Naturalization Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

Becoming a United States citizen through naturalization is a process that requires dedication and patience. However, if successful, naturalization can be a rewarding experience.  

If you need help with the naturalization process, contact William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC. William Quirk is a naturalization attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey, who has helped many just like you become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process. From his office in Hackensack, William Quirk also serves Paterson, Clifton, and West New York areas.  

Benefits of Becoming a Citizen  

Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is an exciting and rewarding experience that can open many doors to opportunities. Naturalization provides numerous benefits, including: 

1. Protection from deportation. One major benefit of naturalization is that it gives you legal protection from deportation proceedings or removal orders. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported unless you engage in criminal activity or have obtained citizenship fraudulently.  

2. Citizenship for your children. Another great benefit of naturalization is that it allows you to pass on citizenship rights to your children who were born abroad or outside of the United States after you become a citizen.  

3. Family reunification. Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen also allows you to bring family members over who would otherwise not qualify for entry into the United States due to visa restrictions or other limitations imposed by immigration laws.  

4. Freedom to travel. Once you become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you will have much greater freedom when traveling overseas than green card holders do since there are fewer restrictions on what countries you can visit and how long you can stay there.   

5. Ability to vote. Last but not least, another benefit of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is that it grants you the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections.  

This is a non-exhaustive list of benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Overall, being a U.S. citizen means more opportunities for you and your future generations.  

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?  

According to the USCIS website, there are a number of requirements an individual must meet to be eligible for naturalization. These include:  

• Be 18 years of age or older; 

• Must not have taken trips outside the U.S. lasting six months or longer during the waiting period (usually three to five years);  

• Be a resident of the state where an application for naturalization is filed for a minimum of three months;  

• Have a good moral character; 

• Pass a two-part naturalization test (English language and civics); 

• Be willing to defend the U.S. Constitution; and 

• Be willing to serve in the U.S. military if called upon.  

There are quite a few notable exceptions based on age, disability, and other characteristics, which is why you may want to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization.  

Naturalization Process  

When beginning the naturalization process, it’s important to understand what steps are required and their order of completion:  

1. Application for Naturalization  

The first step in the naturalization process is to submit an application for naturalization, also known as Form N-400, along with supporting documents and fees. The form must be filled out completely and accurately, as all information on it will be verified by the USCIS. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice via mail or email from the USCIS within several weeks.  

2. Biometrics Appointment  

At your biometrics appointment, you will have your fingerprints and photos taken for identity verification purposes. After your biometrics appointment is complete, you may receive notices for any additional information or documentation needed for consideration of your application before proceeding with the next step in the process.  

3. Citizenship Interview & Exam  

After the USCIS has reviewed all submitted information and documentation from your N-400 application, they will schedule you for a citizenship interview at a local office. During this interview, you will take an English language test and civics exam, which covers important aspects of U.S. history and government.  

4. Oath of Allegiance  

If everything goes well during your citizenship interview, the USCIS will approve your application for naturalization and offer you an oath ceremony date so that you can take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. If approved, you must attend the ceremony to receive a Certificate of Naturalization.