Citizenship is the status of being a U.S. citizen, either by birth or through legal processes. Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen, typically after meeting certain residency and eligibility requirements.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Assisting Immigrants in the Greater Chicago Area with Obtaining Citizenship and Naturalization
Becoming a citizen of the United States of America is an extremely rewarding experience. The pathway to attaining American citizenship, however, often contains numerous twists and turns along the way. When it comes to pursuing and obtaining citizenship through naturalization, it is crucial to have a dedicated legal team on your side who knows what they are doing and who will know how to handle and resolve complex immigration hurdles in your case when they arise.
The Chicago citizenship and naturalization lawyers at Ahlgren Law make it a priority to zealously pursue citizenship on behalf of our clients. Our team will help you throughout every step of the process and ensure that all of your rights remain safeguarded along the way. Please speak with us today to learn more about how we could help with resolving your immigration issue.
Defining ‘Naturalization’
Individuals who are more than 18 years old and wish to become citizens of the United States typically must proceed through the naturalization process. In order for an immigrant to qualify for naturalization, he or she must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- The immigrant must have resided in the United States for a minimum of three years as a lawful permanent resident and must currently be married to a citizen of the United States, or
- The immigrant must have resided in the United States for a period of five years as a lawful permanent resident
Additionally, the citizenship applicant must be 18 years of age, demonstrate that he or she is able to write, read, and speak the English language, demonstrate good moral character, demonstrate that he or she has a basic knowledge about U.S. government and history, demonstrate loyalty to the principles of the U.S. constitution, and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance. There are exceptions, including special provisions for asylees, individuals serving in the U.S. military, and children of U.S. citizens.
Ways to Become a U.S. Citizen Without Going Through the Naturalization Process
There are several ways that a person could become a citizen of the United States without having to go through the naturalization process. In the case of children, for example, a child who is born overseas might be eligible to obtain U.S. citizenship simply because his or her parents are citizens of the United States. This is called acquisition of citizenship and requires complex legal analysis to determine eligibility.
Contact a Skilled Chicago Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer about Your Legal Issue Today
At Ahlgren Law, our legal team can help you throughout the naturalization and citizenship process. For a consultation and case evaluation with a Chicago citizenship and naturalization attorney, please call us today at 312-782-1804 or contact us online today to learn more about how we can help you pursue naturalization and citizenship.
FAQs About Citizenship & Naturalization in Illinois
How long does the naturalization process take?
The process typically takes 8-12 months, but processing times can vary depending on factors such as USCIS workload and the completeness of your application.
Can I apply for naturalization if I don’t speak English fluently?
Yes, but you must demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. Certain exemptions apply for older applicants or those with medical conditions.
Are there exceptions to the residency requirement for naturalization?
Yes, exceptions exist for individuals married to U.S. citizens, members of the U.S. military, and certain other groups, such as asylees or refugees.
Can children automatically become U.S. citizens?
Yes, children may acquire citizenship automatically if one or both parents are U.S. citizens. This process, known as acquisition of citizenship, depends on specific legal criteria.
What happens if my naturalization application is denied?
If denied, you can request a hearing with a USCIS officer to review the decision. If the denial is upheld, you may be able to appeal further in federal court. An immigration attorney can guide you through this process.
Meet Our Attorneys
Davina Campos
Attorney at Law – Shareholder
Ivonne Figueroa-Castro
Attorney at Law – Shareholder
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Attorney at Law – Shareholder
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Attorney at Law – Shareholder
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