Successful Naturalization Cases: Overcoming Challenges and Successfully Obtaining U.S. Citizenship

At the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complex and sometimes challenging process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Whether you're dealing with conditional residency, past criminal convictions, or issues with your immigration history, our team is committed to guiding you toward a successful naturalization outcome.

Through our experience, we’ve helped many clients overcome significant obstacles on their path to citizenship. For example, we assisted S.W., a native of Kenya, who had conditional residency and was able to file for naturalization while still awaiting the removal of conditions on his residence. Thanks to our guidance, he successfully completed his interview, and both his I-751 and N-400 were approved, leading to his U.S. citizenship. Similarly, R.M.L., a native of Mexico, was able to apply for naturalization after just three years of permanent residency—well before the usual five-year requirement—because of his marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Other successful cases include S.A., who, after living as a lawful permanent resident for several years, was able to complete her naturalization process in less than six months, and C.Z., who was able to fast-track her naturalization after filing an N-400 despite having a pending I-751. G.C.E., a long-term resident who had faced previous denials due to a past misrepresentation, trusted our office to guide him through the process—ultimately achieving his goal of U.S. citizenship.

Below we highlight several successful cases where our clients were able to overcome challenges and successfully obtain U.S. citizenship. With Alex's expertise, individuals facing various hurdles, whether related to criminal history, residency issues, or previous application denials, were able to achieve naturalization. These cases demonstrate the critical role that experienced immigration legal counsel plays in helping clients achieve their goals.

Successful Naturalization Cases: U.S. Citizenship Granted

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of S.W. (2024)

S.W., a native and citizen of Kenya, had obtained conditional lawful permanent residence in the United States. Accordingly, he timely filed a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”) in order to remove the conditions on residence. Once he hit the three-year anniversary of when he was accorded permanent resident status, he consulted with Alex to see if he could file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) with the Form I-751 still pending. Alex explained that the Form N-400 is adjudicated on a faster track than the Form I-751, and, therefore, filing the former tends to speed up adjudication of the later. As anticipated, S.W. received his interview within six months of filing. Alex ensured S.W. was well-prepared to address both the Form I-751 and N-400. The immigration officer presiding at the interview approved both on the spot. S.W. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of C.Z. (2024)

C.Z., a native and citizen of China, had obtained conditional lawful permanent residence in the United States. Accordingly, she timely filed a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”) in order to remove the conditions on residence. More than three years had passed, however, after the filing of the Form I-751, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) still had not adjudicated the petition when she met with Alex. Now that she was eligible for naturalization given the passage of time, Alex encouraged her to apply for it. Alex noted how an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) is adjudicated on a faster track than the Form I-751, and thus filing the former tends to speed up adjudication of the later. This is precisely what happened. Within seven months of filing the Form N-400, C.Z. was scheduled for her naturalization interview. Alex ensured C.Z. was well-prepared to address both the Form I-751 and N-400. The immigration officer presiding at the interview approved both on the spot. C.Z. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of R.M.L (2024)

R.M.L., a native and citizen of Mexico, had obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States through his marriage to a United States citizen. Having held such status for three years, he consulted with Alex to determine if he could apply for naturalization prior to the standard five-year period. Alex explained that, pursuant to section 319 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, he could apply after just three years of maintaining his lawful permanent residence so long as he was still living in marital union with his spouse. That being the case, Alex prepared the naturalization application to ensure R.M.L.’s evidentiary burden under section 319 was satisfied. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, and granted R.M.L.’s Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). R.M.L. has been sworn in as a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of G.C.E. (2024)

G.C.E. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for over four decades. In that time, he had applied for naturalization with the help of another attorney but was unsuccessful. The issue came down to his having commited a misrepresentation to an immigration official long ago when he was caught trying to enter the United States surreptitiously (years before he became a lawful permanent resident). G.C.E. consulted with Alex to determine if it would ever be possible to naturalize in light of the previous denial and the basis upon which that denial was predicated. Having obtained G.C.E.’s complete A-file from the agency, Alex carefully went through it with G.C.E. and made sure G.C.E. was aware of the risks in continuing to pursue naturalization—a risk that even involved not just another denial of his naturalization application, but the initiation of removal proceedings. Confident in Alex’s abilities to navigate the minefield, G.C.E. retained him to represent him before the agency. Alex ensured G.C.E.’s application packet contained all the evidence necessary to establish statutory eligibility for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Come the time of the interview, he made sure G.C.E. was well-prepared to answer whatever types of questions could come up in light of his immigration history. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was appreciative of G.C.E.’s candor in disclosing all relevant information—even that which was not favorable to him—and went on to approve the application. G.C.E. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of S.A. (2024)

