Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
You do not need to be a naturalized citizen to live and work in the United States, but if you’re ready to make that transition, a naturalization lawyer in Houston can guide you through every step.
At the Law Office of David A. Breston, our experienced immigration attorneys in Houston have helped countless clients move from permanent residency to U.S. citizenship. We can guide you through the paperwork, eligibility requirements, and interview preparation so you can avoid delays and mistakes. Call (713) 224-4040 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward becoming a U.S. citizen.
“The best lawyer with the best team. Professional, kind hearted and very responsive. I got my green card approved. Brought my wife and children to United States with the help of this great lawyer and his dedicated team. Thank you Mr. David Breston and team!”
– Baqir H.
“David Breston and his team were awesome! My case took longer than expected. However, they stuck by me for 11 years of going through deportation proceedings and in finally getting my citizenship!!! He has the knowledge, experience, but most of all the care and compassion required for impacting one’s life…”
– Edrey S.
David A. Breston has spent more than two decades guiding Houston residents through the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. From eligibility reviews and N-400 applications to interview preparation and appeals, he has helped countless clients secure their place as U.S. citizens. His firm also handles related criminal defense and DWI defense matters, giving clients comprehensive representation across both immigration and criminal law. He strives to be the best naturalization lawyer in Houston and throughout Harris County by providing personalized guidance, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy for every client.
In order to become a citizen of the United States, you will need to pass an interview (the USCIS or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). Many people may feel intimidated by this, but if you have filed the formidable requisite expanse of documentation in advance, then the actual interview may be simple in comparison.
Even academics are not experts in all aspects of U.S. history and/or English. If you come prepared to answer basic history and civics questions and have a simple facility with the English language, you should be amply prepared.
The USCIS authorities will likely ask you questions about all of the following information:
If you’re unsure whether you meet all the eligibility requirements, a Houston naturalization attorney can help assess your background and ensure your application is properly prepared.
Have your Alien Registration Card, passport, and entry or reentry permits with you for the interview plus any other documents indicated in your interview letter.
At no time should you LIE to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is very important – no matter how worried you may be about something in your past. IF the BCIS grants you citizenship and then finds out you were untrue at any point, they can choose to revoke your citizenship and deport you.
Be on time and be PREPARED. Forgetting the required paperwork will delay your interview.
Except under certain extenuating circumstances you must be able to read, write, and speak minimally (proficient, passable) English to be eligible for naturalization. Prepare in advance. There are many community resources to support language acquisition. The BCIS is sincere in its efforts to ensure new citizens understand basic American civics and history, but that does not mean it is easy.
Working with an experienced naturalization lawyer in Houston can help you feel confident and prepared for your interview, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements and avoid unnecessary delays.
Before filling out Form N-400, applicants must meet certain requirements set by USCIS. You usually have to be at least 18 years old and have been a legal permanent resident for five years. If you are married to and live with a U.S. citizen, you only need to have been a resident for three years.
You also need to show that you have been living and physically present in the United States during the required period. You can usually go on short trips abroad, but longer absences can make you ineligible.
One of the hardest parts of becoming a citizen is showing that you have good moral character. This does not mean you have to have a perfect record, but USCIS looks closely at how you acted during the statutory period, which is usually the five or three years before you filed.
If you have certain criminal convictions, do not file or pay your taxes, do not pay child support, or do not register for Selective Service when you need to, you may have to wait longer or be denied. USCIS may also look at arrests that did not lead to convictions.
Incomplete forms, missing documents, or differences between previous immigration filings and current answers are all common reasons why naturalization applications take longer than expected. If there are mistakes in your travel history, employment records, or marital status, you may be asked to provide more proof or have your application reviewed for a longer period of time.
Many people who want to become citizens are worried about the English and U.S. civics tests, but USCIS does offer some exceptions. People over 50 who have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for 20 years or more, or people over 55 who have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for 15 years or more, may not have to take the English language test and may be able to take the civics test in their own language. Form N-648 can be used by people with certain physical or developmental disabilities to get a medical waiver that lets them skip both the English and civics requirements.
Naturalization gives people permanent legal security and more chances to get involved in their communities, even though lawful permanent residents have many rights. U.S. citizens cannot be sent back to their home countries, which gives them peace of mind that permanent residency does not.
Citizens also have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections. They also usually get to go to the front of the line when they want to bring certain family members to the United States. You can also get federal jobs and travel internationally with a U.S. passport.
USCIS will set up a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks after you send in your N-400 application. Once biometrics are complete, you will be scheduled for your naturalization interview, where USCIS will review your application and test your English and civics knowledge.
The last step is to take the Oath of Allegiance if your application is approved. You will officially become a U.S. citizen and get your Certificate of Naturalization only after this ceremony.
Again, seek out community resources to support you in this endeavor (even your public library). You will be required to take and pass a simple test.
Practice tests are available and should be utilized to help you better understand what type of information may be expected of you. For more information, speak with an immigration attorney in Houston on how to approach these tests by contacting our office today.