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Why choose Shankar Law Office?
The state of being a citizen is referred to as citizenship. While most Americans are born into citizenship, others must apply through a bureaucratic process known as “naturalization.” To apply for citizenship, an individual must have been a permanent legal resident of the United States for at least 5 years and must demonstrate good moral character. If you want to become a citizen of the United States, naturalization lawyers and immigration lawyers can assist you.
How to Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
You have a birthright claim to citzenship if you were born in the United States or if you were born outside of the United States to parents who are citizens of the United States. You may also become a citizen through acquisition, which occurs when your parents become citizens of the United States before you reach the age of 18. If none of the scenarios above apply to you, you must obtain citizenship through naturalization. An application, an interview, and several other steps are involved in this process.
You must be 18 years old or older and have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years to be eligible for naturalization. However, if you become a permanent resident through your U.S. citizen spouse, you can apply within three years of receiving your green card, as long as you are still married and living with your spouse.
Benefits of US Citizenship
For many, the extensive process of naturalization is worthwhile because of the substantial benefits that come with U.S. citizenship.
These benefits include:
The ability to vote and run for office. While green card holders can live in the United States permanently, they cannot vote in local, state, or national elections like U.S. citizens.
More family members can be sponsored. Citizens can petition for additional family members and have shorter processing times than green card holders. This reduces, and in some cases eliminates, the significant immigration backlogs that noncitizens and their families face.
Minor children can obtain citizenship. If your children are under the age of 18 and have green cards at the time you naturalize, they are automatically eligible for citizenship (i.e. acquisition).
The ability to travel freely abroad. When green card holder leaves the United States for more than six months, they risk losing their status. The US government may conclude that the green card holder “abandoned their residence,” whereas US citizens can leave the country for an indefinite period without jeopardizing their status.
Protection from deportation. While green card holders can live and work in the United States permanently, certain factors (such as criminal activity, extended trips abroad, and so on) may jeopardize their status and result in deportation. Citizens, on the other hand, cannot be deported legally unless USCIS discovers that they obtained citizenship through fraud.
This is not an exhaustive list of the advantages of citizenship. Let the U.S. Consulate determine whether naturalization is the right process for you. Immigration Law Group, LLP evaluates your situation and makes tailored recommendations for your future.
For people who simply want to be with family members who live in the United States, the application process for citizenship and family-based immigration visas can become extremely complicated. Unfortunately, many people are denied entry into the United States as a result of an administrative mistake that could have been avoided with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Our Hempstead-based immigration attorneys at Shankar Law Office understand the complexities involved in the application processes for each of the family-based immigration visas. That being said, our legal team in Austin is ready to assist you and your family in completing all of the paperwork required to complete each of your applications.
Options For Family-Based Immigration
The United States allows many family members of its citizens and permanent residents to permanently relocate here. That does not, however, imply that the country treats all family members and applicants equally. Certain relationships are prioritized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Knowing how USCIS views your relationship and what priority it places on your application is an important part of how you approach the application process.
Choose The Shankar Law Office for Assistance
When looking for an immigration attorney to assist you, you may wonder, “What should I look for in a lawyer?”
” and “How do I know if a firm is capable of handling my case?”
“The attorneys of the Shankar Law Office have been the trusted choice for so many people who have decided to settle in this area and call Hempstead home.”
What distinguishes us from the competition is our unwavering commitment to our clients. We are willing to go above and beyond for each of our clients. We understand that each family we assist has a unique situation and set of needs, so we tailor our services to each client and their specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Based Immigration
What Exactly Is A Sponsor?
A sponsor is defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as someone who legally resides in the United States. The sponsor has the authority to file petitions to bring family members to the United States. This includes petitions for family members to obtain a green card, fiancé visa, or K-3/K-4 visa, depending on the relationship. The different types of visas can be confusing, but our attorneys can help you decide what is best for your family depending on your situation.
Our goal is to help you with any of your legal needs regarding your immigration status. Our attorneys are aware of all potential stumbling blocks that may cause your application to be delayed, and we are here to help.
Whichever family-based immigration visa you are applying for, our attorneys are willing to help each of your family members through each step of the way. We can help you determine which option is best for you and your family to ensure that you remain together or are finally reunited.
Consult With A Family-Based Immigration Lawyer In Hempstead
If you would like to learn more about what options may be available to you under the various family-based immigration visas, you should consult with one of the Hempstead family-based immigration attorneys at the Office of Shankar Law, about your current circumstances. To speak with an immigration attorney in Hempstead about the particular visa you are interested in, please call us or visit our website.
Shankar Law Office is a premier immigration law firm with a reputation in immigration law that has been earned through years of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence and success in immigration law. We take great professional and personal pride in each case we win for employers, families, and individuals throughout the United States. We also get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that bringing and retaining talented people from all over the world helps America maintain its global leadership in science, technology, health care, sports, arts, culture, and commerce.