U.S. Citizenship Lawyers in El Paso

Processing times vary by USCIS field office and current caseloads. In general, you should expect the process to take anywhere from 8 to 18 months from the date you file Form N-400. Some applicants move faster depending on the office handling their case and whether any complications arise. Your attorney will give you a realistic timeline based on current processing data.

A denial of your naturalization application does not automatically affect your green card status. You remain a lawful permanent resident. However, if the denial was based on a determination that you lack good moral character or have committed certain offenses, there is a risk that USCIS could initiate removal proceedings. This is exactly why a thorough pre-application review with an attorney matters so much.

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from naturalization, but it must be evaluated carefully. Certain offenses — particularly aggravated felonies — are permanent bars to citizenship. Others may affect the good moral character determination depending on when they occurred and how they were resolved. Minor, old offenses may have little or no impact. We assess criminal history as part of every initial consultation and advise you accordingly before you file.

Extended absences can disrupt your continuous residence — a required element for naturalization. A single trip of six months or more is presumed to have broken continuous residence, though this presumption can sometimes be rebutted with evidence. A trip of one year or more generally does break continuous residence, and you would need to rebuild your eligibility period. We will review your entire travel history to determine where you stand before advising you to file.

The United States does not require you to formally renounce your prior citizenship as a condition of naturalization — though you will take an Oath of Allegiance that includes language about renouncing foreign allegiances. Whether your home country allows you to maintain dual citizenship is a separate question governed by that country's laws. Some countries do allow dual citizenship; others do not. We recommend researching your country's rules and, if needed, consulting with an attorney familiar with that country's nationality law.

The USCIS civics test covers U.S. history and government. During your interview, an officer will ask you up to 10 questions from a published list of 100 possible questions. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass. USCIS makes the full list of questions and answers available in advance, so with preparation, most applicants pass on their first attempt. Our office provides study materials and conducts practice sessions with clients before their interview.

Yes. Applicants who are 50 years of age or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 or more years may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter provided by USCIS. Applicants who are 55 or older with 15 or more years of permanent residency qualify for the same exemption. Additionally, applicants with certain medically documented disabilities may be eligible for waivers of the English and/or civics requirements through Form N-648. Your attorney will assess whether any exemption applies to you.

In some cases, yes. Under the Child Citizenship Act, a child who is under 18, a lawful permanent resident, and residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent may automatically acquire citizenship when that parent naturalizes. The rules around this are nuanced, particularly for children born abroad or children adopted internationally. We will advise you on whether your children qualify for automatic citizenship and what steps, if any, you need to take to document that status.

At your naturalization ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization — the official proof of your U.S. citizenship. Protect this document carefully, as it is one of the most important you will ever own. With it, you can immediately apply for a U.S. passport and update your Social Security record to reflect your citizenship status.