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While having a lawyer by your side is not mandatory when applying for US citizenship, having one can help you stay on top of issues, reduce stress, and complete the naturalization process faster. Reach out to Kats Immigration Law Firm today to learn more about the naturalization process and how an experienced immigration attorney can protect your future. Alina Kats understands how stressful the process of applying for citizenship can be and gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward. She guides you every step of the way, from applying to gathering evidence and documents, and prepares you for the interview to ensure you achieve your goals of becoming a US citizen smoothly.
Becoming a US citizen might seem like a dream come true, but fulfilling this dream comes with a lot of hard work and stress. Most people end up facing language barriers, legal complexities, and lack of information, which pose a hurdle in achieving this milestone. In such situations, immigration lawyers play a crucial role in helping you achieve your citizenship goals.
Immigration lawyers are trained and knowledgeable professionals who specialize in the complex field of immigration law. They understand the legal system inside out and know about legal requirements, procedural rules, and potential pitfalls involved in applying for visas, green cards, and US citizenship.
An immigration attorney can assess your eligibility for citizenship and navigate the complex process, whether it is straightforward or complicated with violations and criminal records. They ensure your application is complete, accurate, and legally compliant for successful outcomes.
You don’t always need an immigration attorney to apply for US citizenship, but there are certain situations where having legal counsel can make a big difference. An experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid delays, denials, or even deportation risks due to complexities in your case or even if you don’t have time to work through the heavy paperwork and documentation.
If you choose to work with an immigration lawyer, make sure to choose one who has a license to practice in the United States and has handled cases like yours before.
Here are some of the reasons you might consider working with an attorney for naturalization:
If you have a criminal history or prior immigration violation, your case becomes complicated. At this point, only an immigration attorney can help you prepare a petition and address these issues in your application.
Certain other situations that can make your immigration case complex can include:
In any of these situations, you can benefit from a lawyer’s experience and expertise.
Your English is not so good
Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English is an important part of the naturalization process. The applicants need to show that they understand and can answer questions about their applications and pass the English and civics tests.
Working with an immigration attorney who is fluent in English as well as your native language can help you immensely. The attorney will not only assist you in completing the documentation but also help you prepare for the English and civics tests by providing language instructions and practice sessions.
Related: Trump’s Denaturalization Threat: Legal Facts You Should Know
If you are running out of time and have to apply for citizenship quickly, an immigration attorney can provide the best support. They have the knowledge and experience to file your application efficiently and accurately without wasting time and ensure all potential issues are duly addressed.
An attorney can help you in the following situations:
You want to get it done on the first try
Filing the citizen application accurately and efficiently is not easy, and many people end up making mistakes that delay their citizenship process. Immigration attorneys know all about the immigration process, what it includes, and how to do it right.
Common errors or omissions in citizenship applications include:
Attorneys have years of experience, and they can spot and correct the mistakes before they turn into problems for you. They can also help you with the interview by going through commonly asked questions, what to expect, and guide you on answering the questions effectively.
Related: Summary of Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders
Having your initial naturalization application denied can be stressful and requires quick action. You can either appeal the decision or request a hearing before an immigration judge. However, doing this on your own is not easy. These processes are complex, time-consuming, and need careful planning.
An immigration attorney can help you better understand your options and what you should do based on your specific circumstances. They may file a motion to reopen or reconsider the application, pursue an administrative appeal, or judicial review of the decisions. Your attorney can also represent you at a hearing or appeal, present your case effectively, and ensure your rights are protected. With their expertise in collecting and presenting evidence, reasoning, and arguing the merits of a claim, they can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Best legal resources for immigrants
Navigating immigration law can be overwhelming. Lack of knowledge and access to reliable legal guidance often makes it tough to make the right decisions and increases the risk of denial, delay, and even deportation. The good news is that many trusted legal resources help immigrants understand their rights, provide valuable legal guidance and representation for completing applications correctly, and achieving their goals.
The National Immigration Law Center
NILC is a national non-profit organization that protects and promotes the rights of low-income immigrations in the United States. It offers various legal services and advocacy efforts to help immigrants better understand the immigration system. NILC is popular for providing legal representation in impact litigation cases that can lead to positive changes in the immigration system.
NILC offers training and education programs to attorneys, community advocates, and immigrants, so they can better understand immigration as well as their legal rights and responsibilities.
Immigration Court Help Desks
Help desks or information centers are a free resource that provides basic information and guidance to immigrants representing themselves in court. These court help desks also help immigrants facing deportation proceedings and other immigration-related issues. You can search for a help desk online and find the one nearest to you.
Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) Immigration Court Helpdesk is a free resource that provides legal information and referrals to individuals facing immigration court proceedings. There are lawyers and legal volunteers who offer referrals, basic information, assistance with forms, and support those who are representing themselves.
Public Libraries
Public libraries are a valuable resource for immigrants looking for reliable legal information, referrals to legal services, and other types of support to ensure they understand their situation and plan accordingly.
With their wide range of legal resources, including books and online databases that provide information about immigration law and related topics, immigrants can look forward to getting the best information without spending money. Many libraries partner with local legal aid organizations to connect immigrants with reliable legal representations.
Visit the online directory available from the American Library Association to find your local public library, or search online to find a public library nearest to you.
Having the right help can save you time, money, and stress during the naturalization process and take you closer to success. Remember, a lawyer can help you with your immigration case, but they cannot guarantee the outcome. It is up to the USCIS to decide on your application based on the information you provide and their review of your eligibility.
At Kats Immigration Law Firm, we understand how intimidating the process of applying for citizenship can be, especially if you are not sure you need legal guidance. We are dedicated to providing the best legal assistance with efficiency and work hard to secure your future. Our immigration expert, Alina Kats, has successfully represented thousands of clients in immigration-related matters. She skillfully navigates the confusing maze of immigration rules, procedures, and processes that can affect your case and helps you build a secure future in the United States.