Philadelphia Citizenship Lawyer

Ready to Help You Become a U.S. Citizen in Philadelphia, PA!

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we understand that becoming a U.S. citizen can be a complex and stressful process. Our experienced team of Philadelphia citizenship lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the citizenship process, ensuring your rights are protected and your dreams of becoming a U.S. citizen are realized.

Call (215) 922-5354 or contact us online today to discuss your case. We provide services in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai!

What is U.S. Citizenship?

Citizenship in the United States is a legal status that grants individuals certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities within the country. It is the highest legal status a person can achieve in the United States and comes with both benefits and obligations.

Here are key aspects of U.S. citizenship:

• Rights and Privileges:
  • Right to Vote: U.S. citizens have the right to participate in federal, state, and local elections, including voting for the President and members of Congress.
  • Right to Work: Citizens can work in any job in the United States without restrictions based on immigration status.
  • Right to Travel: Citizens can freely travel in and out of the United States without the risk of being denied entry.
  • Right to Government Benefits: Citizens are eligible for certain government benefits and programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, that are not available to non-citizens.
  • Protection Against Deportation: Citizens cannot be deported from the United States, except in rare cases involving fraud or other misconduct during the naturalization process.
• Responsibilities:
  • Jury Duty: U.S. citizens can be called to serve on a jury in a court of law. This is a civic duty that helps ensure a fair judicial system.
  • Selective Service: Male citizens aged 18 to 25 are required to register for the Selective Service System, which maintains a list of potential draftees in case of a military draft.
  • Paying Taxes: All citizens, like all residents, are required to pay federal, state, and local taxes.
• Protection Under U.S. Law: Citizens are entitled to the full protection of U.S. laws, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They have access to the U.S. legal system to seek redress for grievances and protection of their rights.
• Participation in Civic Life: Citizens are encouraged to participate actively in their communities and government, whether through voting, running for public office, or engaging in civic organizations.
• Passport and International Representation: U.S. citizens can obtain a U.S. passport, which serves as an official travel document and provides protection and assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates when abroad.
• Right to Sponsor Family Members: Citizens have the right to petition for certain family members to obtain lawful permanent residence (green cards) in the United States.
• Eligibility for Government Jobs: Some government jobs, particularly those requiring security clearances, may have U.S. citizenship as a requirement.

How Do I Become a U.S. Citizen?

The most common ways to become a U.S. citizen include:

• Birth in the United States: If you are born within the territorial boundaries of the United States, you are automatically granted U.S. citizenship, regardless of your parents' immigration status. This is known as birthright citizenship.
• Birth to U.S. Citizens Abroad: If you were born to U.S. citizen parents while they were abroad, you may be eligible for U.S. citizenship. This typically requires one or both of your parents to be U.S. citizens and meet certain residency requirements.
• Derivative Citizenship: In some cases, a child may acquire U.S. citizenship automatically when their parent(s) naturalize as U.S. citizens. The child must typically be a permanent resident (green card holder) at the time the parent(s) become citizens and meet other eligibility criteria.
• Through U.S. Territories: Residents of certain U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, are considered U.S. nationals at birth and may later apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet specific requirements.
• Adoption by U.S. Citizens: Children adopted by U.S. citizen parents through a legal process may acquire U.S. citizenship. The adoption process must comply with U.S. immigration laws, and the child must meet eligibility criteria.
• Through Military Service: Members of the U.S. military, including those serving in the armed forces and certain branches of the U.S. government, may have expedited paths to U.S. citizenship if they meet specific criteria and requirements.

Why Choose Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A.?

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys has a proven track record of success in helping clients achieve their citizenship goals.

We understand that every case is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to every client we serve. Our Philadelphia citizenship lawyers take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our services to meet your specific needs. We also offer flexible payment options to ensure that our services are accessible to everyone who needs them.

If you are seeking U.S. citizenship in Philadelphia, don't hesitate to contact us today at (215) 922-5354.