Houston Naturalization Lawyer Provides Knowledgeable Guidance

Skilled Texas attorney helps permanent residents apply for citizenship

Anne E. Kennedy, Attorney at Law represents and advises green card holders who want to become United States citizens. Located in Houston, Anne has advised many immigrants during the naturalization process. As your attorney, she will assist you with your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and help you prepare for your interview. Anne has more than 15 years of experience in immigration law, and has worked with clients from all over the world. Her personalized care for every case has earned her the trust of new Americans throughout Texas and elsewhere.

What are the benefits of U.S. citizenship?

There are many reasons why you may choose to apply for U.S. citizenship. Citizenship offers rights and privileges not available to lawful permanent residents. It gives a person the right to vote in U.S. elections, travel with a U.S. passport, run for office, obtain government benefits and sponsor the green card petitions of family members who are not citizens. U.S. citizens cannot be deported from the country.

What is naturalization?

U.S. citizenship can be gained in two ways:

• By being born to parents with U.S. citizenship
• Through naturalization

Naturalization is the process an immigrant needs to go through to become a U.S. citizen. If everything goes well, it usually takes between one and two years from the time your application is submitted to the day you can participate in a naturalization ceremony.

What are the requirements of the naturalization process?

As your immigration attorney, Anne will provide support during every step of the naturalization process.  She is patient, caring and knowledgeable when consulting with clients and their loved ones.

Naturalization involves several steps, including:

• Determining your eligibility — To be eligible for citizenship, you must have lived in the U.S. for at least three years as a permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, or for at least five years as a permanent resident if you are not married to a U.S. citizen. You must be at least 18 years old.
• Preparing and filing Form N-400 — Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is available on the USCIS website. The form asks for detailed information about your personal history, employment history and travel history. The application must be submitted with the necessary fees. If your application includes errors or missing information, the naturalization process can be delayed.
• Naturalization interview and test — The interview and test are the last step of the naturalization process before you receive a decision from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS interviewer will ask you questions based on the information you provided in your Form N-400. The citizenship test includes two parts, an English language test and a civics test.
• Oath of Allegiance — Once your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a naturalization ceremony. This may occur the same day as your interview or at a later date. You will officially become a U.S. citizen after you take the Oath of Allegiance at your naturalization ceremony. You will also need to turn in your green card so you can receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

Anne counsels each client about what to expect during the naturalization process, and answers all questions and concerns along the way. Her goal is to help permanent residents become U.S. citizens and to understand all the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.

Contact a reputable Houston immigration and naturalization attorney for a consultation

Anne E. Kennedy, Attorney at Law in Houston, Texas provides legal guidance to permanent residents who apply for citizenship through the USCIS naturalization process. To schedule a free initial consultation with Anne, call 713-862-8110 or contact her online.