Becoming A U.S. Citizen: Get The Assistance You Need

A citizen of the United States is a rare and important person. They have voting rights and privileges that other groups do not have. More than that, citizenship is a mark of permanency that cannot go away.

At my firm, Edwin R. Rubin, Attorney at Law, I have a long history of providing my clients with the insight and representation they need to become citizens. I have helped many people in East Brunswick and across New Jersey secure their citizenship through my advocacy and attention to detail. If you believe you want to take this step, I can help you.

Requirements For Citizenship

It is a highly sought-after prize for many, but it isn’t an easy process. There are several options available to spouses or children of current U.S. citizens, but not everyone is in that position. To become a citizen of the United States, you have to meet several stringent requirements, including:

• You must be a lawful permanent resident.
• You must be of “good moral character.”
• You must be a resident for at least five years.
• You must not have left the country in the last five years.
• You must read and write English.
• You must have a strong grasp of U.S. history and government.

Possibly the most difficult of the factors above is the “good moral character.” It is not to say that you might not have this quality, but the definition as set down by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) can be exacting.

Factors That Can Make You Ineligible For Citizenship

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be challenging for many – and the path to citizenship is often neither straightforward nor clear. For example:

• Convictions for certain serious felonies can obviously be a barrier to citizenship, but so can lesser “crimes of moral turpitude,” such as a minor conviction for drug possession or shoplifting.
• Fraud or misrepresentation in the immigration process, including document fraud or being unlawfully present in the U.S. prior to obtaining lawful status, can lead to ineligibility.
• The failure to demonstrate good moral character, such as failure to pay court-ordered child support or alimony, engaging in polygamy, habitual drunkenness or gambling, can be another barrier.
• One or more unresolved tax issues, including unpaid taxes or allegations of tax evasion, can also be grounds for disqualification.
• Failure to pass the English language or civics test can lead to a denial of citizenship unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
• Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for continuous physical presence in the United States will also be denied citizenship.

Addressing any potential issues before applying for citizenship can help make the entire process smoother.

Factors To Consider Before Hiring An Immigration Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is key to successfully navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. A skilled attorney can:

• Provide you with a clear assessment of your eligibility for citizenship
• Identify any potential defects in your specific situation that could lead to disqualification
• Help you address those defects in the most proactive way possible
• Make certain that all required forms and supporting documents are accurately completed
• Minimize the chances of errors that could lead to a delay or denial
• Provide guidance to help you prepare for the citizenship interview
• Handle communications with USCIS so that notifications and requests are promptly handled

Hiring an experienced immigration attorney like Edwin R. Rubin can help tilt the odds of a successful citizenship application in your favor.

How I Can Help You

I am able to present your story in a light that shows your value to the country. I can advocate for you in front of the citizenship panel. If you have a conviction on your record, I may even be able to work to get it expunged.

My goal is to get you the legal status that you need to live your life free and without any further difficulty. Call my office today to find out how I can help you at 973-685-6056, or send an email to schedule your meeting.