Naturalization and Citizenship

There are many routes to becoming a U.S. citizen. Naturalization is the most common path by which people born outside the United States become U.S. citizens. Generally, a naturalization applicant must first be a permanent resident for five years (certain exceptions apply), and maintain good moral character for the five year period preceding the application for naturalization.

There are also certain requirements relating to physical presence in the U.S. during the five year period preceding filing of the application.

Naturalization applicants must be able to speak, read, and write English well enough to pass a simple English test, answer a few questions about U.S. history and government, and understand the contents of their naturalization application. VERDIN has a long and successful history of helping clients cross the immigration “finish line” through naturalization.

Some people born outside the U.S. can derive U.S. citizenship from a U.S. citizen parent. The laws on derivative citizenship are extremely complicated, and each case must be evaluated on an individual basis.

VERDIN attorneys are highly skilled at navigating these very difficult laws, and have assisted many clients in proving to the U.S. government that they are U.S. citizens through derivation.