U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyers in Washington, D.C. and Worldwide

At Donald Gross Law Group, we assist lawful permanent residents in achieving U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. From our headquarters in Washington, D.C. and international offices in Mexico City, Lisbon, and Bangkok, our experienced immigration attorneys provide strategic legal guidance for individuals seeking to complete their immigration journey by becoming U.S. citizens, navigating eligibility requirements, application procedures, and naturalization interviews while ensuring compliance with all USCIS standards.

Why Choose Donald Gross Law Group

• Licensed attorneys: practicing in Washington, D.C., France, and Colombia with advanced legal training from Cornell, University of Chicago Law School, GW University Law School, and the Sorbonne
• Over 30 years of combined experience: representing naturalization applicants before USCIS with extensive knowledge of citizenship requirements and naturalization procedures
• Government expertise: from prior service at the State Department and National Security Council, providing unique insight into citizenship policy implementation and naturalization standards
• Media recognition: by CNN, MSNBC, Fox Business News, Voice of America, and The Wall Street Journal for authoritative immigration legal analysis
• Naturalization specialization: comprehensive understanding of eligibility requirements, good moral character assessments, and civics test preparation across diverse backgrounds and circumstances
• Multilingual team: fluent in English, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication throughout the naturalization process
• Global accessibility: offices in Washington, D.C., Mexico City, Lisbon, and Bangkok, supporting naturalization applicants with international backgrounds and complex immigration histories

Understanding the Path to U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship represents the culmination of the immigration journey, providing the highest level of legal status and protection available in the United States. While citizenship can be acquired through birth, foreign-born individuals must pursue naturalization—a comprehensive process that evaluates their commitment to American values, civic understanding, and integration into American society.

Naturalization involves rigorous requirements designed to ensure that new citizens understand their rights and responsibilities while demonstrating genuine attachment to the United States and its constitutional principles. This process transforms permanent residents into full participants in American democracy with voting rights, passport privileges, and permanent protection from deportation.

Essential Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

Success in naturalization applications requires meeting specific criteria that demonstrate readiness for citizenship responsibilities and commitment to American civic life.

• Permanent Resident Status: You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) with valid, unexpired permanent resident status at the time of application and throughout the naturalization process.
• Continuous Residence Requirements: You must have continuously resided in the United States as a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) immediately preceding the application filing.
• Physical Presence Requirements: You must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the required residency period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years for spouse cases).
• State or District Residence: You must have resided in the state or USCIS district where you apply for at least three months immediately before filing your naturalization application.
• Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character during the statutory period, typically the five years (or three years) preceding your application, with no disqualifying criminal activity or immigration violations.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak basic English, with testing conducted during the naturalization interview unless you qualify for specific exemptions based on age and time as permanent resident.
• Civics Knowledge: You must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and civics (government), typically through a test administered during the naturalization interview.
• Oath of Allegiance: You must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, including willingness to bear arms for the United States or perform noncombatant service when required by law.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Calculations

Naturalization timing requirements involve complex calculations that affect eligibility and require careful tracking of travel patterns and residence maintenance.

• Continuous Residence Disruptions: Extended trips outside the United States (typically six months or more) may disrupt continuous residence, potentially requiring additional waiting periods or evidence of maintained U.S. ties.
• Physical Presence Tracking: Accurate calculation of days physically present in the United States, including documentation of all international travel through passport stamps, airline tickets, and travel records.
• Early Filing Provisions: Applications can be filed up to 90 days before meeting the full residency requirements, allowing strategic timing for eligibility achievement and processing completion.
• Military Service Exceptions: Current and former military service members may qualify for modified residency requirements or expedited processing under special provisions recognizing their service contributions.

Good Moral Character Assessment and Challenges

Good moral character evaluation represents one of the most subjective and potentially challenging aspects of naturalization, requiring comprehensive assessment of an applicant’s conduct and character.

