Los Angeles and Fullerton Lawyers Advocating for You Throughout the Citizenship and Naturalization Process
Through naturalization, permanent residents in the country can gain the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. This gives them the right to vote, to receive government benefits and to travel without losing their residency status, among other benefits.
However, the process can be complicated, involving strict eligibility requirements and changing government policies. This is where our lawyers at the Law Offices of Gita B. Kapur and Associates step in. Since 2006, we have been helping numerous residents and their families across California process their citizenship. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law, and we know how to use it for the benefit of your case.
The Benefits of Naturalization
While there’s no requirement for a lawful permanent resident to become a U.S. citizen in order to live and work in the country, there are many compelling benefits to citizenship. These include:
- The right to vote in federal, state and local elections
- The ability to run for public office, serve on a federal jury and apply for a job in government agencies
- Freedom to travel internationally without the risk of losing residency status
- Issuance of a U.S. passport
- The right to receive certain government benefits and federal grants
- The ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent resident status
If you have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for five years, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization. If you obtained your residency status through marriage to a U.S. citizen, this period can be shortened to three years.
Recent Updates to the Naturalization Process
The policies and procedures regarding U.S. citizenship are constantly evolving. Our attorneys stay current on these developments to help our clients in the most efficient and stress-free way possible. As of 2025, the most crucial updates to the naturalization process include:
- Longer processing times: While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strives to streamline operations, many applicants may experience longer processing times for naturalization applications. Patience and meticulous preparation are crucial. Our team will help you submit a complete and accurate application from the outset, which can help minimize potential delays.
- Stricter background checks: The USCIS may be more rigorous in screening applicants. This can include looking into one’s social media history and accounts. Any inconsistencies, prior legal issues or past immigration violations can lead to further questioning during your interview or slow down your case.
- Updated Form N-400: USCIS continually updates its forms, including the Form N-400, “Application for Naturalization.” They released a new version of the form in early 2025. Using the most current version is crucial, and filing an outdated form can lead to rejection or significant delays. Our lawyers will review your application to ensure it meets all current USCIS requirements.
Applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization is a big step, so it helps to confirm your eligibility with an immigration attorney before going through the process. Even if you meet the five-year or three-year lawful residency period, you may still not be eligible for naturalization if you have a past criminal conviction or have spent too much time outside the U.S. Our lawyers at the Law Offices of Gita B. Kapur and Associates can assess your qualifications and address any potential challenges before you apply.
The Growing Risk of Denaturalization in 2026
U.S. citizenship is generally permanent, but the government can try to take it away through a federal court process called denaturalization when it claims naturalization was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact. Under the current Trump administration, internal guidance and news reports indicate a major expansion of denaturalization enforcement, with USCIS reportedly directed to identify roughly 100–200 potential denaturalization cases per month for the Department of Justice starting in 2026.
These cases are brought in U.S. District Court – not immigration court – and often involve complex allegations based on old applications, prior arrests, or alleged omissions uncovered through new data-sharing and file reviews. A denaturalization case can expose a person to loss of citizenship, removal, and serious collateral consequences for family members, so getting experienced federal-court counsel involved as early as possible is often the most effective way to protect your rights.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Connect With Us Today.
The path to U.S. citizenship is a significant one, and we understand the dreams and aspirations that drive our clients. At the Law Offices of Gita B. Kapur and Associates, we provide dedicated legal support to individuals throughout Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Orange County.
We believe everyone deserves exceptional representation. Our immigration legal services are competitively priced, and we offer payment plans to qualifying clients. We also speak a variety of languages to ensure clear communication and ease the process for our clients, including Spanish, Zapotec, Korean, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Urdu.
Schedule a consultation with one of your attorneys today. Call us at 213-784-6598 or fill out our contact form.