S.A., a citizen of Bulgaria, had held lawful permanent resident status in the United States for several years. She met with Alex for assistance in applying for naturalization. Alex helped dispel all concerns that S.A. had about the process, and in less than six months after filing the application, S.A. had her naturalization interview and was subsequently sworn in as a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of I.R. (2024)

I.R. is a native and citizen of Canada who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for well over the five years needed to apply for naturalization. She retained Alex’s services to help navigate her through the process because of some concerns she had respecting jurisdiction as well as her immigration history prior to obtaining permanent residence. Alex made sure I.R.'s application packet contained all the evidence necessary to establish statutory eligibility for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Come the time of the interview, he made sure I.R. was well-prepared to answer the types of questions that could come up respecting her areas of concern. Approximately six months after filing her Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), I.R. was approved for citizenship. I.R. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of A.M.B. (2023)

A.M.B. is a native and citizen of Ukraine who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for more than three decades. He was afraid to apply for naturalization because of criminal history he had from over a decade ago. When he consulted with Alex, Alex carefully reviewed the relevant criminal records (and helped secure those that A.M.B. had not been able to provide) and determined that A.M.B. would still be able to establish good moral character in accordance with section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Less than three months after filing his Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), A.M.B. was approved for citizenship. A.M.B. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of M.Q. (2023)

M.Q., a native and citizen of Mexico, had been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for over two decades. He had been reluctant to apply for citizenship because the records for his two previous convictions in Nevada had been lost many years ago, and the law firm he retained to seal his records failed to secure certified copies before completing the sealing process. The immigration attorneys he met with before Alex told M.Q. that unless he had proof that the cases were closed out, he would likely be denied even if the convictions were outside the relevant statutory period. Discouraged, M.Q.’s daughter nonetheless convinced him to speak with Alex, who explained that there was a mechanism whereby M.Q. could “unseal” his records for the limited purpose of obtaining the certified court and arrest records he needed to satisfy his evidentiary burden with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex helped M.Q. do just that. After successfully petitioning the Las Vegas Justice Court to temporarily unseal the records, Alex obtained the documents needed and then helped M.Q. in applying for citizenship. Less than four months after filing his Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), M.Q. was approved for citizenship. M.Q. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of K.V. (2023)

K.V., a native and citizen of Iraq, maintained his lawful permanent residence status for decades and feared applying for citizenship because the immigration attorneys he spoke to prior to Alex told him that he would end up being deported because of his prior conviction for felony embezzlement in violation of section 205.300 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. However, after delving into K.V.’s complete history here in the United States, Alex explained that it was not as black and white. While his prior conviction did certainly make him deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Alex explained that U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) still had the discretion to grant his naturalization application since the conviction (and corresponding conduct) occurred well outside the relevant five-year window.Based on K.V.’s unique circumstances, Alex believed that USCIS would more likely than not exercise its discretion favorably despite the conviction and adjudicate his naturalization application instead of referring his case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) for initiation of removal proceedings. While still aware of the risks, K.V. was inspired by Alex’s confidence, and so he retained Alex to help him seek naturalization. Alex prepared a packet that was not only sufficient to satisfy the criteria set out in section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act but also highlighted all the positive equities K.V. had in this country since his arrival. USCIS ultimately granted the application, and K.V. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of E.A. (2022)

E.A., a native and citizen of Mexico, sought Alex’s assistance to apply for naturalization after having been a lawful permanent resident for several decades. Because she owed taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, E.A. was concerned whether she could even seek naturalization. Alex explained that so long as E.A. was on an installment plan to pay these overdue taxes, she could still satisfy the good-moral-character element for naturalization under section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped E.A. prepare her naturalization filing and guided her all the way through the interview. E.A. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of N.I. (2022)

N.I., a native and citizen of Croatia, sought Alex’s assistance to apply for naturalization shortly after an immigration judge had granted his Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”). Because of his complicated immigration history, N.I. had doubts that he would succeed in pursuing naturalization so soon after he was in removal proceedings. Alex assured him that, notwithstanding his immigration history, he did satisfy all of the elements for naturalization under section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, and N.I. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of M.T. (2022)

M.T., a native and citizen of Vietnam, approached Alex as a lawful permanent resident seeking assistance with naturalization. She was concerned because of a charge for burglary in violation of California law for which she completed a diversion program at the Court’s order and ultimately had the criminal case dismissed for purposes of state law. Because what transpired would still likely be considered a “conviction” for purposes of immigration law pursuant to section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, she was concerned that applying for naturalization could have the adverse effect of getting her deported. Alex carefully reviewed her criminal record and determined that she was not subject to any of the grounds of deportability set out in section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He also found that based on her circumstances, she was even still able to establish her eligibility for naturalization. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) and made sure M.T. was well prepared for her interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted M.T.’s Form N-400, and M.T. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of J.O. (2022)

