At Rodriguez Law Firm, we have helped many people and their families become American citizens and settle into a new life in the United States. We look forward to helping you through what is often a confusing and stressful process. It is rewarding for us to know that our professional experience has helped our clients pursue the American dream that isn’t always available to everyone.
Understanding the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Obtaining U.S. citizenship offers a wide range of benefits that can positively impact your life and the lives of your loved ones. As a U.S. citizen, you will have the right to vote, travel with a U.S. passport, sponsor family members for immigration, and have access to government benefits and protections. Additionally, you will have the security of knowing that you cannot be deported and can fully participate in the opportunities and freedoms that the United States has to offer.
Other benefits of U.S. citizenship include:
Eligibility for federal jobs and financial aid for education
Protection from deportation and the ability to travel freely
Ability to petition for family members to join you in the U.S.
Access to all legal rights and protections under U.S. law
Our San Diego citizenship and naturalization attorney can guide you through the naturalization process and help you understand the full scope of benefits that come with becoming a U.S. citizen.
What is the First Step in the Naturalization Process?
The first step at becoming a U.S. citizen is to apply for and become a lawful permanent resident. You must be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years if you’re not married to a U.S. citizen spouse. If you are married to a U.S. citizen spouse, you can apply for naturalization and citizenship in three years. Once you’ve met this timeline, you will be allowed to proceed with the Naturalization process by filing the N-400 and supporting documents. A San Diego naturalization lawyer can help you with this process.
Key Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Naturalization:
Be 18 years of age or older
Be green card holder for at least 5 years when filing your N-400 application
Have continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years at the time of filing the application
Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years prior to filing the application
Be a person of good moral character and loyal to the United States
Be able to read, write, and speak English
Have basic knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government
Pass a history/government exam
If the applicant is more than 55 years old and has lived in the United States for 15 years or has been a resident for 20 years and is over 50 years old, he or she can take the naturalization exam in their native language. There are some people that might be able to become a U. S. citizen if one of their parents is or was a U.S. citizen under the Child Citizenship Act or as a Derivative Citizen, even if the person was born in another country.
Your Path to Citizenship in San Diego: Local Insights and Resources
San Diego is a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry, making it a welcoming place for those seeking to become U.S. citizens. Navigating the naturalization process can be daunting, especially with the unique challenges faced by residents in our area. Local government entities, such as the San Diego County Clerk's Office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) San Diego Field Office, provide essential resources and information to help you on your journey. However, understanding the nuances of the process can still be overwhelming.
Many individuals in San Diego experience common pain points, such as language barriers, the complexity of immigration laws, and the fear of deportation. Our team is here to alleviate these concerns by offering personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation. We understand that each case is unique, and we are committed to helping you navigate the naturalization process with confidence.
As you embark on this important journey, remember that you are not alone. Our San Diego citizenship and naturalization attorney is dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. citizen, ensuring that you have the support and resources you need every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long does it take USCIS to Process form N-400?
The process can take anywhere from five to seven months, but this timeframe can vary depending on several factors. For instance, it might take longer depending on the complexity of your case or the specific service center handling your application.
Why hire our citizenship and naturalization lawyer?
When you hire Rodriguez Law Firm, you’re choosing a team with over 28+ years of experience to guide you through your citizenship and naturalization case. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to providing seasoned support every step of the way. Let us help make your journey smoother.
Our integrity is the key to a successful Attorney-Client relationship. We are committed to always serving your best interest with integrity and respect.
Honesty
We understand that clients need to trust their attorney. We work hard to earn your trust by being transparent and honest with our legal advice and proposed solutions.
Commitment
Our commitment to our clients will never waiver. We strive to always provide our clients with professional services and the best legal solutions available.
Mission
We are here to help immigrant families live the American dream. We do this by offering competitive Fees and Payments Plans designed to help you afford our services.
“His hard work and dedication has made it possible for me to apply for my U.S citizenship and keep my family together. I am forever grateful to John Rodriguez and his team!!”
