications or problems that may come up and resolve any issues that could delay the granting of citizenship.

Citizenship for Children of U.S. Citizens

In cases where a minor qualifies for U.S. citizenship through one or both of their parents, the process of applying for citizenship may be relatively straightforward. However, there are some complications that can arise in these situations, such as when a U.S. citizen parent lives outside the United States. Our team is here to assist families every step of the way on their journey toward full U.S. citizenship. We will determine the best path to take, and we will work to resolve any issues that may arise, ensuring that citizenship will be granted as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact Our Plano Naturalization Lawyer

If you are interested in attaining United States citizenship, we encourage you to reach out to the Law Office of Jae Lee to learn how we can assist you with the naturalization process or help you address any other related concerns. Call 214-295-3014 or contact us online for a free consultation. From our office locations in Dallas and Plano, we help clients address issues related to immigration and citizenship in Dallas, Carrollton, Plano, Dallas County, Denton County, Collin County, and the surrounding areas.