Dayton Naturalization Attorney

Requirements for U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship

To apply to become a U.S. citizen, you must be able to prove the following:

• You resided in the U.S. continuously over a certain period of time
• You held a green card for at least five years
• You must be able to speak, read, and write in English
• You can pass a test related to the U.S. government and history
• Show a favorable disposition toward the U.S. Constitution and the United States in general and swear an oath on the matter

To be sure, special exceptions apply to asylum seekers. Those who are married to U.S. citizens must wait three years. 

What to Know Before You Apply for U.S. Citizenship

A green card holder should not apply for U.S. citizenship without the help of an experienced attorney. While the U.S. is a mostly-friendly place for foreign nationals, the standards for deportation can change from one administration to the next. In some cases, individuals who have applied for green cards were denied based on criminal records from their home country. Ultimately, they faced deportation proceedings. Before you apply for citizenship, allow a U.S. immigration attorney to review your records for possible problems that may emerge. 

What Do I Need to Do to Become a U.S. Citizen?

You simply need to apply, have a green card, meet the residency requirements and be in good standing with the U.S. government. You will send your application to USCIS with a copy of the green card, payment for the fee, and identifying photos. They will schedule you for a biometric appointment where they will take your fingerprints. The last element is the oath-swearing ceremony.