U.S. Citizenship

Helping You Navigate the Citizenship Process

Citizenship Guidance You Can Trust

U.S. citizenship (not be confused with permanent residency) affords tremendous benefits, rights, and privileges. There are four different ways that a person can become a U.S. Citizen. However, applications can be denied by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a variety of reasons. Audrey Allen Immigration’s legal team makes a process that can be long and confusing into a seamless, positive experience. We’re prepared to handle cases for each method of obtaining Citizenship.

Naturalization

An application in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. For foreign-born persons, naturalization is the most common way to become a U.S. citizen. There are several requirements that must be fulfilled before an individual can apply for citizenship. Generally, applicants must be 18 years old and fall into one of the following three basic eligibility categories:

  • 5 years as a permanent resident
  • 3 years as a permanent resident who has been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years OR obtained permanent residency through VAWA 3 years prior
  • Qualifying service in the U.S. Armed Forces

We have experience and success with various complicating factors that may arise throughout the naturalization process including:

  • Issues Affecting Citizenship application (criminal convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to file taxes or owing money to IRS, registration for selective service)
  • Preparation of Disability Exemptions for clients with physical or developmental disability or mental impairments
  • Mandamus actions in federal court for long-pending cases

Acquisition

Acquisition is when a child automatically “acquires” citizenship even though he/she was born outside the United States. However, an application must be filed in order to get documentation of U.S. Citizenship. In order to acquire citizenship, at least one of the child’s parent or grandparent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth and there are several other conditions must be met, which are extremely case dependent. Our team has worked with children both within and outside the United States to obtain documentation of U.S. citizenship through acquisition:

  • Certificates of Citizenship
  • Consular Registration of Birth Abroad

Derivation

When a parent naturalizes, his or her children (under the age of 18 and living with the parent) may automatically “derive” U.S. citizenship. Generally, foreign-born children under 18 automatically derive U.S. citizenship if:

  • The child has U.S. lawful permanent resident status (is a “green card” holder)
  • At least one parent is a U.S. citizen; and
  • The child is living in the United States in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent

Birth in the United States

Any person born within the United States (including the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands) is automatically granted U.S. citizenship. There is an exemption for children of parents who are foreign diplomats or members of a sovereign Native American tribe.  Our team has experience working with various agencies to obtain documentation of birth in the United States to establish U.S. citizenship.

We're here to help.

Our team is standing by to support your immigration needs. Reach out to us directly for support in Spanish and English.

Call : (267) 405-6600

info@audreyallenimmigration.com

  • “Audrey and her staff are very efficient and helpful. In less than 4 months, they helped me in my asylum case. Now I can sleep relieved. If you are looking for an immigration attorney, I will advise you to get in touch with Audrey’s office they will help you with whatever thing you may need.”

    MARIA L.
  • “The office of Audrey Allen really came through for my family and me. I had a very rough time through the years finding a lawyer that would really fight for my case. Audrey was very efficient and knowledgeable and her colleagues are top-notch. Audrey went above and beyond for me. She prepared my family and me for all the future possibilities and complications we may encounter along the way. Her detailed communication with me was impeccable. My case, in particular, was complicated. I had a C1 Visa that I did not report to where I was supposed to, and I also had a voluntary deportation I never followed through with. She cleared all of this legally through the courts and gave me a fresh start here in America. I would recommend her to anyone.”

    ANIBAL R.