Citizenship

[Z43Z43]

What is the name of your state?
New Jersey


I have currently lived in the US for a total of 18 years and as of now I have a Green Card. I am currently planning to apply for my citizenship (I've had my green card for 5 years). Currently I work as a contractor for the Navy, and am in the process of getting my security clearance. Regarding the fact that I already had an inital backround check by the INS for my green card and am currently getting a government check for my security clearance should this ease my process of obtaining my citizenship? Also I know a lot of people advise to get a lawyer (I can't afford one right now maybe 3 years down the road but I don't want to wait that long) but does not having one really hinder your chances. My main objective in obtaining my citizenship is for employement with the government.

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

So what exactly is your question? The fact that you have had security checks for other clearances do not mean anything because you will still have to undergo everything from the beginning as part of the application for citizenship. You are not at any disadvantage if you are not working with an attorney although if you are not sure what you are doing or if there are any serious issues with your case, it is probably best to have an attorney representing you and this should not be very expensive as these applications are typically just several hundred dollars for an attorney's representation.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need further assistance with this matter.