Naturalization is the process for a foreign national to become a U.S. citizen.  U.S. citizenship provides additional protections and rights under U.S. law, including a U.S. passport, the right to vote and sit on a jury, protection from the U.S. government in foreign countries, and ability to return freely to the United States after international travel.  Our services include analysis of eligibility, detailed preparation of the naturalization application, monitoring of the case status, and comprehensive interview preparation.

U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen upon meeting the following criteria:

• Continuous permanent residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately preceding filing for naturalization (three years if the foreign national is married to a U.S. citizen and has been living with their U.S. citizen spouse in marital union during the three-year period preceding the application).
• Residence for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of the application in the state from which the application is filed.
• Physical presence in the U.S. for an aggregate total of at least one half of the period required for continuous residence (two and one half years for most applicants, one and one half years for spouses of U.S. citizens).
• Continuous residence within the U.S. from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of admission to citizenship.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and the U.S. government.
• Good moral character and attachment to the principles of the U.S. constitution.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of filing for naturalization.

Citizenship claims

In some cases, it may be difficult for individuals to prove that they are U.S. citizens and they must make a substantive claim for U.S. citizenship.  Haight Law Group has the expertise and experience to help make such a claim on your behalf and obtain a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.  A Certificate of Citizenship is an affirmative finding of U.S. citizenship by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Many government agencies use the USCIS database to verify identity and immigration status.