Immigrants can face challenges when attempting to gain citizenship in the U.S., including perceived involvement in criminal activity, inadequate applications or other documentation, issues with eligibility, problems proving biometric data, and other roadblocks. Preparing for and overcoming these barriers to citizenship can facilitate a smoother naturalization process and help you secure your status as a U.S. citizen.
For help with naturalization, citizenship, and other immigration matters in Chicago, call Cho Immigration Law today at 312-853-3088 to speak with one of our immigration attorneys.
Common Barriers Immigrants Face on the Path to U.S. Citizenship
In many cases, the path to citizenship for legal permanent residents is relatively efficient, helping nearly a million immigrants become citizens every year. However, there are several barriers to citizenship that you may need to anticipate and navigate to successfully complete the naturalization process.
The following are some challenges immigrants face in the citizenship process:
Naturalization Fees
The costs associated with the naturalization process can present an issue if applicants are unable to cover these costs. The current fee for naturalization is $760, but it is possible to either waive or reduce this fee under special circumstances.
There are multiple ways you can pay your fees, including online via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website if you filed, or, if you file via mail, you can pay with a check or credit card.
Financial barriers for low-income immigrants can present a real issue, but there are options available to help with financing if you need assistance with covering all associated costs.
Legal Issues in Your Country of Origin
If you face legal issues in your country of origin, you may struggle to gain citizenship in the U.S. For example, during the naturalization process, authorities in your home country could charge you with a crime, causing you to enter the justice system and putting into question your status as a person of “good moral character.”
Unclear Eligibility
You must meet the eligibility requirements in place for citizens before undergoing naturalization.
To qualify for citizenship, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for a minimum of five years, unless married, in which case this minimum is three years.
- Have good moral character, which the government defines as meeting the standards of typical American citizens.
- Be capable of reading, writing, and speaking fundamental English.
- Maintain a physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the last five years.
If you need help determining whether you are eligible for naturalization, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced citizenship lawyer in Chicago.
Language Barriers
Immigrants may struggle to thrive in the U.S. if they don’t at least understand basic English. Learning the native language can help with communication and navigating day-to-day life in the U.S. upon obtaining citizenship. If needed, you can take English language courses online or in person or learn from family and friends.
Waiting Periods
Depending on the number of applicants and the current circumstances for immigrants in the U.S., it can take months before you complete the naturalization process and obtain citizenship. Regularly check to see your status to get a better idea of how long you will need to wait for a response from USCIS.
Misinformation
At any point during naturalization, applicants may receive insufficient or incorrect information that could hinder their ability to complete the process. For example, an applicant might take the wrong step or file the wrong form when beginning naturalization, or he or she could fail to understand the eligibility requirements due to incorrect information from an unreliable source.
To avoid misinformation, it’s best to get your information about citizenship through official government or government-funded websites, along with experienced citizenship attorneys.
Lack of Assistance
There are plenty of resources to help immigrants better understand what the naturalization process will entail and how to meet the requirements in place. Government websites can provide you with the forms you need, and you can work with an immigration lawyer for citizenship assistance, which can help you simplify the process and get help with other legal matters.
Despite these available resources, many immigrants are either unaware of them or unsure of how to get the help they need.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help Overcome Citizenship Barriers
If you want to learn more about how to become a U.S. citizen and overcome the barriers to citizenship you face, it’s often in your best interest to connect with an immigration attorney with experience working with people like you.
The following are some of the ways an attorney could help you with the naturalization process:
Evaluating Eligibility
One of the principal ways a citizenship attorney may be able to assist you is by determining whether you’re eligible to apply for citizenship. USCIS has strict requirements that dictate eligibility, and misinformation could lead individuals to believe they’re eligible when they actually fall short of the requirements.
An attorney can review your documentation and the steps you’ve taken as an immigrant to establish residency, indicating whether you are truly ready to undergo naturalization. Your lawyer could even help determine if you’re able to receive dual citizenship if you would like to remain a citizen of your country of origin.
If you don’t meet the requirements, your attorney could give you guidance on how to do so based on your current situation.
Document Review and Preparation
An attorney can also help with reviewing and preparing all necessary documentation. For example, you must complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS with the correct, up-to-date information. An attorney could review this document and ensure all the information included is accurate and consistent with supporting documents.
In addition to Form N-400, you will need sufficient supporting documents to prove eligibility during the naturalization process. These documents include:
- A photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card.
- A money order or check for your application fee and biometric services fee, unless paid with a credit card.
- Two identical color photographs of the applicant if the applicant resides outside the U.S. at the time of applying.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate.
- Proof of termination of prior marriages.
These are simply some of the documents that USCIS may require from you during naturalization. An attorney could help you complete your checklist to make sure you have all the required documents and organize them to help you streamline the naturalization process.
Interview Preparation
Toward the end of the naturalization process, you will need to attend an interview with an immigration official. This official will ask you questions pertaining to your application and qualifications for citizenship.
Your lawyer could help you prepare for this interview by practicing questions and answers with you, or he or she could appear during the interview to provide further guidance. However, your attorney cannot answer questions for you and is primarily present to help confirm that your rights remain protected throughout this process.
Addressing Complex Matters
If issues impact your eligibility for citizenship, your lawyer may be able to address them. For instance, you might have multiple criminal convictions on your record, a history of unauthorized entry into the U.S., or other circumstances that could require some guidance.
In the process of navigating these problems, your attorney could also determine if you qualify for a waiver or another option to ease the process.
Appealing a Denial
If USCIS rejects your application for citizenship, your attorney could help you file an appeal with the appropriate court and represent you during the appeals process.
If your attorney successfully reverses the decision, you may be able to successfully reapply for citizenship.
Handling Other Immigration Cases
Going beyond basic naturalization and citizenship, an immigration attorney may be able to assist with other immigration-related cases.
For example, you may want help sponsoring a family member to enter the U.S. and become an LPR. Your attorney could determine whether both you and the family member qualify for the immigration application and facilitate the process.
When immigrants face removal and deportation, this is another area where an experienced attorney could help. A lawyer may provide representation in court to combat the decision to remove or deport his or her client and protect that client’s rights.
Connect With a Reputable Chicago Immigration Attorney Today
If you would like assistance with the naturalization process or other aspects of immigration law, the right lawyer can help you. He or she could help overcome the barriers to citizenship and give you the guidance you need to successfully obtain citizenship.The attorneys at Cho Immigration Law are here for you as soon as you need us. Simply contact us online today to speak with one of our lawyers and learn what options are available to you.
