Naturalization and Citizenship


Orange County Immigration attorney Mario Zapata represents clients in all areas of citizenship, including applications for naturalization and applications for derivative or acquired citizenship.

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national applies to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify for naturalization, you must meet the following general requirements:

  • you must be at least 18 years old;
  • you must have been continuously residing in the United States for at least 5 years after being admitted as a lawful permanent resident (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen);
  • you must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months in the 5 years immediately before filing the naturalization application (18 months if married to a U.S. citizen);
  • you must be able to show you have “good moral character” for the last 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen);
  • you must demonstrate an ability to speak, read, write, and understand English and be able to pass a U.S. history/civics examination (You may be excused from this requirement if you can prove that you suffer from a mental or physical impairment which prevents you from learning English or U.S. history).
NOTE: If you are over 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, or if you are over 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years, you may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement and may demonstrate your knowledge of U.S. history and civics in your native language.

Claims to Derivative or Acquired Citizenship  Certain foreign born people are considered by law to be U.S. citizens either because one or more of their parents were U.S. citizens at the time of their birth abroad or because they were living in the United States as lawful permanent residents and were under 18 when one or more of their parents naturalized.  There are many people living in the United States that are U.S. citizens and do not realize it.  If you believe you may have derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through a parent, call us for a consultation at (714) 441-2800.  We will determine if you have a valid claim to U.S. citizenship and may help you to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship and U.S. Passport.

Citizenship Lawyer Servicing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego County

If you reside in the Southern California area or any other state in the United States, immigration lawyer Mario Zapata can assist you with the citizenship through naturalization process. For more information on how to get started with your citizenship application process, please call our office  at (714) 441-2800.