Help Becoming a New York Permanent Resident

To become a lawful permanent resident in New York, people must meet multiple criteria. New York permanent residents have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. However, they do not enjoy all of the rights they would if they become naturalized U.S. citizens, including the right to vote, hold office, and others. Once someone has obtained lawful permanent residency and a green card, they can then apply to become naturalized U.S. citizens once they meet additional criteria, including a waiting period, passing civics and language exams, and more. Recently, the New York immigration lawyers at Pozo Goldstein were proud to help a woman successfully pass her naturalization interview after previously helping her obtain status as a lawful permanent resident, so she can be sworn in as a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Woman Approved to Become Naturalized U.S. Citizen With the Help of Pozo Goldstein

The New York immigration lawyers at Pozo Goldstein were proud to attend a woman’s naturalization interview on Sept. 15, 2022. The woman, who is from Nicaragua, has been represented by our firm since 2017. We previously helped her achieve lawful status as a New York permanent resident and helped her prepare for the naturalization process. The woman was approved to become a naturalized U.S. citizen following her interview and will be sworn in on the same day, allowing her all of the rights afforded to citizens.

Lawful Permanent Residence

People from other countries who want to become lawful permanent U.S. residents by obtaining a green card must undergo a competitive and difficult process. While there are several ways to secure a green card, people need to get help from an experienced New York immigration lawyer at Pozo Goldstein. There are different types of family-based immigration visas, employment immigration visas, and refugee immigration visas that can allow you to obtain a green card. However, each of the various types of immigrant visas has specific criteria that must be met before they will be approved. People might receive conditional green cards based on marriage or other factors that last for two years before a permanent resident visa is issued.

Because of the complex process involved with becoming a lawful permanent resident, it is a good idea for prospective immigrants to retain an experienced New York immigration lawyer at Pozo Goldstein. Our attorneys can help you understand the various ways you might secure a green card and the best option for you to pursue. We can also help you gather all of the supporting documents you need and prepare your petition correctly to increase your chances of approval.

Naturalization Process

People who want to become U.S. citizens have several ways to obtain citizenship. Those who are born in the U.S. automatically become U.S. citizens by birth. Some people born outside of the U.S. might also become citizens by deriving citizenship from their parents who are also U.S. citizens. Another way to become a U.S. citizen is to go through the naturalization process. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years
• Have a good moral character
• Can write, read, and speak English
• Have remained physically present in the U.S. for the past five years
• Understand the U.S. government and history

If you meet the criteria, you can submit a petition to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. You will have to take and pass English and U.S. civics examinations. Once you do, you will have to complete a naturalization interview. If you pass the interview and exams, you can then be sworn in as a naturalized U.S. citizen at a naturalization ceremony.

Talk to a New York Immigration Lawyer

The processes involved with obtaining a green card and then becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen are complex. If you are wanting to get a green card or become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should choose an attorney who has substantial experience helping people achieve their immigration goals like the attorneys at Pozo Goldstein. We have helped many people achieve their dreams of becoming lawful permanent residents and naturalized U.S. citizens and can help you understand the process. Call us for a free consultation at (212) 201-9031.