Becoming a U.S. citizen by applying for naturalization is a much faster process now than ever before. The law firm has seen legal permanent residents go from application through oath ceremony in less than six months. Citizenship may be a possibility even if there have been arrests in the past or if the foreigner has been outside the United States for a considerable period.

The permanent resident must be an LPR for five (5) years and be physically present in the U.S. for a total of half that time. The Law Firm will help applicants determine whether and when they can apply.

The spouse of a U.S. citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of legal permanent resident status. The Firm regularly applies for naturalization in these cases, even when the removal of conditional status has not yet been decided. The Firm’s services extend to representation at the Immigration interview, preparation for the interview, and preparation of the evidence. Because these cases are based on the viability of the marriage, the Firm establishes all the evidence so the foreigner can worry simply about the civics and history exam.

Individuals who obtain their permanent resident status through the Violence Against Women Act can apply for naturalization 90 days before the three year anniversary of the approval or their permanent resident status. In other words, they are eligible three years – not the usual five years – after receiving residency. Of course, these victims of abuse need not live with or be married to the US citizen or legal permanent resident spouse. This exception also applies to the child victim, even if the “child” was 21 years old or older at the time s/he became a resident.