THE PATHWAY TO AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP: WHY IT PAYS TO HAVE A CITIZENSHIP LAWYER IN TEXAS

THE PATHWAY TO AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP

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To become a US citizen is not just a procedural process, it is the achievement of a lifetime. It is an entrance into opportunities untapped, and for so many, the realization of the American dream.  However, the path to US citizenship isn’t always smooth and easy. With convoluted forms, prerequisites, and stressful interviews, losing your way is a cinch. That is when a citizenship lawyer in Texas enters the picture. They are not just lawyers, so to speak, but your representative, your guide, and your advocate throughout the process.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the citizenship process, highlight the unique benefits of working with a citizenship lawyer in Texas, and answer the most common questions people have about US naturalization. Whether you are just starting to consider citizenship or are ready to take the next step, this post is for you.

Why citizenship matters: More than just a status

To one million immigrants, American citizenship equals safety, home, and opportunity. It equals a passport, and the right of voting, of bringing family to America, safeguard against deportation, and of enjoying sharing the advantages of citizenship too.

These are a few among numerous reasons why citizenship is so significant:

• Voting rights: The right to vote is a single right and is held by the citizens only, not just for federal elections but for most state elections as well.
• Ability to sponsor family for immigration: You can bring your family members on green cards. It will be comparatively simpler for your family members to immigrate to America.
• Protection from deportation: After you become a citizen, you will never be deportable for most crimes.
• Federal employment and benefit eligibility: Federal employment and federal benefits usually go with citizenship alone.
• US passport: Travel anywhere in the world and reap the benefits of US embassies overseas.

But it is a trap-filled process to legal documents, interviews, and applications—any one of which can ruin it. Which is why you should seek the help of a citizenship lawyer in Texas to get it through.

The Texas advantage: Why use a local citizenship lawyer?

Texas has one of the nation’s largest and most culturally diverse foreign-born communities. In Houston and Dallas, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley, there are unique immigration law challenges and opportunities found only in each city’s society.

A citizenship lawyer in Texas is not merely professionally qualified. They possess indigenous knowledge, common sense knowledge of tradition, and native cultural resources. A citizenship lawyer in Texas comes in handy if you live in Texas. This is why:

• USCIS local field offices expertise: Every USCIS field office has its own approach as well as its own timetable. A native citizenship lawyer knows the inner mechanism first-hand.
• Cultural competence: Texas multilingual citizenship lawyers are culturally competent in the clients’ environment in general as well.
• Community connections: With support groups, an in-house citizenship lawyer can have information readily available that makes it easy.
• Up-to-date information: Immigration law and policy keep evolving every day. Citizenship lawyers in Texas keep pace with state and federal information that impacts their clients.

The naturalization process: Step-by-step with a citizenship lawyer in Texas

This step-by-step guide is presented sequentially and based on how a citizenship lawyer in Texas will become your new best friend.

1. Check for eligibility.

This is the first step because you can’t even apply for citizenship until you first find out if you are eligible. Let us go over the requirements that are needed:

• Permanent residence: You must be a green card holder (be a Lawful Permanent Resident) for at least five years, or three years if you are married to an American.
• Physical presence: You must have physically lived in the US for half of the time that you are obligated to live there.
• Continuous residence: You are not required to have made a sequence of trips abroad that broke up your residency.
• Good moral character: This means a clean record and taxes paid.
• English and civics knowledge: You will be required to demonstrate at least a knowledge of English and US history and government (there are exceptions).

Citizenship lawyers in Texas can take care of your record. They will determine if there are any issues and fill out the necessary forms.

2. Preparation and submission of the application (Form N-400)

The most important naturalization form to complete is Form N-400. Attention and honesty are required because it is a very long document. Omission or error may result in delay or denial.

A citizenship lawyer in Texas will:

• Complete and verify your application for correctness.
• Obtain supporting evidence (green card, tax returns, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Submit your application to the proper USCIS office.

