US Citizenship Publications
04 May 2017
Author: Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
One of the qualifications for naturalization or citizenship in the United States is applicant’s ability to write, read and understand English. There are waivers of the English test for those who reached a certain age (50, 55 or 60) and have resided in the United States as permanent residents for certain ...
02 September 2016
Author: Alena Shautsova
A person who received a permanent resident status in the US based on marriage to a US citizen, may apply for naturalization or US citizenship if he/she has been 2 years and 9 months in permanent resident status (provided all other conditions are met). To compare, the “regular” route would take 5 years (4 years and 9 mont ...
18 May 2016
Author: US Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
The scariest nightmare for any former Immigrant: to be placed in proceedings where the US government is seeking to take back the granted citizenship. The good news here (yes, there is good news everywhere!): you would have rights and an opportunity to defend yourself in Court!
Denaturalization must ...
16 May 2016
Author: Citizenship attorney Alena Shautsova
Citizenship is, perhaps, the ultimate goal of any Immigrant. Generally, to qualify for citizenship through naturalization, a person has to hold a permanent resident status for 3 (if the permanent residency was based on marriage to a US citizen), or 5 years.
An applicant should use form N400 and submit ...
06 October 2015
Author: Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
Usually, when one tries to research information regarding naturalization requirements, he finds discussions regarding good moral character, physical presence requirements, criminal bars to citizenship, time in permanent residence status issue. However, there are other, less "popular" but nevertheless i ...
05 May 2015
Author: Citizenship Immigration Attorney Alena Shautsova
There are different ways one may obtain a U.S. citizenship: through birth in the U.S. or its territories; acquire U.S. citizenship automatically through parents or obtain it through naturalization process.
The naturalization process covers those who first receive permanent resident status o ...
14 April 2015
Author: New York Immigration attorney Alena Shautsova
When applying for different forms of relief during deportation proceedings, sometimes one is required to show good moral character. This is a very vague term and many people get confused whether or not they possess a good moral character in the eyes of the adjudicator. This article will outline ...
04 October 2014
Author: Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
The law allows permanent residents to receive citizenship after a person has been in “green card holder” status for 3 or 5 years depending on how the person acquired the residency: through marriage with the USC or some other way.
Usually, a person has to become a permanent resident first, otherwise he/ ...
04 July 2014
Author: Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
Recently I have had many people come to my office after they were denied citizenship and tried to appeal the decision themselves at an N-336 hearing. After the hearing, they were also denied. The big question I get after they tell me this story is "Is there anything I can do now?"
Yes, after you have e ...
01 July 2014
Author: Citizenship Attorney Alena Shautsova
Administrative Review of Citizenship Application Denial
If you are denied Citizenship by a USCIS officer, you may ask for a hearing with a new immigration officer. This is called an N-336 Hearing. During this hearing you may be interviewed and given another civics and English test. Afterwards, the offi ...