Trusted Citizenship Lawyer: Navigate Naturalization with Confidence

Why should you get a citizenship lawyer? Becoming a U.S. citizen is more than paperwork—it’s a milestone that carries real weight. For many immigrants, it’s the final step in a long journey toward belonging, stability, and opportunity. But that step? It’s not always straightforward. From navigating residency requirements to proving moral character, the path to citizenship can feel like a maze of forms, interviews, and legal nuances. That’s where a professional citizenship lawyer comes in—not just to fill out applications, but to protect your future.

Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. It’s governed by federal law—specifically, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which outlines who qualifies, how long they must reside in the U.S., and what kind of conduct or history could make them ineligible.

But naturalization is just one path. U.S. citizenship can also be acquired automatically at birth or derived through a parent under certain circumstances. Each pathway is distinct in its requirements—and each has its own legal hurdles.

The most common route to U.S. citizenship is through naturalization. To be eligible, you must generally be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years—or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen. You’ll also need to demonstrate continuous residence, physical presence in the U.S., and proficiency in English and U.S. civics.

For many military members, the timeline can be shortened. Military service may allow you to apply more quickly or even waive certain fees and requirements, recognizing your service as a unique contribution to the nation.

Being married to a U.S. citizen can speed up the process—but it’s not automatic. USCIS closely examines the legitimacy of the marriage and may require additional documentation to verify it’s not simply for immigration benefits. Timelines differ, but qualified applicants can often file after three years of residency, provided they’ve lived in marital union with their U.S. citizen spouse.

Not all citizenship paths require a formal application. Some individuals acquire citizenship at birth if one or both parents are U.S. citizens, even if the birth occurred outside the U.S. Others derive citizenship later in life—usually before age 18—when a parent naturalizes and legal custody is established. These scenarios are less about personal applications and more about proving legal facts, which often require documentation and legal insight.

Eligibility for naturalization depends on several key factors:

• • Residency Duration: Typically five years as a lawful permanent resident—or three years if married to a citizen.
  • Legal Status: Continuous and lawful residency is a must. Gaps in presence or unauthorized stays may jeopardize eligibility.
  • Moral Character: This is where things can get complicated.

USCIS evaluates an applicant’s “good moral character” over the statutory period, usually the last five years. What qualifies? Generally, it means no serious criminal convictions, no fraud in immigration history, and a track record of law-abiding behavior. But some gray areas—like past arrests, tax issues, or unpaid child support—can raise flags.

One of the most common barriers to citizenship is a criminal record. Even minor offenses—especially those involving theft, violence, or controlled substances—can create serious delays or outright denials. USCIS looks beyond just convictions, considering patterns of behavior and honesty during the process.

Good moral character is a legal standard that’s not always intuitive. For example, failing to register for Selective Service (if required), lying on a form, or not paying taxes can be disqualifying—even if there’s no criminal charge involved. That’s why many applicants turn to legal professionals before applying, especially if they have any concerns about past conduct.

A skilled immigration attorney can turn uncertainty into clarity—and fear into forward motion. Attorneys help ensure that every piece of the application is complete and accurate, identify potential red flags before USCIS does, and provide representation if complications arise.

That’s where Susan Han Law Firm stands out. With a focused commitment to immigration law and a track record as a successful citizenship lawyer, Susan Han brings not just legal expertise, but a real understanding of how personal and emotional this journey can be.

Susan Han has built a strong reputation across Maryland, especially in Baltimore, where she’s helped hundreds of permanent residents achieve their goal of becoming U.S. citizens. Her clients range from newlyweds navigating marriage-based applications to long-term green card holders facing complications due to past legal issues.

She doesn’t just handle the paperwork—she prepares clients for interviews, helps gather critical documentation, and offers strategic advice when issues arise. In Baltimore, where immigration services can feel overwhelming or impersonal, Susan Han’s approach is refreshingly personal and effective.

The journey to U.S. citizenship is too important to leave to guesswork. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve hit a roadblock in the naturalization process, the right legal guidance can make all the difference. From navigating the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act to defending your case based on good moral character, a trusted immigration attorney like Susan Han brings clarity, confidence, and care to every step.

Thinking about your next step? Don’t go it alone. Reach out to a professional who knows the process—and knows how to stand by your side through it.