Citizenship Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island

More than 625,000 people became citizens of the United States in 2020. It had taken an average of 7.1 years for those legal permanent residents to take the oath of citizenship. The path may not have been easy or short, but it was worth the reward in the end.

If you are in the United States and are interested in becoming a citizen, there are a number of things you should know about the process—including the rights and the responsibilities that accompany being a U.S. citizen. An experienced immigration attorney can help you.

The Savage law has helped clients living in Providence, Rhode Island and throughout the state walk the path to citizenship. The process can be confusing and complex, but the Savage law will guide you through it.

What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?

U.S. citizens are able to fully participate in benefits not available to non-citizens. For some legal permanent residents, living and working in the United States is enough. You may want to enjoy the benefits of citizenship, including:

• Voting in local, state, and federal elections;

• Serving as an elected official and hold public office;

• Serving on a jury in court;

• Holding a U.S. passport and travel with it, allowing you to ask for help from the U.S. government when traveling outside the country;

• Petitioning for family members to enter the U.S. legally;

• Making your children under age 18 U.S. citizens when you become one;

• Applying for financial aid, including scholarships and grants for college and other educational opportunities;

• Qualifying for government benefits; and,

• Remaining in the country because your U.S. residency cannot be taken away from you.

Who Is Eligible for Citizenship?

There are four pathways that make you eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

1. You have been a lawful permanent resident age 18 or older, continuously residing in the U.S. for at least the five years preceding your application for citizenship. You must have been physically in the U.S. for at least 30 months of those five years, immediately preceding your application.

2. You have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen, continuously residing in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least three years immediately prior to application. You also must have been physically present in the U.S for at least 18 months prior to application and must remain living with your spouse while your application is processed.

3. You have served honorably in the U.S. military during peacetime for at least one year, for periods equaling at least one year, or during conflicts from 1939 to the present. You must be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. at the time of your naturalization interview.

4. You are a child, under the age of 18, who has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization. You must be a lawful permanent resident and living in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

What Do I Have to Do to Become a U.S. Citizen?

There are nine key steps involved in the U.S. citizenship process:

1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen;

2. Determine if you are eligible to become one;

3. Complete the naturalization application;

4. Submit the application and fees;

5. Have your photo and fingerprints taken as part of the required background check;

6. Participate in an interview;

7. Receive a decision regarding your application from the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service;

8. If your application is approved, receive notice of the date to take your Oath of Allegiance; and,

9. Take the Oath of Allegiance.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

The United States does not prohibit its citizens from also being a citizen of another country, called “dual citizenship.” This means you may continue to be a citizen of your country of origin or adoption should you wish to be. You must check with that country’s U.S. embassy or consulate to make sure you can remain a citizen of it if you wish to.

Citizenship Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island

If you want to find out if you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, discover the steps you must take to become eligible, or begin the process of applying for citizenship, an immigration attorney can help you. If you live in Providence, Rhode Island, or in surrounding communities—including Boston, Massachusetts—call the Savage law to schedule a consultation.