Immigration-Only Attorneys Serving Salem, Oregon, & the Pacific Northwest Since 2009
For many immigrants, U.S. citizenship represents the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and commitment to building a life in America. The rights and opportunities it unlocks are significant, but so are the steps required to get there. The naturalization process is governed by strict eligibility rules, and a single error or omission on the N-400 application can cause delays or trigger a denial.
At Affordable Immigration, we’ve guided clients through every stage of the naturalization process since our founding in 2009. Immigration law is all we do. We don’t take other types of cases. Our team brings more than 50 years of combined practice experience to every matter we handle. We’re admitted to practice in federal immigration courts, including both USCIS matters and U.S. Department of State matters, and we’ve helped thousands of clients across Oregon and Washington, including the Salem and Woodburn areas, pursue their path to citizenship.
We offer free initial consultations, virtual appointments, and service in Spanish.
Permanent residency: You must have held lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Continuous residence: You must have lived continuously in the U.S. throughout your lawful permanent residency period. Absences of more than six months can disrupt continuous residence and affect eligibility.
Physical presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last five years, or 18 months out of the last three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Good moral character: USCIS evaluates compliance with U.S. laws and ethical conduct over the qualifying residency period.
State residency: You must have resided in the state or USCIS district where you’re applying for at least three months.
English ability: You must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
Civics knowledge: You must pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government.
What Happens If a Naturalization Application Is Denied?
A denial doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. Understanding why applications are denied and what options remain can help you respond effectively.
Common reasons for denial include:
Insufficient English proficiency: Failing the English portion of the USCIS interview can result in denial, though applicants may be eligible to retest.
Failure of the civics test: Applicants who don’t pass may be scheduled for a second attempt before a final decision is issued.
Lack of continuous residence: Extended absences from the U.S. during the qualifying period can disrupt continuous residence and lead to denial.
Criminal history or moral character findings: A history involving crimes of moral turpitude or other conduct that reflects poorly on good moral character can result in an unfavorable decision.
After a denial, applicants generally have several options:
Form N-336 appeal: Applicants may request a hearing on the denial using Form N-336, with a hearing typically scheduled within 180 days.
Motion to reopen: If new evidence is available that wasn’t part of the original record, a motion to reopen may be filed with USCIS.
Motion to reconsider: If the law was misapplied to your case, a motion to reconsider asks USCIS to review the legal basis of its decision.
Refiling: In some cases, applicants can address the underlying issue and refile the application.
Having a naturalization attorney present at the USCIS interview can help you respond to questions accurately and work through concerns before they become grounds for denial. If you’ve already received a denial, our team can review your case and help identify a path forward based on your circumstances.
Over 50 Years of Combined Immigration Experience at Your Service at (971) 308-5892
“I was a stranger, and you took me in… then the righteous answered him, saying Lord… when saw we thee a stranger and took thee in?
Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
- Matthew 25:36-40
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These are the words that best describe Affordable Immigration. Their staff is amazing (Veronica is just awesome and inspiring) and the attorney, Steve Milller, is so knowledgeable and has such a calm and warm demeanor that makes you feel SAFE throughout
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The naturalization process involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail and adherence to USCIS requirements.
Determine eligibility: Confirm that you meet all necessary criteria, including residency duration, age, language ability, and good moral character.
Complete Form N-400: This is the primary application for naturalization. Accurate, complete information is essential, and errors or omissions can cause delays.
Attend the biometrics appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll receive a notice scheduling a biometrics appointment, where fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature are collected for a background check.
Processing timelines vary and can range from several months to two or more years depending on your case and the USCIS service center handling it. Working with a naturalization lawyer in Salem can help you handle each step carefully and minimize the risk of unnecessary delays.
Establishing U.S. Citizenship for Children Born Abroad
The CRBA and Form N-600 are the two primary documents used to establish U.S. citizenship for children born outside the United States or who acquired citizenship through a parent.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a document issued by the U.S. Department of State that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents.
Eligibility: At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth and must meet specific residency or physical presence requirements.
Application process: Parents apply for a CRBA at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born, submitting proof of the parent’s citizenship, the child’s birth, and the parental relationship.
Purpose: The CRBA can establish the child’s U.S. citizenship and can be used to obtain a U.S. passport and other official documents.
Completing the CRBA process promptly after a child’s birth can help avoid complications when proving citizenship later in life. Parents should keep multiple certified copies on hand for use across various official contexts.
Form N-600: Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Eligibility: The N-600 is for individuals who automatically acquired or derived citizenship through a parent, either at birth or before age 18, including children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents or children who became citizens when a parent naturalized.
Application process: Applicants file the N-600 with USCIS and must provide evidence of their citizenship claim, including the parent’s citizenship status, the applicant’s birth certificate, and proof of the parent-child relationship.
Purpose: An approved N-600 results in a Certificate of Citizenship that serves as official proof of U.S. citizenship for legal and administrative purposes.
For individuals who can’t establish citizenship through a CRBA, the N-600 is often the critical next step. Accurate, thorough preparation can help avoid delays and support a complete submission.
Naturalization unlocks rights and opportunities that aren’t available to permanent residents. Here’s what citizenship makes possible:
Voting rights: U.S. citizens can vote in local, state, and federal elections, giving them a direct voice in the democratic process.
Federal employment eligibility: Many federal government positions are reserved for U.S. citizens, opening access to careers with competitive pay and job security.
U.S. passport: A U.S. passport enables international travel and access to consular support at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to many countries.
Protection from deportation: U.S. citizenship generally protects against removal, allowing you to live and work in the United States without the limitations that apply to permanent residents.
Sponsoring family members: Citizens can sponsor family members, including spouses and children, for permanent residency. Immediate relative visas for citizens aren’t subject to annual quotas, making the family reunification process faster than it is for green card holders.
Federal benefits: Citizens may qualify for Medicare, Social Security, and federal financial aid for education.
Scholarships and grants: Many scholarships and educational funding opportunities are available only to U.S. citizens, expanding options for higher education and career development.
Beyond these tangible benefits, citizenship opens the door to fuller participation in public life, including holding public office and serving on a jury, and creates a foundation of opportunity that extends to your children and future generations.
Your Naturalization Attorney in Salem
At Affordable Immigration, we can walk you through each step of the naturalization process, help you gather the required documentation, prepare you for the USCIS interview and civics test, and address any issues that arise along the way.
Immigration-Only Focus & Experience
Founded in 2009 by Attorney Steve Richard Miller, our firm focuses solely on immigration law. We don’t handle other types of cases. That single-practice focus means every member of our team is oriented toward immigration matters rather than divided across unrelated work. With more than 50 years of combined practice experience, thousands of cases handled, and admission to practice in federal immigration courts, we bring real depth to every naturalization matter we take on. We were also voted Best Immigration Law Firm in 2022 by BestoftheWillametteValley.com, and Attorney Miller serves on the Marion County Human Trafficking Task Force.
Accessible Representation & Client Services
We keep our rates competitive because we believe quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone, not just those with substantial resources. As a faith-based law firm, we approach every client relationship with genuine care for the person behind the case. We offer free initial consultations, virtual appointments, and service in Spanish.