3. Biometrics appointment

You would be scheduled for biometrics on filing day, where a photo, fingerprint, and signature are taken to be utilized on background checks. Your citizenship lawyer can guide you through what to do and reschedule if you are not available.

4. The naturalization interview

This is normally the most anxious portion. You will be interviewed by a USCIS examiner, you questions regarding your application. You will also be given the English and civics tests.

A citizenship lawyer will:

• Prepare yourself for what to anticipate from the questions.
• Interview you to get you used to it.
• Eliminate any red flags in your application before the interview.

5. Oath of allegiance and decision

If your petition is successful, you would be invited to a naturalization ceremony where you would be allowed to take the oath of allegiance and be sworn in. You become an American citizen after having been sworn in.

Issues that you might have problems with could be settled through the help of a citizenship lawyer in Texas if your application was rejected or delayed, and appeals would be handled by if needed.

Why do I require a citizenship lawyer in Texas?

You will wonder: why can’t I do it myself? Legally correct, but here are some realities for why most Texans opt for professional representation. Some of these pointers are:

• Don’t wait until you make expensive mistakes: Those annoying errors will result in delay, denial, or deportation proceedings.
• Save time and hassle: A Citizenship lawyer can help you with the entire process. This way, you won’t spend time reading rules and forms.
• Individualized guidance: Different case every time. Your case is brought before you by a citizenship lawyer, and they will guide you accordingly.
• Case of sensitivity: If you have had some kind of criminal record, an immigration infraction previously, or whatever the matter may be, you need a good citizenship lawyer.
• Relief sensation: That the case is in professional hands relieves some of the weight off your head.

Common US citizenship application issues and how a citizenship lawyer can help

1. Criminal history or immigration violations.

Even relatively minor crimes cannot cause you trouble. A lawyer will advise you on whether you are eligible or not, help you bring proof of rehabilitation, and represent you in court if necessary.

2. Periodic absence from continuous residence.

Repeated or extended foreign travel may have this requirement affected. A citizenship lawyer in Texas will record your absence and present them to USCIS.

3. Issue with the English or civics test.

Others have difficulty sitting through the prescribed tests. Citizenship lawyers will help with the review of study guides and, if needed, help you apply for an exemption.

4. Application denial.

For rejected applications, a citizenship lawyer can appeal, challenge the refusal, or help reapply with an improved application.

Real stories: How citizenship lawyers in Texas change lives

Take Texas resident Maria, for instance, who was bothered by an old minor offense from some years ago that she hadn’t given any thought to in years. Her citizenship lawyer did a background check on her, obtained evidence of good standing, and built a strong case for USCIS. Maria aced the interview and is now a proud US citizen.

Or take the case of Ahmed, who fought against the English test. His citizenship lawyer in Texas matched him with language schools in the area and helped him get an age waiver. With help, Ahmed passed again.

They are not the only ones— citizenship lawyers in Texas help individuals like them every day in surmounting their problems and achieving their dreams.

How to choose the right citizenship lawyer in Texas

Having all those in consideration, how do you choose the best attorney to deal with your case? To find the right citizenship lawyer in Texas, the following are suggestions:

• Find experience: Select a citizenship lawyer who has handled various cases of citizenship and naturalization.
• Thread and referrals: Word of mouth or browse through online reviews.
• Ask about fees: Clearly express the fee rate and whether there are citizenship lawyers who are charging flat, while others are charging on an hourly basis.
• Consult with them: A skilled citizenship lawyer will listen to your case, respond to questions, and explain your options for free.

Get help!

A step forward towards a better tomorrow—for your family and for you—is becoming an American citizen. You don’t have to do it by yourself, though. Our citizenship lawyers in Texas at Gehi & Associates can be your guide, and your advocate step by step. We will make an overwhelming process easier and a reality.

Your journey to US citizenship is the most important page of your life. And with our help, you can make your American dream a reality.

Ready to begin? Call us today and begin living your American dream.