Are you looking to become a United States citizen, renew your green card, or resolve a legal issue related to your immigration status? Paladin Law can help you. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation at (417)-228-0784. Our federal naturalization, citizenship, and LPR renewal lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process from start to finish.
Our immigration lawyers bring 42 years of combined experience to the table and have helped countless clients successfully navigate the federal immigration system. We have the knowledge and resources to handle your case with care, no matter the nuances and complexity your situation might entail. Contact us today for more information.
Why Should I Hire Paladin Law for My Immigration Case?
Immigration law is complex and constantly changing, and even small application errors can lead to delays or denials. Paladin Law has built a stellar reputation for providing dedicated, results-driven representation to clients nationwide and approaches every case we take on with careful attention and comprehensive resources.
A few reasons our clients choose our law firm for their immigration matters include the following:
- We have decades of combined experience focused on immigration law
- We handle federal immigration matters nationwide, so location is not a barrier to getting the help you need
- We stay current on all changes to federal immigration rules and procedures
- We prepare every application thoroughly to make the proceedings as stress-free and efficient as possible
- We’ll provide clear communication throughout the process so you always know where things stand
Have questions about your immigration case? Reach out to Paladin Law today to schedule a consultation with a federal immigration attorney and learn about your options.
Naturalization and the Path to U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign national becomes a United States citizen. It is handled at the federal level by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and involves meeting a specific set of eligibility requirements, such as:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
- Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years, or three years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen
- Have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the required residency period
- Have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you file your application
- Demonstrate good moral character throughout the required period
- Be able to communicate in basic English
- Pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government
There are certain exceptions to some of these requirements. For example, applicants over the age of 50 who have held their green card for at least 20 years may be exempt from the English language requirement. Our attorneys can help you determine whether any exceptions apply to your situation.
What Does the Naturalization Process Look Like?
The naturalization process begins with filing Form N-400 with USCIS. From there, generally you will attend a biometrics appointment, complete an interview with a USCIS officer, and take the civics and English tests. If your application is approved, you will attend an oath ceremony where you officially become a U.S. citizen.
While the process may sound straightforward, complications can and do arise. Having a lawyer review your case before you file can help you identify and address potential red flags early on.
Citizenship Through Other Pathways
Naturalization is the most common route to U.S. citizenship, but it is not the only one. Some individuals may already be U.S. citizens without realizing it, or they may qualify through alternative pathways, including the following:
- Individuals born on U.S. soil generally acquire U.S. citizenship automatically, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
- Individuals born abroad may also acquire citizenship through U.S. citizen parents, depending on the circumstances at the time of birth.
- Derivation of citizenship may apply to children who became lawful permanent residents before age 18 and had at least one parent who naturalized while they were still minors. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, these individuals may have automatically acquired citizenship without going through the naturalization process themselves.
- Victims of certain qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible for a U-Visa, which can eventually provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status.
If you believe you may already hold U.S. citizenship through one of these pathways, our lawyers can help you gather the necessary documentation. If needed, we can also help you apply for a Certificate of Citizenship through USCIS to formalize your status.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status and Green Card Renewal
Your green card is proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It grants you the right to live and work in the country on a permanent basis, but the card itself must be renewed periodically to remain valid.
Most green cards are valid for 10 years. Conditional green cards, which are typically issued to those who obtained LPR status through a recent marriage, are valid for two years. Regardless of which type you hold, it is important to renew or update your card before it expires.
The renewal process involves filing Form I-90 with USCIS. While renewing your green card is generally less complex than the naturalization process, there are still situations that can create complications. For example:
- Allowing your card to expire before submitting the renewal
- Having a prior criminal conviction that could affect your eligibility
- Extended travel outside of the United States that may raise questions about your intent to maintain permanent residency
- Name changes or other personal information updates that need to be reflected on your new card
Letting your green card expire does not mean you’ve lost your LPR status, but it can make everyday tasks significantly harder. For instance, an expired card can create problems with employment verification and interactions with government agencies. Our legal team can help you file your renewal on time and address any issues that come up during the process.
Conditional Green Card Removal and Form I-751
If you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and your marriage was less than two years old at the time your LPR status was granted, you were issued a conditional green card. This card is only valid for two years, and you must take steps to have the conditions removed before it expires.
To remove the conditions on your residence, you will need to file Form I-751 with USCIS. In most cases, this petition is filed jointly with your spouse and must include evidence that your marriage is genuine.
Examples of supporting evidence include:
- Joint bank account statements
- Shared lease agreements or mortgage documents
- Birth certificates for any children born during the marriage
- Joint tax returns
- Photographs and other documentation showing a shared life together
If your marriage has ended in divorce, you may still be able to file Form I-751 on your own by requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement. These cases are more complicated and typically require compelling evidence to support your claim.
Our immigration lawyers can help you prepare a thorough petition and guide you through the process regardless of your marital circumstances.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
Navigating the federal immigration system on your own is possible, but it comes with real risks. An experienced immigration attorney can help you at every stage of the process by:
- Evaluating your eligibility and identifying potential issues before they become problems
- Preparing and reviewing all forms and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Communicating with USCIS on your behalf and responding to requests for additional evidence
- Preparing you for your naturalization interview and civics exam
- Representing you at hearings or appeals if your application is denied
- Advising you on how changes in federal immigration policy may affect your case
- Helping you navigate complex situations that may apply to your particular circumstances
Paladin Law handles immigration cases on a nationwide basis, so you don’t need to be located near one of our offices to get the help you need. We work with clients across the country and can handle much of the process remotely.
Contact Paladin Law To Schedule an Initial Consultation
Immigration matters involving naturalization, citizenship, and green card renewal are too important to leave to chance. Paladin Law is here to help you every step of the way, with 42 years of combined experience helping clients navigate these processes successfully.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our federal naturalization, citizenship, and LPR renewal attorneys focus on this area of the law and will do everything in our power to help you achieve your desired outcome.