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John Nicelli & Associates

Citizen Immigration Lawyer in New Rochelle, NY

United States Immigration Attorney

Assisting Clients with Citizenship via Naturalization

United States Immigration Attorney

What is the Importance of Citizenship?

Citizenship is important because there are many advantages that are only available to those who are U.S. citizens.

Below are the top 6 reasons to obtain citizenship:

The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants into its citizenry through the process of naturalization, in which lawful permanent residents undergo a series of steps to confirm eligibility and ultimately take the Oath of Allegiance.

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United States Immigration Attorney

How to Qualify for Citizenship Through Naturalization

Becoming a United States citizen can be an expensive, time-consuming process. In addition to undergoing a mandatory waiting period after receiving your green card, you must meet all conditions of a rigorous criteria.

If you want to become a United States citizen through naturalization, the following must apply:

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What is "Good Moral Character"?

You may be wondering what constitutes “good moral character” and how USCIS can objectively measure these qualities in an applicant. Sadly, the good moral character determination can seem frustratingly arbitrary and is in many circumstances handled on a case-by-case basis.

There are several disqualifying factors USCIS looks for, however. Violent felony crimes tend to trigger automatic rejections, as does any fraudulent behavior when communicating with USCIS or any other government agency. Less serious crimes could also come under scrutiny, but a minor criminal record – especially if the offenses occurred many years ago – can often be overcome with the assistance of an experienced citizenship lawyer.

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What is the Naturalization Process? Let Us Be Your Guide.

Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. If you are unsure, your best option is to contact an experienced naturalization lawyer in New Rochelle. We can ensure that you are eligible to prevent delays in your application. Firstly, you will need a green card, which makes you a lawful permanent resident, to become a United States citizen through naturalization. After you receive your green card, you cannot immediately apply for citizenship. Depending on the type of green card and individual circumstances, you will be required to submit to a waiting period before proceeding with naturalization and reside in the United States for a majority of that time. If you are eligible, you may begin the process.

Below is an overview of the naturalization process:

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United States Immigration Attorney

How Long Does Naturalization Take?

Some common green card scenarios and their corresponding wait time requirements include:

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The Application Process

Once you have undergone the mandatory waiting period and meet all other eligibility requirements, it is time to file the formal application for naturalization with USCIS. This application is called Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. You will also need to pay the associated filing fees when submitting your application.

Some of the documents you will need to correctly submit Form N-400 include:

If you are applying as a result of serving in the military, you will also have to provide proof of your qualifying service. If you are seeking exemptions from the naturalization exam (discussed more below), you will also have to submit proof of a qualifying medical disability.

It is critical that Form N-400 be submitted accurately and with all of the necessary documents. Any errors, mistakes, or omissions can trigger a rejection from USCIS and force you to start the entire naturalization process over from the beginning. This means you will not only have to fill out a new application, you may also have to repay filing fees and endure lengthy processing times. Our New Rochelle citizenship attorney can help you and work to ensure Form N-400 is filled out and submitted accurately.

In addition to filing the application, you will also be required to have your fingerprints taken after you are scheduled by USCIS at a biometrics office.

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The Naturalization Exam

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The USCIS Interview

Once USCIS has processed your application and encountered no disqualifying factors, the agency will schedule an interview at your local field office. The agents will ask you questions about information on your application. You will in most circumstances be permitted to bring a legal representative to the interview if you properly requested one with your application.

You will also be required to bring a trove of documentation to validate information included on your application. Some of this may feel redundant, but it is critical you bring as much supporting evidence as possible.

Some of the documents you should plan to bring to your USCIS interview include:

As we mentioned above, you should be prepared to discuss any criminal record you may have, even if the offenses seem insignificant. You should bring all documentation involving each case, including evidence establishing the final outcome, the completion of any served time or required probation, and records of any plea bargains or expunged infractions.

When in doubt, bring more evidence than you think might be necessary. Not having the proper documentation can delay the naturalization process or even result in your application’s rejection. Our New Rochelle citizenship lawyer can help assess what documents you need and represent you during the in-person interview.

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The Oath of Allegiance

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About New Rochelle, NY

Discover New Rochelle NY, a thriving city that's inextricably linked to John Nicelli & Associates, a top-rated immigration lawyer firm. This vibrant locale makes a name for itself through its unique immigration law opportunities, largely catered to by our expert team.

Geographically charming, the center of New Rochelle is located at coordinates 40.9115° N, 73.7824° W. With a thriving population of about 79,557, our firm understands the diverse immigration needs of this multicultural city.

Experience New Rochelle’s historic charm firsthand when you visit memorable sites like the Thomas Paine Historical Site, New Rochelle City Hall, and the town's vibrant parks including Hudson Park and Glen Island Park. Stay a while in the Radisson Hotel or Wyndham New Rochelle, and savor the richness of the city life.

When it comes to honoring New Rochelle's environmental commitments, John Nicelli & Associates leads by example. Our eco-friendly initiatives revolve around sustainable business practices, including the use of recycled materials and eco-conscious strategies.

We deeply understand the unique immigration scenarios across different New Rochelle neighborhoods like Pine Island, Pelham, Bronxville, Wykagyl, and Beechmont. Our wide-ranging services ensure that each community receives equal attention for their immigration concerns.

Climate considerations are an essential part of our services. New Rochelle's humid subtropical climate means that certain multinational businesses might have unique needs. We make sure that all our clients are well-informed and that the necessary precautions are taken.

With a clean record of conforming to local regulations, our firm represents the quintessence of compliant business practices in New Rochelle NY.

We invite you to engage with us at John Nicelli & Associates, and experience for yourself the benefits of our top-rated immigration lawyer services. Discover how we shape immigration prospects in New Rochelle NY and how seamlessly we can cater to your needs. Experience the difference of a customer-centric approach in your journey towards immigration.

New Rochelle Transit Center Lane D

New Rochelle Transit Center Lane B

New Rochelle Transit Center Lane C

New Rochelle Rd @ Oregon Ave

North Ave @ New Rochelle HS

Main St @ Division St

New Rochelle Rd @ North Way

North Ave @ Rochelle Pl

New Rochelle Rd @ Hutchinson Pkwy

Huguenot St @ River St

New Rochelle Rd @ South East Way

Huguenot St @ Centre Ave

New Rochelle Rd @ Hillcrest Rd

New Rochelle Rd @ California Rd

New Rochelle Rd @ Pasadena Rd

5th Ave @ Weeks Pl

North Ave @ Main St

Main St @ North Ave

Huguenot St @ Harrison St

North Ave @ the Boulevard