After consulting with other attorneys about my case I was told that my criminal/immigration case was extremely complexed. I was turned down by several other attorneys that would not take on my case. I was facing deportation without eligibility for any waivers. After many sleepless nights I came across Rodriguez LawFirm and I am glad I did!! John was very honest, and truthful but also very compassionate. After speaking with John my very first time, I felt like there was hope for my case. John Rodriguez and his team are extremely professional, and effective. John fought for me and my family with a relentless passion and conviction. John kept me well informed walking with me through the whole process. In fact there were several of weekend nights that he would call to update me on my case. He always kept me feeling positive. I believe John Rodriguez is living out his calling in changing immigrant families lives and futures.He was able to vacate my criminal case. His hard work and dedication has made it possible for me to apply for my U.S citizenship and keep my family together. I am forever grateful to John Rodriguez and his team!!
Claudio C.
“I could not have asked for a better group of professionals to work with to get us through to the next stage in the process we cannot thank you enough.”
John, we cannot thank you and all of your team enough for the assistance you firm provided us. Olavo, Susan, Valeria, and you ensured all required requested documents for the processing of E.L and my fiance visa were collected and timely sent to USCIS. Within less than two weeks of submitting our response to the USCIS our case was approved and sent on to the NVC. I could not have asked for a better group of professionals to work with to get us through to the next stage in the process. We cannot thank you enough and look forward to meeting you and your team someday when we visit San Diego.
RK & EL
“The process was fast I’m thankful that they did everything for my case! I’m so happy, thank you again Mr. Rodriguez!”
Lawyer Rodriguez is the best he helped me a lot with my case. The process was fast I’m thankful that they did everything for my case! I’m so happy, thank you again Mr. Rodriguez!
Anibal Rodolfo
“I’m glad I chose to call Rodriguez Law Firm and have Mr. John Rodriguez work on my DUI case while other lawyers had told me it wasn’t going to be possible .”
It’s amazing! I’m glad I chose to call Rodriguez Law Firm and have Mr. John Rodriguez work on my DUI case while other lawyers had told me it wasn’t going to be possible and that I could be facing deportation due to that fact that I’m a DACA Recipient so I had little hopes considering this DUI was with a crash and an alcohol percent of .23 and DACA as well, But yet with the help of Mr. Rodriguez and how he was able to negotiate things he managed to get a wet wreck less which was something that I’m extremely pleased with, thanks to him it won’t affect my DACA and I have a second chance to do things right. I would highly recommend Rodriguez Law Firm they’re outstanding at what they do.
J. M.
“Highly, highly, highly recommend this great firm. Great experience from start to finish. My case was definitely tough and I’m beyond grateful they were able to answer all my questions.”
Highly, highly, highly recommend this great firm. Great experience from start to finish. My case was definitely tough and I’m beyond grateful they were able to answer all my questions. Would honestly give him a call and I’m sure him professional will win you over. Amy working near him is amazinggggggg she was so quick to answer all my questions. My case has finally been approved and they were able to notify me instantly before receiving it In mail which is amazing because it took a huge weight off my shoulders. Will definitely be coming back in the future. I appreciate your hard work guys.
D. V.
“Rodriguez law firm made it possible they won my case. Thank you for your hard work”
Rodriguez law firm are very professional. My case was a very difficult it had a 3% chance of success. Rodriguez law firm made it possible they won my case. Thank you for your hard work.
Jose Ruiz
“I cannot thank you enough John for your professionalism and dedication in fighting and helping win my case.”
Attorney John Rodriguez is a persistent lawyer who is dedicated to fighting your case to get you the best possible outcome. He certainly did for me! He called me at 11:30 pm on a Friday night to give me an update. I do not think there is another lawyer out there who would do this. I could not have received a better outcome in my case. After working with John and his team, I know that I made the best choice for myself. Should I need immigration or criminal representation in the future, John is the first person I would be calling. I cannot thank you enough John for your professionalism and dedication in fighting and helping win my case.
S. K.
“He was kind and empathetic to my husband's situation but also took the time to be honest and explain the risks.”
“This process took over a year because of the court's backlog but through it, all John stayed positive, kept us on track, and my family and I couldn't be more grateful and thankful for all of his hard work.”
