If you want to become a United States citizen, you may be wondering if it is necessary to hire an immigration lawyer. The good news is that you are not required to hire a lawyer during the process of becoming a legal US citizen, although it is highly recommended, especially for more complex applications. In this article, we will be discussing the criteria for becoming a US citizen and some benefits that come with hiring an immigration lawyer.
Becoming a US Citizen
If you wish to become a US citizen, you have the option of going through naturalization. This is a nine-step process that can help you become a legal citizen in the US. Here is a breakdown of the steps you need to take to go through this process:
- Determine if you are already a US citizen.
- Determine if you are eligible to become a US citizen.
- Apply for naturalization with form N-400.
- Submit form N-400 and pay the related fees.
- If applicable, go to your biometrics appointment.
- Have your naturalization interview.
- Wait for a decision from the USCIS.
- Wait for a notification about when you can take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Attend your appointment to take your Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
One of the requirements for the naturalization process is making sure you are eligible to become a US citizen. The good news is that these eligibility requirements are very minimal and only include:
- Being at least 18 years old when you apply.
- Being of good moral character.
- Being able to read, write, and speak basic English.
To qualify for naturalization, you must either be a green card holder for at least five years, married to a US citizen, be a child of a US citizen, or be a US military service member. An immigration lawyer can help you with your immigration case, including filling out and submitting form N-400.
Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
Now that you know how to become a US citizen, should you hire an immigration lawyer? Although this is not required, it is still a good idea to take this extra step to guarantee your success during this process. A lawyer brings a lot to the table and can increase your chances of successfully becoming a US citizen.
Legal Expertise
One of the main benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer is that you are getting access to all of their expertise. These are lawyers who have most likely been in law for many years and understand the ins and outs of immigration cases.
They have a complete understanding of regulations, policies, legal changes, and interpreting the law. They can provide up-to-date information and help you to make the best decisions regarding your situation and your goals.
Guidance
Although the process of becoming a US citizen is quite straightforward, it can still feel quite overwhelming. An immigration attorney can guide you through this process, helping you to understand exactly what you need to do.
Having guidance throughout this legal process is invaluable as it can help you save time and reduce the chances of making mistakes. Your attorney can craft a strategy specifically for your situation and any potential challenges you could face. They can also help you prepare and file applications and documents to ensure everything is correct and submitted in a timely manner.
If there are challenges along the way, your lawyer can help you handle these challenges without wasting time.
Representation
When you hire an immigration lawyer, they will act as your advocate and represent you throughout the legal process. They will often handle communications with agencies like the USCIS, immigration court, or DOS.
Your attorney can represent you in court proceedings, respond to our RFEs, and attend interviews with you. Overall, they can help to showcase you in the best light, increasing your chances of getting a favorable outcome.
Peace of Mind
The immigration case process can feel very stressful since everyone’s situation is going to be slightly different. You may run into challenges that you were not aware of, which can make it difficult to know what to do next.
An attorney is on your side and can help you navigate any challenges or complicated steps as you are applying to become a US citizen. They also provide a second pair of eyes to ensure everything is done correctly and promptly, increasing your chances of acceptance.
An immigration attorney can answer any questions you may have specifically related to your situation that are not readily available elsewhere.
When Should I Hire an Immigration Attorney?
Even though an immigration attorney is not legally required when becoming a US citizen, there are certain instances where this is something that you will need. For instance, if you have prior immigration violations, this is going to make your situation much more complicated.
Anything involving prior visa denials, inadmissibility issues, or visa overstays will result in you needing an immigration lawyer. They can help you navigate this process and find the appropriate solution. Becoming a US citizen can also be more complicated if you are not currently in the United States. A lawyer can help you with this process and navigate any challenges you may face with your visa or green card application.
Another benefit of hiring an immigration lawyer is that they can help you if you need to expedite your application. For instance, you may need a quick decision due to an emergency situation, or you may have been waiting on your application update for a long time.
In some situations, an immigration lawyer may be able to help you expedite the process by communicating with the USCIS. A lawyer can also provide assistance if English is not your native language and you need help reading documents and communicating with immigration officials.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you ready to get started on the process of becoming a legal US citizen? Contact us today at US Immigration Law Counsel by filling out our online form or calling us directly at 800-666-4996. Our immigration lawyers deal with the government, so you don’t have to.
