Baltimore Citizenship Services for Aspiring U.S. Citizens
Realize Your Goal of U.S. Citizenship Today
Many immigrants aim to become citizens of the United States. Doing so allows you to enjoy tremendous rights, benefits, and privileges. Thousands of immigrants become U.S. citizens every year via the naturalization process, with the crowning achievement of taking their oath of allegiance to the U.S. This takes place in the traditional ceremony that formally completes the naturalization process.
Many ways are available to become naturalized in the United States, and our skilled immigration attorneys can help. With more than 20 years of experience and tens of thousands of satisfied clients, Law Office Of Raymond O. Griffith is dedicated to helping you reach your immigration dream of citizenship.
Request a confidential consultation with a Baltimore naturalization and citizenship attorney by contacting us via email or at (410) 883-9157. Hablamos español.
The Naturalization Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before beginning the naturalization process, it is crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria as follows:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Holding lawful permanent resident status (green card) for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
- Demonstrating continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Possessing good moral character
Step 2: File Form N-400
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to complete and submit Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This form requires detailed personal and biographical information and supporting documentation such as your green card, identification documents, and photographs. It is advisable to have an immigration lawyer review your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
Upon filing your Form N-400, you will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
Step 4: Naturalization Interview & Test
Preparing for the naturalization interview and test is a critical phase of the process. An immigration lawyer can guide you through this stage by reviewing potential interview questions, helping you understand the English and civics portions of the test, and conducting mock interviews to boost your confidence.
The interview will assess your understanding of English, your knowledge of U.S. history and government, and your moral character.
Step 5: Oath of Allegiance
If you successfully pass the naturalization interview and test, you will be scheduled to attend a ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance. This oath is a solemn declaration of your loyalty and commitment to the United States and marks the final step in the naturalization process. You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization upon taking the oath, officially granting you U.S. citizenship.
Take the next step toward naturalization with an experienced citizenship lawyer in Baltimore. Complete an online form or call (410) 883-9157 to discuss your case now.
The Importance of Legal Representation
While navigating the naturalization process without legal representation is possible, having a naturalization lawyer by your side can offer numerous benefits. Our lawyers at Griffith Immigration Law will ensure that your application is completed correctly, accurately filed, and submitted within the required timeframe.
We can guide you throughout the process and mitigate the risk of errors or omissions that could delay or jeopardize your application.
Furthermore, our team can help you prepare for the naturalization interview and test, providing personalized advice and support tailored to your unique circumstances. We can address any concerns or questions, increasing your chances of success.
The naturalization process is a significant milestone on the path to U.S. citizenship. By partnering with our trusted attorneys, you can streamline the process, alleviate stress, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Other Pathways to Citizenship
More than one route is available to U.S. citizenship, depending on your circumstances.
These include:
BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN THROUGH BIRTH
Citizenship by birth is one of the most common ways to become a citizen of the United States. Any person born in the United States automatically becomes a U.S. citizen. This law also applies to persons born in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Members of sovereign Native American tribes and children birthed by parents who are foreign diplomats are exempted from this law.
BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN THROUGH ACQUISITION
Children can automatically become citizens of the United States, even if they were born outside the country. However, at least one of the following factors must be met for a child to "acquire" citizenship.
ACQUISITION THROUGH A PARENT
This factor requires that one parent is a U.S. citizen at birth and that the child was born on or after November 14, 1986. Additionally, the parent who is a U.S. citizen must have been physically present in the United States or its territories and stayed at least five years before the child’s birth. Two of these five years must be before or after the parent's 14th birthday.
ACQUISITION THROUGH BOTH PARENTS
A child can become a U.S. citizen if both parents were citizens, one or both parents lived in the United States or its territories before the child's birth, and both parents were married when the child was born.
ONE PARENT WAS A U.S. CITIZEN
This condition is for children born between 1952 and 1986, specifically before November 14, 1986, but after October 10, 1952. One or both parents must have been physically present in the United States or its territories for at least 10 years, five of which must be before or after their 14th birthday. Also, both parents must have been married when the child was born.
BECOMING A CITIZEN THROUGH DERIVATION
This citizenship path applies to children of parents who obtained citizenship through naturalization. Children under 18 living with their parents at the time of naturalization can automatically "derive" citizenship, provided they are permanent residents.
The child doesn't have to undergo naturalization in cases like this.
Foreign-born children under the age of 18 will automatically derive U.S. citizenship if the three requirements below are satisfied:
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen
- The child is a green card holder, that is, a permanent resident in the United States
- The child must be in the physical and legal custody of their U.S. parent and must be living in the United States
Citizenship through derivation cannot be implemented with step-parents. Additionally, the laws regarding the automatic naturalization of children have changed over the years. To determine if a specific law applies to you or your child, you must look at whether or not the law existed when the parent was naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
Contact us online for guidance from a qualified citizenship attorney in Baltimore and get help navigating the naturalization process.
Seek the Benefits of Citizenship with the Help of Griffith Immigration Law in Baltimore
The benefits of being a U.S. citizen include voting rights, freedom from deportation, the privilege of sponsoring certain family members, the ability to travel freely around the world, eligibility for a more comprehensive array of government benefits, and access to a broader range of employment opportunities and career advancement.
Citizenship laws have evolved. You may need to research the appropriate law that allows your eligibility. Becoming a citizen of the U.S. can be a complicated process to navigate. That is why you need an experienced immigration lawyer to guide you.
Griffith Immigration is a respected immigration law firm in Baltimore. We can provide you with the necessary assistance, advice, and processes you need to take on your path to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Working With a Baltimore Citizenship Attorney
Choosing to work with a citizenship lawyer can help you better understand how federal immigration rules apply to your specific background, family situation, and travel history. Our team takes time to review your prior visas, green card history, and any past interactions with immigration authorities so that we can spot potential issues before they become barriers in your case. We regularly meet with clients who are preparing for naturalization interviews at the USCIS field office that serves the Baltimore area, and we help them feel more confident walking into that appointment.
When you meet with our lawyers, we explain each step of the naturalization process in plain language and answer questions about timing, document requirements, and what to expect on the day of your interview. A citizenship lawyer in Baltimore should not only prepare forms but also help you think through issues like extended trips abroad, prior criminal charges, or past status violations that might affect eligibility. By talking through these concerns in advance, you can make informed decisions about when to file and what additional evidence to gather.
Contact a citizenship attorney at (410) 883-9157 to get started today.
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