Los Angeles Citizenship Lawyers
Take the Final Step in the Immigration Process
Case Results Contact Us Give Us a Call
Obtaining citizenship is a long journey, but one that will ultimately reward you with permanent residence in the U.S., the right to vote, and protection from deportation. While a green card can allow you indefinite residence in the country, it does not protect you from deportation after an arrest, nor will it help you expedite residency requests for extended family members.
Applying for citizenship can be a complex process. At the Law Firm of Anish Vashistha, APLC, our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles and the Bay Area can help you understand how the system works and guide you through every step.
We offer free initial phone consultations at our firm. Click here or give us a call at (877) 227-9714 for an appointment. We're located in Los Angeles and Fremont.
How to Become a Citizen
There are three ways to become a U.S. citizen if you were not born in the United States:
- Citizenship through naturalization- You may be able to naturalize as a U.S. citizen. Generally, you must be a Green-Card holder, also known as a Lawful Permanent Resident ("LPR") for at least five years to be eligible to apply for naturalization as a U.S. citizen, but there are exceptions wherein you may be eligible sooner than five years.
- Citizenship through transmission- You may already be a U.S. citizen even if not born in the U.S. but only if one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your birth. The U.S. Congress changes the transmission rules every so often and whether or not you are a citizen depends on the rules in effect at the time of your birth.
- Citizenship through acquisition- You may already be or may become a U.S. citizen through acquisition even if not born in the U.S. and even if neither of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth. Generally, if prior to your eighteenth birthday you become a Green-Card holder and your parents naturalize as U.S. citizens, then you will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
Learn About Your Eligibility for Citizenship Today
U.S. immigration laws are constantly changing, and the laws in place today may not necessarily apply to your situation. In many cases, the laws enacted when you arrived in the U.S. and registered as an immigrant will continue to serve as the guidelines for your immigration. Our leading attorney, Anish Vashistha, has been practicing in immigration law for years. Our team has comprehensive knowledge of both current and past immigration laws and can help you figure out what factors will impact your citizenship application.
Citizenship Blogs
- Naturalization-Residency Requirements: Knowing When You're Eligible
- Timing the Naturalization Application When There's Negative History
Click here or call (877) 227-9714 to book your free initial phone consultation with our firm. We also offer services in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Urdu. Do not hestiate to reach out.