J.O., a native and citizen of Colombia, had maintained lawful permanent resident status for well over the time needed to apply for citizenship. But because of a previous criminal conviction, he was concerned that he would be ineligible for citizenship. Alex carefully reviewed all the attendant circumstances and advised J.O. that he would be safe to apply for naturalization. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) and made sure J.O. was well prepared for his interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted J.O.’s Form N-400, and J.O. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of D.H. (2022)

D.H., a native and citizen of Canada, had maintained lawful permanent resident status for over two decades before he approached Alex for assistance with naturalization. Even though he knew his case posed no hurdles, D.H. wanted the peace of mind of having an attorney handle his case from start to finish. And it is that peace of mind that Alex was able to deliver. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”)—making sure to include all required supporting documentation—and then made sure D.H. was well-prepared for his interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted D.H.’s Form N-400, and D.H. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.E. (2022)

S.E. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. He was concerned that a previous domestic violence arrest would result in the denial of his naturalization application. Alex reviewed the records provided by S.E. and assured him that, based on the facts of his case, he should not have any issues in naturalizing. Accordingly, Alex prepared a complete filing that was sufficient to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) that S.E. was a person of good moral character and otherwise established all of the elements for naturalization set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. S.E. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of L.C. (2022)

L.C. is a native and citizen of Vietnam who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States on the basis of her marriage to a United States citizen. Having divorced shortly after obtaining residence, L.C. was concerned the agency would make an issue out of this when she applied for naturalization. Alex examined the case and assured L.C. that she would have nothing to be concerned of. He subsequently prepared a complete filing that was sufficient to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) that L.C. was eligible to naturalize. L.C. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.R. (2022)

A.R. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. She sought Alex’s assistance with the preparation and filing of an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex made sure to prepare the filing such that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was satisfied that A.R. established all of the elements set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A.R. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of H.C. (2022)

H.C. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. He worried that a previous domestic violence conviction in Arizona would not only make him ineligible for naturalization but even lead to deportation. Alex reviewed the records provided by H.C. and assured him that, based on the facts of his case, he would not be deported under section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and that, in fact, he was eligible for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex prepared all the necessary paperwork and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") was convinced that H.C. was eligible for naturalization. H.C. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of P.S. (2022)

P.S. is a native and citizen of Brazil who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. As a resident, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit forgery in violation of Nevada law. Concerned that this would preclude her from naturalizing, she consulted Alex. Alex helped P.S. prepare her naturalization application, taking special care to gather and include the evidence necessary to establish the element of “good moral character” as required by the relevant law. Satisfied that P.S. established all of the elements set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved P.S.’s naturalization application.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of B.P. (2021)

B.P., a native and citizen of Hungary who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, had a petition to remove residency conditions ("Form I-751") that had already been pending for two years when she first met with Alex. Alex explained that since it had been more than three years since she obtained her permanent resident status based on her marriage to a U.S. citizen, she could actually already naturalize under section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, Alex explained that filing an Application for Naturalization ("Form N-400") while a Form I-751 is pending frequently has the effect of speeding up the process. One year after filing the Form N-400, B.P.'s Form I-751 was approved without even an interview and after an interview on the Form N-400, B.P. was approved for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.F. (2021)

A.F., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Because of certain complications surrounding the manner in which she obtained her permanent residence status, she did not feel comfortable applying on her own. Alex prepared a packet that helped establish A.F.’s eligibility for naturalization, including the element of “lawful admission for permanent residence.” Satisfied that A.F. had met her burden of establishing her eligibility for naturalization, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved A.F. for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.T.C. (2021)

S.T.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Because of his many trips outside of the United States and how close some of those trips were to lasting almost 180 days, he was concerned regarding his eligibility for United States citizenship. Alex carefully reviewed S.T.C.’s travel history, making sure to accurately note all trips, after which he was able to assure S.T.C. that he satisfied both the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and approved S.T.C. for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of H.C. (2021)

H.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared H.C. for her interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved H.C. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of K.C. (2021)

K.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared K.C. for his interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved K.C. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.I.M. (2021)

A.I.M., a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared A.I.M. for his interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved A.I.M. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.C. (2020)

E.C. is a native of El Salvador who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Married to a U.S. citizen, she wanted to apply for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped E.C. ensure that the case was properly documented and that it included all the additional evidence (that is typically not needed otherwise) required by section 319(a) and the corresponding federal regulations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved E.C.. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.S. (2020)

M.S., a native and citizen of Japan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared M.S. for his interview, and attended the interview with D.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved him for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of V.A.V. (2020)

V.A.V., a native and citizen of the Mexico who had been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for more than three decades, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He was concerned, however, because he had sustained multiple convictions for driving under the influence in various jurisdictions as well as a battery conviction in violation of Nevada law. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, taking special efforts to explain in a memorandum of law why V.A.V.’s convictions did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved V.A.V. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of C.R. (2019)

