Permanent Citizenship Lawyer in Dallas, TX
Becoming a U.S. citizen is the last step of a long journey, and it is worth getting right. Naturalization, what many people call permanent citizenship, gives you the right to vote, a U.S. passport, protection from deportation, and the ability to sponsor family members for green cards. But the application is more than a form, one wrong answer about travel, taxes, or a past arrest can turn a routine case into a denial. At Escoto Law, our Dallas citizenship lawyers make sure your case is prepared correctly and that nothing in your history catches you by surprise. We work in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español.
Permanent citizenship, naturalization, and permanent residence
People searching for a permanent citizenship lawyer usually mean one of two things, and the
difference matters.
Naturalization is the process a green card holder goes through to become a U.S. citizen. Once
granted, citizenship is permanent. It cannot expire and, in ordinary circumstances, cannot be
taken awvay. That is what most people are describing when they say permanent citizenship.
Lawful permanent residence is the green card stage that comes before it. It is permanent in
the sense that it does not expire the way a visa does, but it can be lost through long absences,
certain criminal issues, or abandonment of residence.
If you are not sure which stage you are at, that is exactly what a consultation is for. We will tell
you where you stand and what the next step is.
Are you eligible to naturalize?
Most applicants qualify by holding a green card for a set period and meeting a handful of
requirements. In general, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for five years, or three years if you are
married to and living with a U.S. citizen - Show continuous residence and physical presence in the United States (generally 30 of
the last 60 months, or 18 of 36 if applying through a citizen spouse) - Demonstrate good moral character
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English and pass the U.S. civics test, unless you
qualify for an exemption or a medical disability waiver
Some people are already citizens without realizing it, through a parent, and need proof of
citizenship rather than naturalization. We check that first, because it can save you the entire
process.
The naturalization process
- File Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, with the supporting documents
- Biometrics, fingerprints and a photo at a USCIS Application Support Center near Dallas.
- The interview, usually at the Dallas USCIS field office, where an officer reviews your application and administers the English and civics tests.
- The decision, approval, a request for more evidence, or a denial you may be able to appeal.
- The Oath of Allegiance ceremony, where you officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Timelines shift with USCIS workload, but the process commonly runs somewhere between eight months and well over a year. In your consultation we will give you a realistic estimate for your case rather than a generic one.
When citizenship is not simple
Plenty of naturalization cases are straightforward. Some are not, and those are the ones where a lawyer earns their keep:
- A long trip abroad that may break continuous residence
- A past arrest, citation, or criminal record
- Unpaid taxes, missed child support, or a prior immigration issue
- A prior misrepresentation on an immigration form
- A disability that makes the English or civics test difficult (we can pursue an N-648 medical waiver)
If any of these apply to you, do not file blind. We will assess the risk before anything goes to USCIS, because a denial can create bigger problems than the one you started with.
Serving Dallas
and clients nationwide
We are based in Dallas and represent clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and all of Texas. Because immigration is federal, we also take cases nationwide, with much of the process handled remotely. Call to schedule your consultation today. Hablamos Español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is permanent citizenship the same as naturalization?
In everyday use, yes. Naturalization is the legal process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen, and once you are a citizen, that status is permanent. What it is not is the same as permanent residence, which is the green card stage that comes before it.
How long do I have to have a green card before I can apply for citizenship?
Five years as a lawful permanent resident, or three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen the whole time. You can generally file up to 90 days before you hit that mark. We confirm your exact eligibility date so you do not file too early and get denied.
Do I have to take a test?
Most applicants take an English reading and writing test and a U.S. civics test at the interview. There are exemptions based on age and years as a resident, and a medical disability waiver (Form N-648) for qualifying conditions. We will tell you which rules apply to you and help you prepare.
Can a criminal record stop me from becoming a citizen?
It can. Some offenses affect good moral character or even raise deportation risk, so an old arrest is worth reviewing before you file, not after. Bring any court records to your consultation and we will assess how they affect your case.
What happens if my application is denied?
You have the right to request a hearing to review the decision, and often the denial comes down to a fixable issue like a residency or testing requirement. We identify why it was denied and whether to appeal or refile.
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship?
The United States permits dual citizenship. Whether your home country does is up to that country’s law. We can talk through the implications for your situation.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes. We serve clients fully in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español.