Naturalization/US Citizenship

Providence Naturalization/US Citizenship Lawyers 

Filing an application for naturalization is, for most, the last stage of the immigration process, and often the best method for obtaining the rights and benefits enjoyed by U.S. citizens.  Some of those benefits include:

• the right to vote  in federal elections;
• priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently into the US;
• the ability to obtain citizenship for a child born abroad;
• the ability to travel with a U.S. passport; 
• US government assistance and protection, when traveling abroad;
• eligibility for more public benefits and certain education scholarships and financial aid;
• fewer restrictions on estate taxes, and higher estate tax exemptions;
• full social security benefits upon retiring abroad;
• eligibility to apply for federal employment; and
• the ability to become an elected official.

In order to qualify, an individual must meet certain criteria, including, with limited exceptions:

• Maintaining legal permanent resident status for:
  • Three years, if obtained through marriage and the applicant is still married, or
  • Five years if obtained through other means or the applicant is no longer married;
• “Physical presence” in the United States for more than half of the three or five year statutory period;
• “Continuous residence,” uninterrupted by trips of more then 180 days outside the United States;
• The ability to communicate in reading, writing, and speaking English;
• Knowledge of United States history and government;
• Good moral character;
• An attachment to the principles of the United States Constitution; and
• A favorable disposition toward the United States.

At Kaplan & Associates Inc., we assist qualifying applicants throughout the naturalization process, by reviewing all required forms for completeness and accuracy, meeting with applicant’s to prepare for the naturalization interview, and accompanying you to the local immigration office.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced naturalization lawyer regarding an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa, please contact.