DISCLAIMER: case results are not meant as legal advice or a guarantee as to any specific outcome.
I assisted my client, a legal permanent resident (Green card holder) from Guatemala, in his N-400 Application for Naturalization, and naturalization interview process.
Prior to applying to become a naturalized US Citizen, an individual must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be an adult at least 18 years of age;
- Lawful permanent residence in the United States for at least five years (three years if applying as a spouse of an American citizen);
- Be a person of good moral character;
- Ability to read, write, and speak basic English;
- Demonstrate knowledge of American history and government; and
- Willingness to pledge allegiance to the United States and loyalty to its Constitution.
My client came to me because:
- He had been a legal permanent resident for 5 years, making him eligible to apply for naturalization;
- He indicated that he had been studying the US history and civics questions intently, but that he was concerned about going through the process alone and attending the citizenship interview alone; and
- He expressed concerns about the immigration systems and wanted to feel reassured that everything would go smoothly in his case.
Here is a brief timeline: The client hired me in August of 2021; We mailed the petition and supporting documents in September of 2021, and in June of 2022 we received a notice from USCIS detailing the citizenship interview was scheduled for July of 2022. In July of 2022, we met and prepared for the interview, at which time the client felt much more confident about his knowledge of US history and civics, and he left our preparation meeting feeling calmer and self-assured.
My approach is always focused on preparation. I like it when clients feel confident, not only about my services and representation but also about their own capabilities. On the day of the interview, we met at the Boston USCIS field office, reviewed the application once more while we waited to be called, and left with two big smiles as the client successfully demonstrated his good moral character to the officer, and passed the US history and civics test with flying colors.