We Handle the Full Range of Citizenship Cases in Beaverton, OR 

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Beaverton U.S. citizenship attorneys are committed to helping our clients achieve their American dream. We firmly believe that every person deserves top-quality, personalized legal guidance and support. If you have specific questions about U.S. citizenship, we are more than ready to help. To set up a fully confidential consultation with an experienced Oregon immigration lawyer, please contact our Beaverton law office today.  

Becoming a Citizenship Through Naturalization in Oregon

For an immigrant, the primary path to becoming an American citizen is through a process known as naturalization. In effect, naturalization allows foreign nationals to gain the right to apply for and obtain U.S. citizenship by meeting certain legal requirements. Once all requirements are satisfied, a citizenship applicant can submit form N-400 (the Application for Naturalization) along with all required supporting documentation and filing fees. 

The Requirements You Must Satisfy As Part of Your Citizenship Application

What do you need to prove in order to successfully apply for United States citizenship? There are a number of different key requirements set out by U.S. immigration law. As part of your citizenship application, you should be able to demonstrate all of the following: 

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization.
  • Residency Status: You must be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and maintain continuous residence in the United States for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Physical Presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months within the five-year period before applying (or 18 months if applying through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
  • Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate basic proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak the language.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government and History: Applicants are required to pass a civics test that evaluates knowledge of U.S. history and government.
  • Good Moral Character: Demonstrating good moral character is essential. A history of criminal activity or dishonesty may disqualify an applicant.

An Overview of the Advantages of American Citizenship

Are you preparing to apply for United States citizenship in Beaverton, Washington County, or elsewhere in Oregon? If so, it is useful to understand that American citizenship offers a wide range of different benefits. There are both political and personal advantages associated with becoming an official citizen of this country. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  1. Politics Right (Vote, Running for Office, etc): Citizens have the democratic privilege to participate in the electoral process, either by voting or by running for public office.
  2. Global Travel: You can travel freely when you are a citizen. The US passport is powerful, enabling citizens to travel to numerous countries without the need for a visa.
  3. Access to Federal Employment: United States citizens are in position to apply for and obtain a job with the federal government. 
  4. Ability to Sponsor Relatives: U.S. citizens can sponsor family members for green cards, facilitating their permanent residency.
  5. Protection Against Deportation: Citizenship is permanent. A person who becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization cannot be deported to their native country. 

The Most Common Reasons Why U.S. Citizenship Applicants are Rejected

It is important to emphasize that the U.S. government will “rubber stamp” a citizenship application. Quite the contrary, any application for citizenship will be thoroughly reviewed and carefully scrutinized. An application for citizenship could potentially be denied for a number of different reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons why citizenship applications are rejected: 

  • Non-Compliance with Citizenship Criteria: USCIS mandates stringent eligibility criteria for citizenship, encompassing continuous residency, upstanding moral character, and a legitimate qualifying route. Non-adherence to any of the requirements to obtain American citizenship could result in application rejection. 
  • Errors in Your Form N-400 Application: The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, must be devoid of inaccuracies or omissions. Even small mistakes can lead to a delay or denial of U.S. citizenship. Do not go it alone. Be sure to consult with a top Beaverton, OR immigration attorney when navigating your citizenship application. 
  • Inadequate English Skills: Remember, basic English language proficiency is mandatory. The naturalization process demands that applicants exhibit proficiency in reading, writing, and conversing in English. The inability to display satisfactory English skills may lead to application denial. 
  • A Failed Civics/History Examination: In addition to language skills, aspirants are required to clear a civics and history examination. Essentially, this exam evaluates the applicants’ familiarity with basic facets of U.S. governance and history. 
  • Criminal History Allegations: A prerequisite for American citizenship is the exhibition of moral integrity. Any criminal history can considerably influence the decision on a citizenship request. The USCIS examines the moral fiber of the applicant during the naturalization appraisal. Criminal issues can lead to denial.

US Citizenship in Beaverton: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Does the Citizenship Application Process Typically Take?

The duration for the U.S. citizenship application process can vary based on several factors including the applicant’s location, the volume of applications being processed, and any unique circumstances pertaining to the individual case. On average, the process tends to take a little under a year. After submitting the N-400, Application for Naturalization, it usually takes several months for the biometrics appointment, followed by the interview and civics test. If the application is approved, the final step is the naturalization ceremony

Do I Have to Give Up Citizenship in My Native Country to Apply?

No, you do not have to give up citizenship in your native country to become a U.S. citizen. The United States permits dual citizenship. In other words, it allows individuals to be citizens of two or more countries simultaneously. However, it is essential to be aware that while the U.S. allows dual citizenship, your home country may have different policies. Some countries do not permit dual citizenship.

Can My U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked?

It is very rare. Generally, once you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, your citizenship is permanent. However, citizenship can be revoked under limited circumstances, such as if it was obtained fraudulently. If the U.S. government discovers that an individual lied or omitted significant information during the naturalization process, it can initiate denaturalization proceedings. In such cases, the individual may lose U.S. citizenship and could face deportation. 

Why Trust the Beaverton Lawyers at Vanderwall Immigration for a U.S. Citizenship Case

Applying for U.S. citizenship is complicated. It is normal to have a lot of questions about the ins and outs of the process. At Vanderwall Immigration, we are focused on guiding our clients through each and every step of a citizenship application. We are proactive, not reactive. When you contact our team at our Beaverton office, you will a chance to speak to an Oregon immigration lawyer who can: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer your questions. 
  • Help you gather and prepare all supporting documentation.
  • Assist you with the U.S. citizenship paperwork.
  • Take action to help you overcome obstacles in the citizenship process.  

Contact Our Beaverton, OR Citizenship Attorneys for Your Confidential Consultation

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Beaverton citizenship lawyers are committed to protecting the rights and interests of our clients. If you have any questions about an American citizenship case, our legal team is here as a resource. Give us a phone call now or contact us online today for your completely confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. We handle U.S. citizenship cases in Beaverton, Washington County, and throughout the surrounding region in Oregon.