Many United States immigrants aspire to obtain citizenship through naturalization, which is a complex process that can be intimidating and confusing. When you rely on the attorneys at Kiang Immigration Law, we apply over 30 years of immigration law experience to help you navigate the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen. Based in Alhambra, California, we serve individuals and families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California, across the United States, and around the world.

Our Extensive Experience and Client-Focused Approach

Through the naturalization process, an immigrant can obtain citizenship rights that cannot be acquired in any other way. Successful completion of the process is best accomplished with assistance from a trustworthy, knowledgeable immigration attorney. Over more than three decades of immigration law practice, Kiang Immigration Law established a reputation as a preeminent immigration law firm in the community. Helping clients complete the naturalization process to obtain citizenship is an important part of our comprehensive immigration legal services.

Our attorneys, William Kiang and John Kiang, focus exclusively on immigration law, which enables us to devote our full attention to each client’s immigration needs. Our extensive knowledge of immigration law includes thorough familiarity with the requirements and processes for becoming a U.S. citizen. We always stay current on changes that affect the citizenship application process. In addition, our dedication to providing the highest level of client service means that we always answer questions, address concerns, and maintain ongoing communication with a client throughout the entire course of a matter.

United States Citizenship and Naturalization

Federal laws and regulations govern citizenship in the United States. Citizenship is automatic at birth for persons born in the U.S. or in U.S. territories or possessions, or born to a parent who was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth. Persons born outside the United States must meet certain requirements established by the United States Department of State.

In addition, a child living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident who was born outside the U.S. may acquire citizenship if a biological or adoptive parent becomes a U.S. citizen before the child reaches age 18, and the child resides in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent. A child who meets the requirements may not have to complete the naturalization process.

Individuals who do not automatically have citizenship may complete the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen if they meet specific eligibility criteria. The eligibility requirements vary, depending on the situation.

The most common basis for acquiring citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years. An individual wishing to pursue naturalization on this basis must meet additional specific criteria.

Before you decide to pursue citizenship through naturalization, it is essential to determine whether you are eligible. That determination should be made by consulting with an experienced immigration attorney. We encourage you to reach out to Kiang Immigration Law for help in all aspects of citizenship and naturalization, including review of your circumstances to evaluate your eligibility for citizenship.

Naturalization Process

Naturalization is a complex process that requires the preparation and submission of extensive documentation to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the completion of multiple steps, including taking certain tests. It is crucial to work with an experienced attorney to review your entire immigration history, because USCIS will take a fresh look at your entire file and determine if you were properly granted lawful permanent resident status in the first place. For certain applicants, USCIS not only denies their naturalization applications but also initiates proceedings to rescind their lawful permanent resident status. It is important to identify and address potential issues in your case before filing your naturalization application.

A specific application form, accompanied by detailed documentation, begins the naturalization process. Our attorneys ensure that your application is completed properly, that all necessary documentation is provided, and that it is filed as required with USCIS. After the preliminary steps are completed, USCIS schedules an appointment to interview the applicant. A USCIS agent conducts the interview. You may be required to take a naturalization test, although some applicants are exempted.

In the naturalization tests, you must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The tests also include a civics portion where you answer specific questions about U.S. history and the U.S. government. Proper preparation for the test is essential and extremely important. When we help you with the naturalization process, we make certain that you are fully prepared for the interview and test parts of the process.

After completion of the interview and tests, USCIS notifies you whether they grant, continue, or deny the application. Granting the application makes you eligible for naturalization and completing the process by taking the Oath of Allegiance in a naturalization ceremony. If the application is denied or continued, you may have options for proceeding. Your attorney helps you evaluate the situation and provides you with all the information you need to decide on the next steps.