Maryland Immigration Attorney

Immigration is defined as the entrance of a person into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important.

Naturalization is the process of granting nationality or citizenship to a foreign national who may or may not be a Permanent Resident of the United States at the time. It may be granted after voluntary application or through legislation, marriage to a citizen, or parental action. Qualifications for naturalization may include a minimum residency period, a minimum age, law-abiding character, good health, self-sufficiency, satisfactory knowledge of the new country, and willingness to give up one’s former nationality.

How do I become a naturalized citizen?
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through  the  normal naturalization process. People who are 18 years and older use the “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to become naturalized. Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the “Application for a Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to document their naturalization . Adopted children who acquired citizenship from parent(s) use the “Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child” (Form N-643) to document their naturalization.