Dallas Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

Dallas Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys With 50+ Years of Experience

With more than 50 years of experience and a team of over 60 knowledgeable attorneys and legal professionals, Spar & Bernstein provides trusted guidance for those in the Dallas area navigating the citizenship and naturalization process.

We understand every detail of the legal requirements, paperwork, and interview preparation involved. From filing your application to representing you at your immigration interview, we’re by your side every step of the way.

Our goal is to make the process of becoming a U.S. citizen as smooth and stress-free as possible for individuals and families throughout Dallas.

Why Hire a Dallas Citizenship Attorney From Spar & Bernstein?

At Spar & Bernstein, our experienced citizenship and naturalization lawyers have helped more than 100,000 individuals obtain immigration benefits across the United States.

For those living in Dallas, our compassionate legal team offers personalized support—preparing all required forms, reviewing your documents, and ensuring everything is ready for submission to USCIS. We work to eliminate potential issues that could delay or prevent your path to U.S. citizenship.

Naturalization vs. Citizenship: What Dallas Applicants Should Know

For applicants in Dallas, understanding the difference between citizenship and naturalization is important before beginning the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

You may already be a U.S. citizen if:

• You were born in the U.S. and qualify for birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States… are citizens of the United States.”
• You were born abroad to one or two U.S. citizen parents. Depending on the year you were born, your parents may have needed to meet physical presence requirements in the U.S. before your birth.
• You automatically derived citizenship through a parent’s naturalization.
• If you were born outside the U.S. and, before turning 18, were living as a lawful permanent resident in the legal and physical custody of a parent who became a naturalized U.S. citizen after your birth, you may have acquired citizenship automatically (especially after February 27, 2001).
• If you were born before that date, different — often more restrictive — rules may apply.

For Dallas residents, determining whether you already have citizenship through your parents can be complex. Our team can help assess your situation and guide you through the process.

If you did not acquire citizenship automatically, you may need to go through naturalization—the legal process through which lawful permanent residents in Dallas become U.S. citizens by meeting requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Citizenship Prequisites for Residents in Dallas

If you live in Dallas and are applying for citizenship through naturalization, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Have a Green Card that proves you are a lawful permanent resident
• Show continuous permanent residence in the U.S. for at least five years (If you’re married to a U.S. citizen and living in a genuine marriage for three years, the requirement is reduced to three years)
• Prove that you’ve been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 out of the last 60 months (18 out of 36 months if applying through a U.S. citizen spouse)
• Show that you’ve lived in Illinois — particularly in Dallas or within the local USCIS jurisdiction — for a minimum of three months
• Demonstrate good moral character during the relevant period (five years or three if married to a citizen)
• Be committed to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
• Be able to speak, read, and write basic English
• Understand the fundamentals of U.S. history and government
• Be prepared to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

At Spar & Bernstein, we help Dallas applicants determine eligibility and guide them through each step of the naturalization process.

Naturalization Process for Dallas Residents

If you’re a lawful permanent resident living in Dallas and ready to become a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to go through the naturalization process. Below is an overview of the key steps involved:

1. Obtain a Green Card (lawful permanent residency) if you haven’t already
2. Complete Form N-400, the official Application for Naturalization
3. Submit Form N-400 along with the required supporting documents to USCIS
4. Receive a receipt notice from USCIS, confirming your application is being processed
5. If you may qualify through your parents, file Form N-600 to request a Certificate of Citizenship
6. Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center near Dallas
7. Take part in an in-person naturalization interview with a USCIS officer, often at the Dallas field office
8. Wait for USCIS to issue its decision on your application
9. Receive Form N-445, the notice for your Naturalization Oath Ceremony
10. Attend your ceremony in Dallas and take the Oath of Allegiance

Each step requires attention to detail and accurate documentation. Working with a citizenship attorney can help you avoid delays and improve your chances of a smooth approval process.