Unreasonable Delay for Citizenship in Newark

When pursuing a path toward citizenship in the United States, you have already gone through the extensive process of coming to the U.S. and securing a green card. Unfortunately, this final step is not always sure to go smoothly, as a wide range of factors could slow it down and bring your case to a halt.

If you feel your case is taking too long, a skilled immigration delay attorney like Eric M. Mark might be able to help. The process can take time, but there are remedies when it comes to an unreasonable delay for citizenship in Newark.

What Is the Timeline for Processing Citizenship Applications?

This process can be lengthy, even under the best of circumstances. Many issues must be resolved before the government is willing to grant these important rights to someone, and it is crucial to understand that different factors can lead to a delay. For some, applicant errors can slow this process to a halt. Examples include incorrect information on the form or failing to provide the necessary supporting documentation, which can add months to the process.

If everything goes smoothly, the resident should receive a notice to schedule a fingerprinting appointment in the weeks after filing a document known as Form N-400. Often, this appointment takes place one to three months after the form is filed.

The last step is the in-person interview. This only occurs after fingerprints are submitted and USCIS has had time to conduct a full investigation. In total, this process can take between four and 15 months to complete.

Applicants need to keep track of the process. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides an online registration portal and offers status updates on citizenship applications. If the citizenship case appears to stall for several months unreasonably, it may be time to speak with a Newark attorney.

Seeking Help in Federal Court

The law requires that immigrants receive a decision regarding their immigration case within 120 days. If this does not happen, one option is to file a lawsuit and ask a judge to award the immigrant citizenship. The court can review the file to determine if they qualify. Under this scenario, it may be possible for that person to take the oath of citizenship on the same day as the hearing.

A judge might also order that the USCIS review the case further. This usually comes with an order setting a deadline for a final decision. An experienced attorney in Newark could use this process to resolve an unreasonable delay in citizenship.

Legal Help Could Be Crucial

It can be a tremendous risk to attempt to address a delay without the support of legal counsel. Every stage of this process is sensitive, and mistakes can have costly and unexpected consequences. The right attorney could ensure the citizenship application has not fallen through the cracks.

Talk to a Newark Attorney About Your Unreasonable Delay for Citizenship Today

After years of making the United States your home, it is natural to want to take that final step and become a citizen. The process is not easy, and delays are always possible.

However, if you believe you are dealing with an unreasonable delay for citizenship in Newark, reach out to The Law Office of Eric M. Mark immediately. He could schedule a private consultation to discuss the facts of your case at your convenience.