After being a Legal Permanent Resident for a period of time, you may be eligible to apply for US Citizenship (also called naturalization). Becoming a US Citizen has many benefits, including the right to vote and protection from deportation in all but the rarest of circumstances. However, the application process can be complex, time consuming and potentially risky. An experienced attorney can help streamline your application, spot potential problem areas and argue on your behalf if the government believes you are ineligible for citizenship.
What is the application process?
USCIS’s page on citizenship contains some good information, including a review of the necessary requirements and a checklist of required documentation.
What if I have a criminal history?
Having a criminal history does not necessarily mean you cannot be a US Citizen. But it does mean that some careful research is in order to ensure you do not accidentally trigger deportation proceedings by applying for citizenship. A good attorney will take a thorough inventory of every encounter with the police you have ever had and determine the implications for your citizenship application. There may be no problem in applying immediately, or it may be best to wait. Certain criminal convictions may make it too risky to ever apply for citizenship.
Bacus Law has helped many clients through the naturalization process, including some with criminal convictions. Send us an inquiry for your free 20-minute consultation.
