Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney in Phoenix 

Assisting Clients With Citizenship & Naturalization Matters in Arizona

Regardless of your version of the American Dream, we are ready to help you on the pathway to success and fruition. At Kanu & Associates, P.C., our Phoenix immigration attorney works relentlessly to make certain your rights are protected entirely every step of the way, keeping you informed at every stage of development.

What is Citizenship & Naturalization?

Citizenship and naturalization are critical processes for immigrants seeking to become full-fledged members of the United States. Citizenship can be acquired by birth or through naturalization, the latter being the legal process by which a non-citizen acquires U.S. citizenship. Naturalization involves meeting specific requirements set forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including residency, language proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a lawful citizen of the United States can have its own set of difficulties. From first-hand experience, however, we know that achieving citizenship can be one of the most rewarding experiences. As a U.S. citizen, you will have the right to vote, apply for jobs, and in the future, sponsor other family members.

In order to apply for citizenship in the United States, you must demonstrate the following:

• You are a lawful U.S. permanent resident
• You are at least 18 years old
• You have continuously resided in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
• You have lived in the state where you will file for naturalization for at least 3 months
• You will live in the U.S. from the date you file your naturalization application until the date you receive citizenship

In addition to these requirements, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may look for other requirements, including proof of good moral character. You will also be required to pass an examination that demonstrates a basic understanding of English language, in reading and writing, as well as a basic knowledge of the U.S. government history.

Advantages of Acquiring U.S Citizenship

Every individual who applies for United States citizenship has his or her own personal reasons for wishing to become a citizen. It is undeniable that U.S. citizenship offers many advantages, both at home and abroad. Your immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system to achieve your dream of becoming a citizen and any other immigration service.

• Financial Benefits

Being a U.S. citizen offers financial advantages. For example, as a citizen, you are eligible to apply for jobs with government agencies. You’ll also be granted access to public benefits. This is significant because a life-changing event that causes disability can happen at any time.

As a U.S. citizen, you will have access to invaluable safety net programs. Additionally, lawful permanent residents only have access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for seven years.

• Legal Benefits

As a naturalized U.S. citizen, you will never need to fear the possibility of deportation. When you swear allegiance to the United States, you promise to uphold its laws. However, if you have children, deportation may be a concern for you because kids and teenagers have a tendency to make reckless mistakes that may lead to their removal from the country. As a U.S. citizen, you and your children are protected from deportation.

Additionally, under most circumstances, children under the age of 18 automatically gain citizenship when you do. Other legal benefits include having the right to vote in elections and having the right to run for public office.

• Family Benefits

Many naturalized U.S. citizens still have family members who live abroad. When you become a U.S. citizen, your family members will generally have priority to immigrate to the country.

Legal Permanent Residency: Your Pathway to Citizenship

If you are not yet eligible for U.S. citizenship but are seeking a more permanent solution to your immigration status, our team of experienced immigration lawyers can help you explore your options for legal permanent residency. Whether you are looking for family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or humanitarian relief, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.

Benefits of legal permanent residency include:

• Ability to live and work in the United States indefinitely
• Access to government benefits and programs
• Opportunity to sponsor family members for immigration
• Protection against deportation
• Potential path to U.S. citizenship

How Our Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney Can Help You

Here’s how we can help you:

• Personalized Legal Guidance: Every individual's situation is unique, and the naturalization process can vary greatly depending on personal circumstances. We will analyze your specific case and provide tailored advice. Whether you have questions about eligibility, need assistance with documentation, or require guidance on overcoming potential legal obstacles, we are here to help.
• Assistance with Application Preparation: Preparing the necessary paperwork for naturalization can be meticulous and time-consuming. Mistakes or omissions could result in delays or denials. We will help you complete and review all required forms accurately, ensuring that your application is thorough and error-free. We also provide guidance on gathering and submitting supporting documents, like proof of residency and employment history.
• Interview and Test Preparation: The naturalization process includes an interview with a USCIS officer and a civics test. This can be intimidating, especially for those who are not fluent in English or unfamiliar with U.S. government and history. We offer personalized preparation sessions to help you feel confident and well-prepared. We conduct mock interviews, review potential questions, and provide study materials for the civics test.
• Legal Representation and Advocacy: If complications arise during your naturalization process, such as issues with your immigration history or past criminal records, having an experienced attorney is crucial. We provide strong legal representation and advocacy, addressing any concerns USCIS may have and presenting a compelling case on your behalf. Our goal is to resolve any issues swiftly and effectively to keep your naturalization process on track.
• Guidance on Complex Cases: Some naturalization cases involve unique challenges, such as prior deportation orders, lengthy absences from the U.S., or discrepancies in personal records. We have extensive experience handling complex cases and can devise strategic solutions to overcome these hurdles. We work diligently to ensure that even the most complicated situations are managed with expertise and care.
• Ongoing Support: The process of becoming a U.S. citizen does not end with the naturalization ceremony. As a new citizen, you may have questions or face additional legal matters. We offer ongoing support to address any post-naturalization concerns, such as assisting with family-based immigration petitions or clarifying your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

Contact Our Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney in Phoenix Today

Our Phoenix immigration attorneys can help you apply for citizenship and organize all necessary documents. We are also equipped to prepare you accordingly for obtaining citizenship status through the process of naturalization.

With Kanu & Associates at your side, you can have all the resources that you need to overcome any potential obstacle or roadblock with ease and confidence.

For personalized assistance, reach out to our dedicated Phoenix citizenship & naturalization lawyer today at (602) 353-7795.