San Francisco Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys

Citizenship through naturalization is one of the most common ways that immigrants become permanent United States citizens. If you wish to live and work in the U.S. as a citizen and receive all of the rights that come with citizenship, this may be the right option for you.

However, obtaining U.S. citizenship is a rather complex process. It’s wise to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you understand how the process works, determine if you are eligible for citizenship through naturalization, and successfully complete each required step.

In order to become a U.S. citizen, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. In most cases, you must meet all the requirements as set out by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), though certain exceptions may apply in limited circumstances.

These are simply the most basic requirements for those wishing to apply for citizenship through naturalization. There are many other requirements, as well as exceptions for extraneous circumstances. Our San Francisco citizenship & naturalization attorneys can help you determine if you are eligible for U.S. citizenship and if so, can help you navigate the process.

Key Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen provides many benefits, including:

• You get the right to vote in local, statewide, and national elections.
• You can be hired as a federal employee and gain related benefits.
• You can prevent deportation if you did not enter the country legally.
• You gain specific U.S. tax law benefits.
• You can sponsor your family with green cards.
• Freedom to travel to numerous countries without a visa
• Your children are automatically U.S. citizens
• And many more reasons!

How Our San Francisco Citizenship Lawyers Can Assist You

We can assist you by:

• Eligibility Assessment: Understanding your eligibility for U.S. citizenship is crucial. We will carefully assess your case, ensuring that you meet all the legal requirements. Whether you’re applying through family sponsorship, employment, or military service, we will help you explore your options and identify any potential barriers.
• Application Preparation and Filing: One of the most critical steps in the naturalization process is submitting a complete and accurate application (Form N-400). Small mistakes can lead to delays or denials, so getting it right the first time is essential. We will work with you to ensure that your application is thorough, correct, and properly supported by necessary documentation.
• Resolving Legal Issues: Many citizenship applicants face legal challenges that complicate their path to naturalization. These issues might include past criminal convictions, lapses in residency, or problems related to immigration status. We are experienced in handling such complex situations and can offer strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• Preparing for the Citizenship Test and Interview: As part of the naturalization process, applicants must attend a personal interview and pass a citizenship test that covers U.S. history and government. We will help you prepare for these critical steps, offering guidance on what to expect during the interview and helping you study for the test. We want you to feel confident and ready on the day of your interview.
• Appealing a Denied Application: Unfortunately, not all citizenship applications are approved on the first try. If your application has been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. We can review the reasons for your denial, help you file an appeal, and represent you in any further proceedings to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
• Citizenship Through Derivative or Acquired Citizenship: In certain cases, individuals may already be U.S. citizens without knowing it, based on their parents’ citizenship status. We can investigate whether you might have derivative or acquired citizenship, saving you time and effort in the naturalization process.

Set Up a Consultation with Our San Francisco Citizenship Lawyers

At the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we understand that every situation is different. With this in mind, we provide our clients with personalized legal services tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Immigration laws regarding citizenship and who is and is not eligible for naturalization often change, which is why it’s important that you seek guidance from an experienced attorney.

Our legal team assists clients from around the globe from our offices in San Francisco and Sacramento, and we proudly offer multilingual services.