Immigration services
US Citizenship Lawyer in Houston, TX
4.9 from 260 Google reviews Hablamos Español
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone that opens doors to new rights and opportunities. If you hold a green card and want to apply for naturalization, a Houston citizenship lawyer at Herrera Law Firm can help. We check your eligibility, prepare your application and get you ready for the interview and the test.
Our team works in English and Spanish and builds a legal plan around your situation. To talk about your case, call (832) 533-2228 or request a citizenship consultation.
What U.S. citizenship and naturalization mean
Citizens of the United States are all people born or naturalized in the United States. Almost all people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:
- By birth within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents
- By naturalization
The naturalization process has several critical steps, from confirming your eligibility to preparing for the test and interview. Immigration policies change and the requirements are complex, so a knowledgeable citizenship attorney can make a real difference.
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization offers advantages beyond permanent residency:
- Voting rights in local, state and federal elections
- Travel flexibility with a U.S. passport and no residency requirements
- Family reunification with priority processing for relatives
- Protection from deportation and removal proceedings
- Federal employment opportunities and government benefits
- Full civic participation in American society
Our Houston immigration lawyers will help you understand these benefits and decide if naturalization is the right step for you.
Who can apply for naturalization
U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs, or green card holders) may file Form N-400, the naturalization application, to become U.S. citizens. When you can file depends on your situation:
- If you have been married to a U.S. citizen for three years, you can file three years after obtaining LPR status.
- If not, most of the time you have to wait until five years after obtaining LPR status.
- Most applicants can apply ninety days before their three or five year anniversary.
To receive citizenship, permanent residents also have to meet these requirements:
- Show that they have “good moral character”
- Have been physically present in the U.S. for no less than 2 1/2 years since acquiring LPR status (or 1 1/2 years if applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen)
- In most cases, pass tests that show an ability to read, write and speak no less than 4th grade-level English
- In most cases, show a fundamental understanding of U.S. history and civics
You may not be sure that you meet these requirements. Our citizenship lawyers and green card attorneys will review your circumstances and identify the challenges or exemptions that may apply.
Special pathways to U.S. citizenship
Beyond the standard naturalization process, several special pathways to U.S. citizenship may apply to your situation. We can help determine if you qualify for one of them.
Citizenship through parents. A child born outside the U.S. may be a U.S. citizen if one or both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of birth. Other requirements must also be met. A child born in a different country may also obtain citizenship after birth if one of their parents becomes a U.S. citizen before the child’s eighteenth birthday.
Child Citizenship Act. Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA) in 2000. It permits any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.
Military service. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) facilitates naturalization for certain LPRs who are serving in the U.S. armed forces or were recently discharged. Service members must still be eligible for naturalization through USCIS, but they may benefit from expedited processing and certain exemptions.
Naturalization steps and timeline in Houston
The entire naturalization process typically takes 8-12 months in Houston, though processing times vary. Our citizenship attorneys guide you through each step:
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment
- Application preparation and document gathering
- Biometrics appointment
- Interview and test preparation
- Naturalization interview and examination
- Decision and oath ceremony
How a Houston citizenship lawyer handles your application
Our attorneys handle every part of your naturalization application:
- Eligibility assessment to identify potential issues
- Complete N-400 preparation with close attention to detail
- Document gathering and organization of supporting materials
- Application review for accuracy and completeness
- Proper filing with USCIS and fee submission
- Response to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) if needed
Even minor errors or omissions on your citizenship application can lead to delays or denials. We prepare yours carefully and stay current with changing USCIS requirements and procedures.
How we prepare you for the citizenship interview and test
The interview and the test can be stressful. Our attorneys prepare you thoroughly, so you know what to expect:
- Mock interview sessions to build confidence and reduce anxiety
- Civics test preparation covering essential U.S. history and government subjects
- English language assessment and practice opportunities
- Review of potential questions about your application and background
- Guidance on appropriate interview conduct and presentation
- Attorney accompaniment to your interview for legal support
What our citizenship and naturalization process includes
When we handle your citizenship case, our work includes:
- Comprehensive eligibility evaluation
- Complete N-400 application preparation
- Document collection guidance
- Citizenship test preparation materials
- Interview coaching and preparation
- Attorney representation at interview
- Oath ceremony guidance
Every case is different, so we go over the fees for your case during your consultation. To get started, call (832) 533-2228 or book your consultation.
Problems that can complicate a citizenship case
The path to citizenship is not always straightforward, and many applicants face challenges along the way. A naturalization attorney in Houston can review these situations with you and plan how to overcome them.
Contact with the police or a criminal record
If you have been in contact with the police, in or outside the U.S., speak with an immigration lawyer before you apply for naturalization. Traffic citations, criminal convictions or arrests for criminal activity can have severe and negative results on your immigration status. Sometimes a person applies to become a U.S. citizen only to discover that immigration wants to deport them because of past criminal conduct.