• Criminal History Review: USCIS conducts thorough background checks examining arrest records, convictions, and criminal conduct that may affect moral character determinations, with certain offenses creating permanent or temporary bars to naturalization.
• Tax Compliance Requirements: Failure to file required tax returns or pay taxes owed can affect good moral character findings, requiring resolution of tax issues before naturalization approval.
• Immigration Violations: Previous immigration violations, including overstays, unlawful employment, or false claims to citizenship, may impact good moral character assessments and require careful legal analysis.
• Divorce and Family Obligations: Failure to pay court-ordered child support or alimony can affect good moral character findings, requiring documentation of compliance with family court orders.
• Rehabilitation Evidence: Applicants with past issues may present evidence of rehabilitation, community involvement, and positive conduct demonstrating reformed character and commitment to lawful behavior.

English and Civics Testing Requirements

Naturalization testing ensures that new citizens possess basic English communication skills and understanding of American government and history essential for civic participation.

• English Speaking Assessment: Immigration officers evaluate English speaking ability during the naturalization interview through normal conversation about the application and background, requiring functional conversational ability.
• English Reading Test: Applicants read sentences aloud demonstrating basic reading comprehension, typically involving civics and history content relevant to American values and government.
• English Writing Test: Applicants write sentences from dictation demonstrating basic writing ability, usually incorporating civics and history vocabulary related to American government and values.
• Civics Test Content: The civics test covers American history, government structure, rule of law, and integrated civics concepts through oral questions selected from an official study guide.
• Testing Accommodations: Certain applicants may qualify for disability accommodations or age-related exemptions from English requirements based on age at permanent residency receipt and length of permanent residence.

Form N-400 Application Process and Documentation

The naturalization application process requires comprehensive documentation and strategic preparation to address all eligibility requirements and potential challenges.

• Application Preparation: Form N-400 requires detailed information about residence history, travel patterns, employment, family relationships, and any criminal or immigration history requiring accurate and complete disclosure.
• Supporting Documentation: Applications require extensive supporting documents including green card copies, tax returns, travel records, court dispositions, and evidence addressing any eligibility challenges or special circumstances.
• Biometrics and Background Checks: USCIS conducts comprehensive background checks including FBI name checks, administrative checks, and biometrics collection for identity verification and security screening.
• Processing Timeline Management: Naturalization processing typically takes 8-14 months from application to oath ceremony, requiring patience and maintaining eligibility throughout the processing period.

Naturalization Interview Preparation and Success

The naturalization interview represents the culmination of the application process, requiring thorough preparation to demonstrate eligibility and successfully complete testing requirements.

• Interview Preparation Strategies: Comprehensive preparation including Form N-400 review, English practice, civics study, and mock interviews addressing potential questions about application content and personal history.
• Document Organization: Systematic organization of supporting documents with clear explanations for any complex issues, travel patterns, or circumstances requiring additional clarification during the interview.
• English Practice Techniques: Focused practice on reading, writing, and speaking English in immigration context, including vocabulary related to civics content and personal history discussion.
• Civics Test Preparation: Thorough study of official civics test materials, American history, and government structure using USCIS study guides and practice materials.

Special Circumstances and Expedited Processing

Certain applicants may qualify for modified requirements or expedited processing based on military service, age, disability, or other special circumstances.

• Military Naturalization: Current and former military service members may qualify for expedited processing, reduced residency requirements, and overseas naturalization opportunities recognizing their service contributions.
• Spouse of U.S. Citizen Benefits: Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify for reduced residency requirements (three years instead of five) and may apply based on spouse’s employment abroad in qualifying circumstances.
• Age and Disability Accommodations: Elderly applicants and those with disabilities may qualify for modified testing requirements, interpreter services, or medical disability exceptions to standard requirements.
• Overseas Processing: Certain applicants, particularly military service members and their families, may qualify for naturalization processing at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.