C.R. is a native of Mexico who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Married to a U.S. citizen, she wanted to apply for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped C.R. ensure that the case was properly documented and that it included all the additional evidence (that is typically not needed otherwise) required by section 319(a) and the corresponding federal regulations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ultimately approved C.R. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.B.O. (2019)

M.B.O. is a native of Mexico who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. He sought the help of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of domestic violence in violation of Arizona law and was concerned that this conviction would result in the denial of his Form N-400. Alex explained how M.B.O.’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved M.B.O. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.M.T. (2019)

S.M.T. is a native and citizen of Peru who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. He sought the help of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Nevada law and was concerned of the impact this conviction might have on his Form N-400. Alex explained how  S.M.T.’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved S.M.T. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of F.O. (2019)

F.O., is a native and citizen of El Salvador who after being a lawful permanent resident for more than 20 years sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Georgia law and was concerned of the impact this conviction might have on his Form N-400. He was also concerned about his ability to satisfy the English language requirement. Alex explained that he would be exempt from the English language requirement because he was over 50 years of age and had been a permanent resident for over 20 years. Alex further explained how  F.O’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved F.O. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of D.S. (2019)

D.S., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared D.S. for her interview, and attended the interview with D.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved her for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.C.A. (2019)

E.C.A., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared E.C.A. for his interview, and  attended the interview with E.C.A. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved him for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.M.D.M. (2019)

E.M.D.M., a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). She had recently been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Arizona law and was concerned that this conviction would result in the denial of her Form N-400. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, taking special efforts to explain in a memorandum of law why E.M.D.M.’s conviction did not preclude her from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved E.M.D.M. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of Y.K. (2019)

Y.K., a native and citizen of Russia who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States several decades ago, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Y.K. had been concerned about filing the Form N-400 because during the relevant five-year period, she had taken a seven-month trip abroad to Russia to care for her ailing mother. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, which included a detailed memorandum of law in which Alex argued that if the agency took into account all of the factors set out in 8 C.F.R. § 316.5(c)—the regulation that sets out a non-exhaustive list of factors for adjudicators to consider when assessing whether a lawful permanent resident’s absence in excess of six months constitutes a disruption in continuous residence—it should find that Y.K.’s absence in excess of six months did not disrupt her “continuous residence” in the United States. Upon review of the filing, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed with the arguments advanced and found that Y.K.’s trip of over seven months did not disrupt her “continuous residence.” It further found that Y.K had otherwise established her eligibility for naturalization and subsequently approved her for naturalization. Y.K. has been sworn in as a United States citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of N.S. (2019)

N.S., a native and citizen of Turkey who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States a few years back, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared N.S. for her interview, and  attended the interview with N.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved her for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of J.C. (2019)

J.C. is a native and citizen of Germany who had been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident of the United States back in 1985. More than 30 years later, she sought the advice of Alex regarding the steps that needed to be taken to acquire naturalization. After discussing all relevant facts surrounding J.C.’s situation, Alex and J.C. agreed to pursue an Application for Certificate of Citizenship (“Form N-600”). Alex prepared a detailed memorandum of law in which he presented to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") all of the relevant facts and why J.C., under the law as it existed prior to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, would have automatically derived United States citizenship. The agency agreed and, after her oath ceremony, J.C. was given her Certificate of Citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of C.R. (2019)

C.R. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States several decades ago. He had been reluctant to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) because of certain criminal convictions that he had in the past. With the guidance of Alex, he ultimately decided to apply. Accepting that he was, in fact, a person of good moral character (and not judging him by mistakes made long ago), USCIS approved him for naturalization, and C.R. has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of P.L. (2018)

P.L. is a native and citizen of Vietnam and wanted to obtain citizenship. He had previously submitted the application on his own, and it had been denied. With Alex's assistance, he applied for it again and was approved.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.G. (2018)

A.G. is a native and citizen of Mexico who wanted to apply for United States citizenship. Alex guided her through the process and with his help and assistance, her application for citizenship was approved.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.P. (2018)

Alex assisted M.P. during the naturalization process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") approved the application, and M.P. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of F.A. (2018)

Alex assisted the client during the naturalization process. F.A. was recommended for citizenship and recently took the oath necessary to receive citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of J.Z. (2018)

Alex assisted J.Z. during the naturalization process, even attending the naturalization interview with her. J.Z. was recommended for citizenship at the end of the interview and recently took the necessary oath of citizenship.

If you're considering applying for U.S. citizenship, or if you're unsure of your eligibility, the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail is here to help. With years of experience and a proven track record, we provide personalized legal services to guide you through the naturalization process. Call us today at (725) 221-5998 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward becoming a U.S. citizen.