Our attorneys can help by:
- Analyzing your criminal record to determine its impact on your application
- Gathering evidence of rehabilitation and good moral character
- Preparing you for questions about past incidents during your interview
- Developing strategies to address potential grounds for denial
- Requesting waivers when available for certain offenses
Even with a criminal history, citizenship may still be possible. We will assess your situation honestly and develop the most effective approach for your case.
Extended travel outside the United States
Extended travel outside the U.S. can affect your citizenship eligibility. Many applicants are unaware of how their travel history affects it. We carefully review your absences from the U.S. and can help you:
- Calculate your physical presence in the United States
- Document your continuous residence despite absences
- Prepare explanations for necessary travel
- Apply for special considerations for certain employment or family situations
- Determine the optimal timing for your application
Exemptions from the standard testing requirements
Some applicants may qualify for exemptions from the standard testing requirements. Our attorneys can determine if you are eligible for:
- Age-based exemptions for applicants 50 or older with long-term residency
- Medical disability waivers through Form N-648 for those with qualifying conditions
- Modified testing formats for applicants with certain impairments
- Special accommodations during the interview process
Do not let concerns about the tests keep you from pursuing citizenship. We have extensive experience helping clients with medical conditions and age-related exemptions through the naturalization process.
How Herrera Law Firm helps with citizenship in Houston
Attorney Hector Herrera and his team have assisted thousands of immigrants in their efforts to live and work in the United States. We have helped hundreds of Houston residents achieve their citizenship goals. Your work with a Houston citizenship lawyer at our firm starts with a one-hour consultation. We listen to your goal, explore your options and then carry out the plan together.
- 10+ years of immigration law experience in Houston
- 1,000+ satisfied clients across all immigration services
- 4.9/5 average client rating from over 100 reviews
- Multilingual team offering services in English and Spanish (Hablamos Español)
Our attorneys are Hector Herrera, Matilda Rhoda Matiru and Karen Shih. Attorney Matiru is Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
We know that becoming a U.S. citizen is more than a legal process. It is a profound life change that affects you and your family for generations to come. We also assist with applications for non-immigrant visas and other immigration matters.
What clients say about Herrera Law Firm
“Hector worked with us for the LLC registration, L1 VISA, working permits, travel permits, and in the green card application. Everything was so smooth and they were all approved on a record time. I definitely recommend this immigration attorney.” – Satisfied Citizenship Client
“We have counted with Hector service for many years and I can’t say anything else than good things, his job has always been excellent and professional; I highly recommend him as an Immigration Attorney.” – Long-term Immigration Client
“Such a great experience with this immigration lawyer in Houston. We consistently hire this local law firm for my wife, from visas to US citizenship applications. They also did our LLC formation in Texas and all the questions we had. Herrera Law Firm is the best immigration lawyer in Houston!” – Citizenship Success Story
Areas we serve in Greater Houston
We serve citizenship clients throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area, including:
- Downtown Houston
- Uptown/Galleria
- Memorial
- Spring Branch
- Energy Corridor
- Westchase
- Chinatown/Southwest Houston
- Katy
- Sugar Land
- Missouri City
- Pearland
- Clear Lake/NASA area
- The Woodlands
- Spring
- Cypress
- Humble/Kingwood
- Pasadena
- Baytown
Our office is at 2901 Wilcrest Dr, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77042, in west Houston. It is accessible to clients throughout Harris County and the surrounding areas. Immigration law is federal, so we also represent clients in other states.
We understand the diverse needs of Houston’s immigrant communities and provide culturally sensitive legal services to all our clients.
Questions about citizenship in Houston
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship in Houston?
The cost has two parts: the USCIS filing fee for the N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and the attorney fee. USCIS sets the filing fee, and some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reductions based on income or military service. Legal representation costs vary, because every case is different. Call (832) 533-2228 or book a consultation, and we will tell you the fees for your case.
Will I lose my original citizenship when I become a U.S. citizen in Houston?
The United States permits dual citizenship, but your country of origin may not. Some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere, while others allow dual citizenship. We can discuss what naturalization might mean for your status in your home country.
How long does the citizenship process take in Houston?
Currently, the citizenship process in Houston takes approximately 8-12 months from filing to oath ceremony. Processing times vary based on USCIS workload, application completeness and individual case factors. We monitor current processing times and keep you informed throughout your case.
What happens if my citizenship application is denied in Houston?
If your application is denied, you will receive a written explanation of the reasons. Depending on the grounds for denial, you may file an N-336 Request for Hearing, reapply after addressing the issues, or appeal to federal court in certain circumstances. Our attorneys can evaluate the denial reasons and recommend a course of action for your situation.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have unpaid taxes or child support?
Unpaid taxes or child support may raise questions about your “good moral character” and can affect your citizenship application. Having a payment plan in place and showing your efforts to meet your financial obligations can help overcome these concerns. We can help you address these issues before you apply and present your case in the most favorable light.
Ready to take the first step?
Book your one-hour consultation and leave with a clear plan for your case.