How We Guide Your Citizenship Journey

1. We begin with comprehensive eligibility assessment evaluating your permanent residency history, travel patterns, and potential challenges to develop strategic approaches for successful naturalization
2. We prepare thorough N-400 applications with complete documentation, accurate disclosures, and supporting evidence addressing all eligibility requirements and potential complications
3. We provide comprehensive interview preparation including English practice, civics test preparation, and mock interviews ensuring readiness for successful USCIS interview completion
4. We support you through oath ceremony completion coordinating final processing steps and ensuring successful transition to U.S. citizenship with all rights and responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

How long do I need to be a permanent resident before applying for citizenship?

Generally, you must be a permanent resident for 5 years before applying for naturalization. However, spouses of U.S. citizens can apply after 3 years of permanent residency if they remain married to and living with the U.S. citizen spouse.

Can I travel outside the U.S. while my naturalization application is pending?

Yes, you can travel during naturalization processing, but extended trips may affect your application. Trips over 6 months could disrupt continuous residence, and you should carry your green card and evidence of your pending application when traveling.

What happens if I fail the English or civics test?

If you fail either test during your initial interview, you get a second opportunity to take only the portion you failed. The re-examination typically occurs 60-90 days after the initial interview, giving you time to study and improve.

Do I need a lawyer for the naturalization process?

While not required, legal representation is valuable for applicants with criminal history, complex immigration backgrounds, extended travel periods, or previous application denials. Lawyers can help avoid mistakes and address potential complications.

Can I lose my green card if my naturalization is denied?

Generally, naturalization denial doesn’t affect your permanent resident status unless the denial reveals you weren’t eligible for the green card originally or you obtained it fraudulently. You remain a permanent resident and can often reapply for naturalization.

What crimes can prevent me from becoming a U.S. citizen?

Certain crimes create permanent bars to naturalization (like murder or aggravated felonies), while others may temporarily affect good moral character. The impact depends on the specific offense, timing, and surrounding circumstances requiring legal analysis.

Can I apply for naturalization if I have tax problems?

Tax issues can affect good moral character findings. You should resolve any unfiled returns, unpaid taxes, or tax compliance issues before applying for naturalization, as USCIS reviews tax records as part of the background check.

What if I can’t speak English well enough for the test?

Certain applicants qualify for English test exemptions based on age and length of permanent residency: 65+ with 20+ years, 50+ with 20+ years, or 50+ with 15+ years may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.

How much does the naturalization process cost?

The current N-400 filing fee is $725 (including $640 application fee and $85 biometrics fee). Fee waivers may be available for applicants with household incomes at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, and reduced fees for those between 150-200%.

Can my children become citizens when I naturalize?

Children under 18 who are permanent residents may automatically acquire citizenship when a parent naturalizes, provided they meet certain requirements including residing with the citizen parent. Adult children must apply for naturalization independently.

What happens at the oath ceremony?

At the oath ceremony, you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, officially becoming a U.S. citizen. You receive your Certificate of Naturalization and can then apply for a U.S. passport and register to vote.

Can I keep my original country’s citizenship after naturalizing?

Whether you can maintain dual citizenship depends on your birth country’s laws. The U.S. generally allows dual citizenship, but the Oath of Allegiance includes language about renouncing foreign allegiances, though this doesn’t automatically terminate foreign citizenship.

Testimonials

“Donald Gross Law Group guided me through the entire naturalization process from eligibility assessment to oath ceremony. Their interview preparation and civics test coaching were invaluable for my success.” — Maria Rodriguez, New U.S. Citizen

“The team’s expertise in handling complex cases helped me navigate naturalization despite my extensive travel history for work. They ensured all requirements were met properly.” — David Chen, Technology Executive

Schedule a Free Consultation

Whether you are in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico City, Lisbon, Bangkok, or anywhere worldwide, Donald Gross Law Group is ready to assist with your U.S. citizenship and naturalization needs. Contact us today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced naturalization lawyer to discuss your permanent residency history and explore your pathway to achieving U.S. citizenship.