Citizenship Attorney in Portland, OR

Portland’s Citizenship Attorney

For individuals and families alike, Green cards are a crucial step in the journey towards becoming U.S. citizens. Citizenship grants people great benefits and the privilege of citizenship in this prosperous country.

As your green card and naturalization attorneys, our team is here to guide people through the journey and ensure that there are no setbacks that might delay the outcome. Some great rewards and responsibilities come with this new phase in a person’s life, and the process might be a little different for everyone, but the requirements are similar across the board. 

Green Card Overview

Permanent Resident Cards—also known as Green Cards—give individuals the ability to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are many eligibility categories for Green Cards, including family, employment, refugee status, and victims of abuse. Depending on your unique circumstances, finding the right category may be straightforward or difficult. As a Portland-based immigration attorney, we can assist all those in need with our Green Card services.

While Green Cards grand individuals and families the ability to permanently live and work in the U.S.A., Green Card holders must maintain permanent resident status for at least five years in order to be eligible for naturalization. We serve clients every step of the way. As such, we’ll be by your side in order to help you achieve citizenship in the United States

Naturalization

Naturalization is the word used when describing the legal process of becoming a U.S citizen. An experienced citizenship attorney will lead you through the process, paperwork, and processing steps. Naturalization is the process by which U.S citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting requirements established by Congress. There are basic requirements that are set by Congress and U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. The process might vary slightly depending on a person’s particular circumstances, but in most cases, people have to be residents before they can become citizens. The rationale for this is to have people live in the country for a period of time before they are accepted as new citizens. 

Becoming a United States citizen comes with certain benefits and responsibilities. The Anable and Rivera Law Firm helps people become a legal citizen of the U.S. Rights that citizens have in this country include:

• The right to vote
• The ability to bring family members in the U.S
• Traveling with a U.S passport 
• Becoming an elected official 
• And more 

Some of the responsibilities that come with citizenship might include:

• Give up your prior allegiance 
• Swear allegiance to the United States
• Support and defend the Constitution 
• Serve the country when required 

Is There a Fee?

There is a fee when applying to become a U.S citizen. This might vary slightly depending on particular circumstances. The application, however, is generally $640 with added fees for the biometric that often include an additional $85. Biometrics include your photo, fingerprints, and other documentation that proves your identity. These are basic fees and might be subject to change. There are also a few exceptions including applicants that are 75 years or older or military applicants filing under section 328 or 329. As your immigration attorney, we will help you complete the process without confusion and ensure the progress of your case. 

Requirements For Citizenship

Some of the basic requirements for citizenship include: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age prior to the date of filing 
• Must have had a green card for at least 5 years with a continuous presence in the United States
• Prove that you have been in the United States for at least 30 months immediately before those 5 years
• Prove that you have lived at least 3 months in the state in which you are applying 
• Be a person of good moral character 
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English 
• Posses a basic understanding of U.S civics and history 
• Take an oath of allegiance to the United States 

Physical Presence Requirements

Before a person can go through the naturalization process, they must comply with the continuous residence requirement and physical presence in the country. These are two different eligibility requirements and can be confusing for people. An applicant of naturalization is required to show they have been physically present in the United States for a certain amount of time. Physical presence means that an applicant seeking naturalization must be physically present in the U.S for at least 30 months out of their 5 years of Green Card residency. The state you apply from also matters, as the applicant must show they have been a resident of the state they are applying for at least three months before they apply for naturalization.  Continuous residence means that an applicant must have had residency for at least five years to apply for naturalization. 

Taking the Citizenship Test

All applicants (with some exceptions) are required to take a citizenship test that includes a civics portion and language component. During your interview, a USCIS officer will test your ability to speak English. You will have to read a few sentences aloud correctly, as well as write a few sentences down correctly. The content of the test revolves around American history and civics. Your citizenship attorney can help you prepare for the test and ensure that you are ready for it when the time comes. 

Contact Our Law Firm Today

Think you are ready for the naturalization process? Wondering if you are eligible? Call The Law Offices of Anable & Rivera PC today and we will get you started on this amazing journey.