How Do I Apply For Naturalization?

Becoming a naturalized American citizen is a major, life-changing process. It spans many different components, so it’s important to be aware of all the details when undertaking this journey. 

 

Leading up to this point, you’ve worked hard to build a life for yourself and your family. You’ve sacrificed, fought hard, and you’ve succeeded. Perhaps you are currently a lawful permanent resident, but are seeking something more. Now is the time to enjoy all of the benefits that the United States has to offer.

 

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident obtains naturalized citizenship. If you were born in a country outside of the United States, you may be eligible to become a “naturalized” citizen. 

 

When becoming a naturalized citizen as a lawful permanent resident, you must submit Form N-400 with all necessary documents. It also can include tests, fees, an interview, a biometric test, and a ceremony. 

 

In this latest blog post, we break down the requirements for the naturalization process. It isn’t easy, but staying informed of the process makes you aware of the challenges that may arise.  

Prove Age and Residence 

To become a naturalized citizen in the United States, you must prove your age and your residence. At the time of the filing, you must be at least 18 years old. The age of 18 is considered the threshold of adulthood in the United States. 

 

If you are embarking on the naturalization process as a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder), then you must have been living in the United States for the past three or five years. The exact length of time depends upon the naturalization category you belong to. 

 

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, you must “have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence.”

 

An important factor to note is that you must also demonstrate that you have continuous and physical presence in the country. Be prepared to present evidence of your required time in the United States as well as your age. 

Demonstrate Your Morals and Loyalty

In addition to proving your age and residence, you must demonstrate morality and loyalty during the naturalization process. You must show that you are a person of “good moral character” and have been so for the time span of five years before the filing of your application. 

 

There are certain circumstances that permanently bar someone from achieving citizenship based upon moral character. These include committing murder, aggravated felony, genocide, or severe religious persecution, among others. 

 

In addition to proving good moral character, you must also demonstrate a certain level of attachment toward the ideals that the United States holds. This includes a loyalty to the US and a support of the ideals and principles of the United States Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. 

 

Beyond this, you must also recite an Oath of Allegiance for the United States. This oath occurs during the last portion of the naturalization process at the naturalization ceremony

Demonstrate Your Knowledge 

When becoming a naturalized citizen, you must prepare to demonstrate knowledge of the United States, its government, and its history. In order to do so, you must take the Citizenship Test. This test largely focuses on civics and history. 

 

In addition to the citizenship civics test, you must also prove your knowledge of English by writing one of three sentences and reciting one of three sentences. 

 

It is important to note that if you are of a certain age and have lived in the US for a certain period of time, you may be exempt from the English test. It’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney so that you can plan accordingly. 

 

Fortunately, there are many different online resources that you can use to prepare for these tests. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services provides some helpful tools to use (like practice tests) so that you can be confident in your knowledge on the testing day. 

Demonstrate Proof of Marriage to a US Citizen

If you choose to become a naturalized United States citizen through marriage to a US citizen, then you must show proof of that marriage. In addition to providing proof of age and residence, and morality and knowledge of the United States and the English language, you must also be prepared to provide documentation and discuss your marriage to prove its legitimacy. 

Demonstrate US Military Status 

 

If you have served in the United States military as a lawful permanent resident, you may choose to seek naturalized citizenship through that status. While the requirements for serving during peacetime differ from serving in wartime, you still have to complete the civics and English tests. To determine which category you fall into, see the Immigration and Naturalization Act, sections 328 & 329. You also have to complete the N-400 Form. 

 

In addition to that form, you must also complete Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. Because the citizenship process through US military status can be complicated, especially if you are serving abroad, it’s best to seek guidance during this time. If you want to receive a free consultation of your case, contact Castan & Lecca today. 

Be the Child of a US Citizen 

In certain cases, you can seek naturalized citizenship merely through parentage. If your parent or parents are United States citizens, you may be eligible to become a citizen yourself. There are two ways that you can do this: either at birth or anytime before the age of 18. 

 

If you were born outside of the United States to one or more U.S. citizens and your parent(s) lived in the United States for a certain period of time, then you could choose to seek citizenship through this path. 

 

According to the USCIS, a “child” is a person who is the “genetic, legitimated or adopted child of a parent.” It also includes “the son or daughter of a non-genetic gestational US citizen mother” who is “recognized as the child’s legal parent.” 

 

In order to seek citizenship through parentage and you are in the United States, you must complete Form N-600. If you are outside of the United States, you must complete the N-600k form. 

 

While it may seem that applying for citizenship through parentage is a simple process, it can get complicated. Everyone’s case is different. Therefore, it’s important to know the facts and seek professional guidance before you submit your application. 

Starting the Naturalization Process

 

 

While the naturalization process may seem overwhelming at first, the outcome is always worth the time and effort. It’s important to keep in mind that you need to confirm your eligibility and then provide evidence of it and evidence of identity. 

 

You must also demonstrate your knowledge of the United States, its history, and its government, as well as knowledge of the English language. In addition to that, you must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and prove that you are of good moral character. 

 

Furthermore, you must also be aware of the details surrounding your unique circumstances. This can include marriage to a US citizen, serving in the US military, or being the child of a US citizen. These particular circumstances could require you to complete different forms or provide different evidence. 

 

Because the naturalization process can become complicated, it’s best to seek out professional legal assistance when you undertake this journey. At Castan & Lecca, we are here to help you achieve your dream of becoming an American citizen. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation of your case. 

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Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.