Naturalization & Citizenship

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is one of the most significant legal milestones in an immigrant’s life. It brings the right to vote, the ability to travel on a U.S. passport, protection from deportation, and the ability to petition for a wider range of family members. Strasser Asatrian LLC guides lawful permanent residents through the naturalization process with the same careful attention we bring to every matter. Once you become a citizen, you can also sponsor a broader range of relatives through our family immigration services.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
• Lawful permanent residence: Must hold a green card. Generally, you must have been an LPR for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Continuous residence: Must have continuously resided in the U.S. for the required period. Absences of more than six months may disrupt continuous residence; absences of more than one year may break it entirely, with limited exceptions.
• Physical presence: Must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half the required residence period (30 of 60 months, or 18 of 36 months for spouses of citizens).
• State/district residence: Must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you file for at least three months.
• Good moral character: Must have good moral character for the statutory period and at time of naturalization. Certain criminal history may create bars.
• English language: Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English (with limited exceptions for age/disability).
• Civics knowledge: Must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.
• Attachment to the Constitution: Must demonstrate belief in and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

The Naturalization Process

N-400 Application

The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the starting point. We prepare the complete N-400, review your travel history and any potential issues with good moral character, and ensure that the application is accurate and complete before filing. Errors or omissions on the N-400 can cause significant delays and, in some cases, can raise concerns about misrepresentation.

Biometrics & Background Check

After filing, USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and initiates a background check. We monitor the status of your case throughout this waiting period.

Interview Preparation

The naturalization interview is the critical step. A USCIS officer reviews your application, asks questions about your background and the N-400, tests your English ability, and administers the civics test. We conduct thorough interview preparation to ensure you arrive confident and ready. We also attend the interview with you when appropriate and beneficial.

Oath of Allegiance

Successful applicants take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, either at the USCIS office or a judicial ceremony. From that moment, you are a U.S. citizen.

Special Situations

Naturalization is straightforward for many applicants, but certain situations require additional analysis:

• Criminal history: Even minor offenses can affect good moral character determinations. We analyze your record before filing and advise on any potential bars or required waivers.
• Prior absence breaks: Extended time abroad may have disrupted your continuous residence. We analyze your travel history and advise whether filing is premature or whether a Preservation of Residence application (N-470) should have been filed.
• Conditional permanent residence: If your green card was conditional and you did not timely file the I-751, this must be resolved before naturalization can proceed.
• Disability accommodations: USCIS provides disability-based exemptions from the English and civics requirements for applicants who cannot meet them due to a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.

Denied? We Handle Appeals and Motions.

If USCIS denies your N-400, you have the right to request a hearing before a USCIS officer, and thereafter to seek de novo review in federal district court under 8 U.S.C. § 1421(c). We handle both administrative appeals and federal court naturalization petitions. If your situation involves pending removal proceedings, our removal defense team can advise on how those proceedings interact with your naturalization eligibility.