Are you a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) ready to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?
At Chavarro Law Firm, our experienced Georgia immigration attorneys guide clients through every step of the naturalization process, from eligibility analysis to the oath ceremony. We provide strategic legal support to help you successfully become a United States citizen.
Becoming a citizen is the final step in your immigration journey. Our legal team carefully reviews your immigration and travel history, confirms your eligibility requirements, and prepares a comprehensive Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We also prepare you for the biometrics appointment, naturalization interview, and civics and English examination.
Our office is located in Chamblee, Georgia, near Atlanta, and we provide both in-person and secure virtual consultations for clients throughout Georgia and across the United States.
What Does It Mean to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization grants important constitutional rights, federal protections, and long-term immigration security. Benefits of becoming a United States citizen include:
- The right to live and work permanently in the United States without immigration restrictions
- The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
- Eligibility for certain federal employment opportunities
- The ability to petition for additional family members, including parents, siblings, and married children
- Access to certain federal benefits and protections
- Protection from deportation and full constitutional rights under U.S. law
For many lawful permanent residents, naturalization provides increased stability, expanded family sponsorship options, and long-term security in the United States.
Ways to Obtain U.S. Citizenship
There are several legal pathways to obtain U.S. citizenship, depending on your place of birth, your parents’ citizenship status, or your immigration history. An experienced Georgia immigration attorney can help determine which path applies to your case.
1. Citizenship by Birth (Birthright Citizenship):
Anyone born in the United States — including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands — is automatically a U.S. citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with limited exceptions.
2. Citizenship by Acquisition (Citizenship at Birth Through Parents):
A child born outside the United States may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Eligibility depends on:
- The citizenship status of the parent(s)
- The child’s date of birth
- The applicable immigration law in effect at that time
- The U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the United States
Because the law governing acquisition of citizenship has changed over time, a detailed legal review is essential.
3. Citizenship by Derivation
Children under 18 years old who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may automatically derive U.S. citizenship if:
- At least one parent becomes or is already a U.S. citizen
- The child resides in the United States
- The child is in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
Derivative citizenship cases often require careful documentation of custody, residence, and immigration status.
4. Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process through which a lawful permanent resident applies to become a United States citizen after meeting statutory eligibility requirements. Most applicants file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you are searching for a naturalization attorney in Georgia or need help preparing your N-400 application, our experienced Atlanta immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process.
Main Requirements for Naturalization (Form N-400)
To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must generally:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen)
- Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
- Establish good moral character
- Pass the English language and U.S. civics examination (unless eligible for an exemption)
- Support the principles of the U.S. Constitution and take the Oath of Allegiance
Because travel history, tax compliance, criminal records, or prior immigration violations can affect eligibility, a thorough legal review before filing Form N-400 is highly recommended.
At Chavarro Law Firm in Chamblee, Georgia, we carefully evaluate your immigration history to help you avoid risks, delays, or denials in your citizenship application.
Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens
Rights of U.S. Citizens:
- Live and work permanently in the United States without immigration restrictions
- Vote in federal, state, and local elections
- Apply for certain federal government positions
- Petition for immediate relatives and certain family members (including parents, siblings, and married children)
- Transmit U.S. citizenship to eligible minor children
Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens
- Obey all federal, state, and local laws
- File and pay taxes on worldwide income
- Participate in the democratic process (such as jury service, when required)
- Defend and uphold the U.S. Constitution
Why Choose Chavarro Law Firm for Your Naturalization Case?
If you are searching for a naturalization attorney in Georgia or need help preparing your N-400 application, our experienced Atlanta immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process.
Proven experience handling U.S. citizenship and Form N-400 naturalization cases
Comprehensive legal support from eligibility analysis through the naturalization interview and oath ceremony
Personalized immigration representation for clients throughout Georgia and across the United States
Convenient in-person consultations in Chamblee, Georgia, near Atlanta, and secure virtual consultations nationwide
With our legal team, every step of your citizenship application process is handled with precision, preparation, and care.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Naturalization
Processing times vary depending on the local USCIS field office and current case volume. Most naturalization applications (Form N-400) are processed within approximately 6 to 12 months, though timelines may vary.
In most cases, a denied naturalization application does not automatically affect your lawful permanent resident status. However, if USCIS identifies issues such as certain criminal convictions, prior immigration fraud, or misrepresentation, the agency may deny citizenship and potentially initiate removal proceedings.
For this reason, it is critical to have an experienced Atlanta naturalization lawyer carefully review your immigration and criminal history before filing Form N-400.
No. Applicants must demonstrate basic English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking sufficient to complete the naturalization interview and civics test. Certain age-based exemptions and medical disability waivers (Form N-648) may apply.
Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the date of conviction, and whether the conduct affects your ability to demonstrate good moral character during the statutory period. Because criminal history can impact both naturalization and permanent resident status, consulting with a qualified Georgia immigration attorney before filing is strongly recommended.
Learn more about American citizenship or naturalization in the United States
Why is it important to obtain US citizenship?
Did you know that by becoming a US citizen you get more benefits than just being a permanent resident? Attorney Paola Chavarro explains to us the importance of obtaining citizenship and why it is the only way in which you can guarantee your stability in the country
Naturalization and public charge
Many people ask us if by having Obama Care or having asked the Government for some help, a permanent resident can be affected in his or her application for naturalization. In this video, Attorney Paola Chavarro gives us the answer.
How can an American citizen petition his parents?
Immigration Attorney Paola Chavarro explains how to make an application so that the parents of an American citizen can be residents of the United States.
Schedule a Consultation with a Georgia Naturalization Attorney
At Chavarro Law Firm, we have helped numerous lawful permanent residents successfully navigate the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. Our office is located in Chamblee, Georgia, serving clients throughout Atlanta and across the United States through in-person and virtual consultations.
Take the next step toward long-term stability, expanded family sponsorship opportunities, and full constitutional rights as a U.S. citizen. Schedule your citizenship consultation today and begin your naturalization process with confidence.
