Naturalization Attorney in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

In 2019, more than 21,000 people in Pennsylvania became naturalized citizens of the United States. They were born in countries all over the world but shared one unified desire — to become American citizens.

The path to U.S. citizenship can be challenging. Those who seek it often undergo a rigorous process but, if successful, reap the benefits of being able to call this great country their home.

Attorney Ejaz A. Sabir of the Sabir Law Group understands this desire. As an immigrant himself, Attorney Sabir knows the path can be complicated, frustrating, and frightening without a legal advocate on your side. That is why he has helped dozens of legal residents from Upper Darby and throughout greater Philadelphia navigate the naturalization process — and he would be proud to help you too.

What Are the Benefits of
Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

As a legal U.S. resident, you enjoy many of the rights this country has to offer; however, there are additional benefits for naturalized U.S. citizens, including your ability to:

• Obtain and travel with a U.S. passport

• Vote in federal elections and run for citizenship-required elected office

• Serve on a jury

• Be eligible for certain law enforcement jobs

• Qualify for certain state and federal benefits such as Medicaid and food assistance

• Obtain citizenship for your minor children born abroad

• Create an easier path toward bringing family members to the U.S.

Who Is Eligible to Become a U.S. Citizen?

To be eligible to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when you file the application.

• Have been a lawful permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for the past three or five years.

• Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

• Demonstrate that you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least the past 30 months, or 18 months if married to a U.S. citizen.

• Provide evidence that you have lived in the state where you claim residence for at least three months.

• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

• Demonstrate good moral character.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.

• Demonstrate loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.

What Does the Naturalization Process Entail?

The process involves submission to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) an application for citizenship and supporting documentation and an interview with a USCIS representative.

You will file Form N-400, the Application for Citizenship, either by mail or online. The application must be accompanied by:

• A photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card

• Payment for the application fee ($640) and biometric services fee ($85)

• Two identical photographs of you if you live outside the U.S. when submitting your application

You will also need to submit other documentation, depending on your circumstances. This may include:

• Your attorney or accredited representative’s Entry of Appearance

• Documentation of any name change from what appears on your Permanent Resident Card (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree)

• Evidence of marriage if you are applying for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen

• Evidence of U.S. military service if used as the basis for your application

• Evidence of continuous U.S. residency

• Evidence of a dependent spouse or children who do not live with you

• Documentation of any criminal arrests, charges, convictions, punishments, and expungements

• Income tax returns

• Evidence if you are applying for a disability exception to the naturalization testing requirement

• Documentation of Selective Service registration or why you did not register when required

After you submit all necessary documentation, you will be required to attend an interview for citizenship with a USCIS officer. Following the interview, you will be notified of the decision regarding your request for citizenship.

The Hearing Request for
Residents Denied Citizenship

If your application for citizenship is denied, you or your attorney may request a USCIS hearing. The hearing should be scheduled within 180 days of the request and be conducted by an officer other than the one who denied your application.

If the hearing results in another denial, the applicant’s attorney may request a hearing in the appropriate U.S. District Court.

Work with an Experienced Naturalization
Attorney in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

The path to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is full of various applications, documentation, and evidence of your commitment to becoming a citizen. The process can be somewhat overwhelming, especially if you have trouble speaking English or if you have a criminal record. Having an experienced Pennsylvania naturalization attorney by your side to guide you through the process can make the path much smoother.

Using his own immigration experience and his knowledge of immigration law, attorney Sabir can help. He has represented applicants from 70 different countries and speaks six languages. He has a passion for helping others achieve U.S. citizenship just as he did. So if you or someone you know is looking for reliable legal assistance during the naturalization process, call the Sabir Law Group today to schedule a consultation!