NATURALIZATION
At Kennedy Law, we guide clients to U.S. citizenship through naturalization, providing clear guidance, thorough legal analysis, and a complete review of your immigration history to avoid costly mistakes.
Naturalization Safety Review
- The right time to identify a naturalization problem is before USCIS does. Naturalization is often the first time USCIS takes a fresh look at years-old immigration filings. Kennedy Law helps applicants identify potential issues, assess risk before filing, and develop strategies for challenging cases Read: The Naturalization Interview That Puts a Green Card at Risk
Already a U.S. Citizen?
- You may already be a U.S. citizen. If you have a U.S. citizen parent—or had one before you turned 18—citizenship may have passed to you automatically. Derivative and acquired citizenship, including citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act, involve the recognition and documentation of citizenship that vests automatically by operation of law when statutory conditions are met. See our Citizenship page covering Acquired & Derived Citizenship.
Kennedy Law – OUR APPROACH
CLEAR GUIDANCE, LASTING RESULTS
Naturalization is the legal process through which an individual affirmatively seeks U.S. citizenship.
We believe U.S. citizenship is more than a legal status—it is a milestone with lasting legal consequences that warrants careful preparation. At Kennedy Law, we guide clients through naturalization and derivative citizenship matters with clarity and precision. Clients work directly with their attorney, receive timely and clear communication throughout the process, and can proceed with confidence that their case is being handled carefully and thoroughly.
- We evaluate eligibility, prepare clients for interviews when required, and address legal or factual complexities that could affect the outcome.
- At Kennedy Law, we ensure you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the most effective path forward.
- Every case is handled with careful legal analysis, a thorough review of your immigration history, and a clear plan to avoid costly mistakes.
Benefits of Citizenship
- Protection from deportation
- Ability to petition for spouses, children, parents, and siblings
- Priority in bringing minor children to the U.S.
- Your children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents may automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize.
- Eligibility for government jobs & higher pay
- Freedom to travel without restrictions
- Ability to vote in U.S elections
- Access to U.S. passports and consular support abroad
Naturalization
WHO CAN APPLY FOR NATURALIZATION?
You may qualify for naturalization if you:
- Have held a green card for 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Can demonstrate “good moral character” (GMC) during the statutory period and up to the oath; USCIS now applies a “rigorous, holistic” evaluation that weighs both negative conduct and positive factors (community service, caregiving, tax compliance, stable work, education).
- Can pass the English and civics tests (unless exempt)
- Are at least 18 years old
COMMON COMPLICATIONS WE SOLVE
- Extended travel abroad affecting continuous residence
- Criminal records, even expunged or dismissed charges
- Tax issues or failure to register for Selective Service
- Voting/registration issues and any prior false claim to U.S. citizenship
- Inconsistent prior immigration filings or misrepresentation concerns
- Conditional residency or expired green cards
- English/civics test exemptions based on age or disability
N-648 MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS OF ENGLISH/CIVICS
- Applicants with a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that prevents them from meeting the English and/or civics requirement may qualify for a medical exemption.
- We prepare these waivers in close coordination with a licensed medical professional to ensure accuracy and completeness.
CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE & PHYSICAL PRESENCE
To qualify, applicants must:
- Maintain their primary residence in the U.S. for the required period (5 years or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time
- Live in the USCIS district where filing for at least 3 months before applying
Extended Travel Abroad
- Trips over 6 months may disrupt continuous residence unless you can prove strong ties to the U.S.
- Trips of 1 year or more generally break continuous residence unless you have a reentry permit or qualify for a limited waiver (e.g., certain employment abroad for a qualifying U.S. entity)
GOOD MORAL CHARACTER (GMC) Review
Applicants must demonstrate good moral character during the statutory period (typically 3–5 years).
Kennedy Law provides a comprehensive eligibility review to identify and address issues that may affect GMC. We evaluate arrests, citations, immigration fraud or misrepresentation risks, voter registration or ballot activity, tax compliance, child support, and controlled-substance issues (including paraphernalia) that can impact eligibility.
2025 POLICY UPDATES AFFECTING GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
- Holistic review. USCIS now evaluates good moral character under the totality of the circumstances, weighing both positive equities and any negative conduct, rather than relying on a checklist.
- Unlawful voting / false claims. USCIS guidance emphasizes that unlawful voting or a false claim to U.S. citizenship can bar GMC and may result in issuance of a Notice to Appear. Applicants should not register or vote unless clearly eligible.
- Field inquiries. USCIS has indicated that in-person field inquiries may resume in certain cases to verify eligibility and character, including home or workplace verification.
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Kennedy Law, LLC
1 Research Court, Ste. 450, Rockville, MD, USA. TK@KennedyVisas.com
Copyright © 2025 Kennedy Law, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: This website provides general information about immigration rules and eligibility. It is not legal advice, tax advice, or a substitute for individualized consultation. Immigration outcomes depend on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your case, schedule a consultation with Kennedy Law.
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