Nassau County Citizenship and Naturalization AttorneyS
Serving Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens
In most instances, a lawful permanent resident may apply to naturalize and become a U.S. citizen, after 3 years, if they are married to a U.S. citizen, or after 5 years otherwise. The person must be able to demonstrate they continue to reside in the U.S.; that they are paying their taxes; that they have no criminal convictions which would render them ineligible; and that they possess good moral character. The person will be tested on their ability to speak and write basic English, and their familiarity with American history and our system of government.
Terezakis Law Firm has served the people of Nassau County since 1995 and provides experienced, reliable counsel for those dealing with the immigration, naturalization, and citizenship processes. We have helped many immigrants with criminal convictions. Any immigrant with criminal convictions should be sure to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer before applying. Call today at (516) 550-5323 or contact us online. We offer consultations and payment plans.
Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Once a person is 18 years of age and holds permanent green card residency for at least 5 years, they are generally eligible to apply for United States citizenship. If a person is married to a U.S. citizen, the green card residency period is shortened to 3 years.
In some instances, a person born outside the United States may derive or acquire U.S. citizenship through one or both parents who have become U.S. citizens. If this may apply to you, contact us to schedule a consultation.
In cases like these, the advice of our Nassau County citizenship attorneys might spare potential applicants some hassle.
naturalization application
NASSAU COUNTY CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION ATTORNEYS
Serving Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens
The N-400 naturalization application to become a U.S. citizen was recently revised, and has become more difficult. It is important applicants answer the questions truthfully and completely, otherwise, the application may be denied. Any individual with arrests or criminal convictions should retain an attorney experienced in criminal-immigration law to assist them, as they should ascertain whether their conviction(s) could make them deportable; and because they will likely be questioned about their convictions. In addition, certain convictions may trigger deportation, and it may not be advisable to even apply for citizenship.
Overcoming Criminal Convictions in Citizenship Applications
We have successfully guided many of our clients through this process, even individuals with criminal convictions. We can also advise you whether you may qualify to have the test taken in your native language. We will organize the required supporting documentation; prepare you for your interview; and accompany you to your interview, if you would like us to. There are many benefits to naturalizing, and we can help you.
Derived or Acquired Citizenship: Discover Your Status
In some instances, if you have a U.S. citizen parent(s) you may have already derived citizenship from your parent(s) without even knowing it, or in other circumstances you may have acquired citizenship at birth. For more information, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys.
What Happens at the Citizenship Interview
Our Nassau County immigration lawyers will then accompany the applicant to their interview at the USCIS office. Applicants will be asked questions about their background. Certain criminal convictions may lead to a denial and can result in referral to deportation-removal proceedings. If you have a criminal record, it is important you review your immigration record and criminal convictions(s) with an experienced criminal immigration lawyer, before even applying to naturalize. In addition, officers will review the manner in which the person initially became a resident and screen it for irregularities or fraud.
Trusted Nassau County Immigration Advocacy for Over 35 Years
Our attorneys prepare our clients for their interview, including a review of questions likely to be asked regarding their immigration history and criminal record. Applicants will then take a test on their knowledge of U.S. civics and the English language.
Applying to naturalize and become a U.S. citizen can be a frustrating and intimidating process. It also has great rewards, and it is our honor to help immigrants become citizens of the United States.
Terezakis Law Firm has been doing this important work for over 35 years. We proudly serve Nassau County and Long Island.
Call today at (516) 550-5323 or reach out here online to set up a consultation and begin your citizenship journey.
They really care for their clients and their families and they take on some of the most difficult cases I have seen and have been successful.
- Monica P.
Providing legal services to immigrants and their families throughout Nassau County.