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New York Naturalization Attorneys
Criminal Defense & Immigration Representation in Nassau County
Becoming a United States Citizen is an important personal milestone, but the process can be daunting; especially if you have a criminal record or past violations. At Mazzei & Polk, LLC, we understand how such challenges can complicate your path to U.S. citizenship. Even minor infractions or misunderstandings in your background can lead to delays, denials, or further legal complications, especially if not properly addressed. That’s why having an experienced attorney by your side is invaluable in helping you achieve your goals.
The naturalization process involves a detailed scrutiny of your background and history, including time spent abroad. Even seemingly small issues may raise concerns with immigration officers. Our attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of this process, helping proactively address potential red flags. With many years of experience in both immigration law and criminal defense, we help our clients present the strongest possible case to USCIS, minimizing risks while maximizing chances of success.
The Law Office of Mazzei & Polk, LLC prioritizes your future. Whether it’s explaining how your record impacts your immigration application or developing a tailored strategy to work toward overcoming obstacles, we can support you. Our goal is to provide clarity, reassurance, and if possible, solutions, so you can move forward confidently on your path to citizenship.
Call (516) 461-3148 or contact our New York naturalization lawyers online to schedule an initial consultation.
Qualifying for United States Citizenship
The final step in the immigration process, becoming a United States Citizen, or naturalizing as it is also known, can be a complex process.
Before you can be eligible for Naturalization (U.S. citizenship), you must first become a legal permanent resident ("Green Card" holder). After becoming a "Green Card" holder, you must also maintain that status for 3 years (if you obtained your "Green Card" through marriage to a U.S. Citizen), or 5 years for all other categories.
It is not automatic to receive U.S. citizenship except for limited circumstances.
Filing for Naturalization involves utilizing form N-400 and including supporting documentation. The form can be complex and is very detailed. There is also the requirement of an in-person interview with USCIS where a test of the written and spoken English language proficiency will be issued, as well as the issuance of a civics test.
Before you can start the naturalization process, with very few exceptions, there are specific requirements involving many things, including continuous presence, physical presence, trips outside the USA, and good moral character (where arrests and convictions become relevant).
If you are not sure whether you qualify, our attorneys at Mazzei & Polk, LLC can review your situation and determine your eligibility.
Why choose Mazzei & Polk, LLC?
Trust, Communication, Results
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Proactive Guidance
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Personalized Approach
Every client’s situation is unique. We take the time to understand your story and tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs.
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Clear Communication
We prioritize keeping you informed at every stage of your case, answering your questions promptly and ensuring you feel confident in the process.
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Trustworthy Advocacy
Your concerns are our concerns. We work diligently to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
Navigating the Naturalization Process
Once you qualify for naturalization, you can begin the application process. If you are eager to get started, note that you can submit your paperwork in the 90-day window before you complete the applicable mandatory waiting period. But any earlier than that, and your application will be rejected. Even if it is just one day early.
You should make every effort to ensure that your naturalization application is completed fully and accurately. Any mistakes or omissions could lead to lengthy processing delays or the rejection of your application. Our team at Mazzei & Polk, LLC can ensure your application is completed correctly the first time.
After filing your paperwork, USCIS will reach out to schedule a biometrics appointment, at this appointment, your fingerprints and other identifying information will be used to complete a background check.
Most naturalization applicants will need to wait many months before an interview is scheduled, though processing times can vary and often do change in either direction with a new administration or when a new President is elected.
As previously discussed, once your application is processed, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview, where testing will be conducted. One part of the citizenship test will assess your ability to speak, read, and write in English. The interview itself will be conducted in English, and you will need to be able to sufficiently understand and respond to the immigration officer’s questions. You will also need to successfully write one of three sentences that will be spoken aloud in English and successfully read aloud one of three sentences written in English. These sentences are not typically complex, and USCIS offers a list of vocabulary words that may appear. Some people may be able to have this requirement waived in limited circumstances.
The other part of the naturalization exam tests your knowledge of basic U.S. history and government processes. You will be given 10 questions from a pool of 100 and must answer at least 6 correctly. You can review all 100 potential questions in advance. Some people may be able to have this requirement waived in limited circumstances.
If you do not initially pass every component, you will have a second chance to retake the components you did not pass at a later date, typically within 90 days. Your naturalization application will be denied if you do not pass after a second attempt.
We can help you prepare for the naturalization exam, which is not designed to be tricky or difficult, but still may lead to anxiety. Relaxed testing requirements, including exemptions from portions of the exam, are also available to certain applicants depending upon age, length of residency and/or whether any medical, mental, emotional disabilities exist.
For a medical exemption to be granted, there must be a Medical Certification for Disability Exemptions form filled out by a physician. This must be filled out on form N-648, must be filed with the N-400, and must have been completed within 180 days prior to filing the application.
Once you successfully pass all components of the naturalization interview and exam, the immigration officer will likely approve your application. However, even then, you are not a citizen quite yet. You become a U.S. citizen (and begin to enjoy the privileges that come with it) after taking the Oath of Allegiance during a formal ceremony. You will receive the time, date, and location of your ceremony by mail in the days, weeks, or even months after your successful in-person interview.
