Gracie Johnson Law · Compton, CA
Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney in Los Angeles
Take the final step to become a U.S. citizen with confidence.
Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536
Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps a person can take. It means permanent protection from deportation, the right to vote, the ability to petition for more family members, and full participation in American life. Attorney Gracie Johnson guides clients through every step of the naturalization process at her Compton office, in English and in Spanish.
From Attorney Gracie Johnson
Naturalization is one of the most rewarding things I do. I have been at oath ceremonies where clients who came to this country with nothing officially became American citizens. But I want to be very clear: the N-400 application contains questions that trip people up, especially about past criminal history. Do not file without having an attorney review your full history first. I have seen N-400 denials trigger removal proceedings. Let me make sure your path to citizenship is safe.
Common Questions
Who Qualifies for U.S. Citizenship?
To apply for naturalization, you must generally meet all of the following:
- •Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse for that entire period
- •Have lived continuously in the United States during that period (with limited exceptions for extended trips abroad)
- •Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years (18 months for the 3-year rule)
- •Be a person of good moral character
- •Be able to pass the English language test and civics test (with certain disability exceptions)
- •Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
The N-400 Application Process Step by Step
- 1
File Form N-400 with USCIS along with supporting documents and the filing fee
- 2
Receive a biometrics appointment, USCIS takes your fingerprints and photograph
- 3
Attend your naturalization interview at the Los Angeles USCIS field office, Gracie Johnson prepares you thoroughly for this interview
- 4
Pass the English and civics test at your interview (100 civics questions, 10 are asked, you must answer 6 correctly)
- 5
Receive a decision, approval, continuation, or denial
- 6
Attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, you are officially a U.S. citizen
Current processing time at the Los Angeles USCIS field office: approximately 12 to 18 months from filing to oath ceremony. Gracie Johnson sets realistic expectations and tracks your case every step of the way.
Why the N-400 Requires an Attorney
Many people attempt to file the N-400 on their own and encounter serious problems. Question 23 on the N-400 asks about any arrest, citation, or charge in any country, including sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile records. Answering this question incorrectly, even accidentally, can result in a denial and in some cases trigger removal proceedings. Gracie Johnson reviews every client's full history before filing and prepares a complete, accurate application that protects your case.
Special Circumstances
Disability Accommodations
If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirements, you may qualify for an exemption or accommodation by filing Form N-648 Medical Certification. Gracie Johnson works with clients and their doctors to properly document these circumstances.
Military Naturalization
Current and former U.S. military service members and veterans may qualify for expedited naturalization under different rules, including reduced or waived residency requirements. Contact us to discuss military-specific pathways.
Children of U.S. Citizens, N-600
If a child was born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or acquired citizenship automatically through a parent's naturalization, they may be a U.S. citizen already without knowing it. Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship) documents this status. Gracie Johnson evaluates these cases and helps families secure documentation of citizenship for children who already qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Listo para Convertirte en Ciudadano Americano?
Si ya tienes tu residencia permanente y quieres dar el siguiente paso, la abogada Gracie Johnson puede guiarte por todo el proceso de ciudadanía en Compton. Atendemos en español. Llama al (310) 554-4630 para tu consulta.
Llama Ahora (310) 554-4630Areas We Serve
Gracie Johnson Law serves permanent residents pursuing citizenship throughout South Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
Ready to Become a Citizen?
Contact us for a confidential initial consultation about your naturalization case.
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Contact Gracie Johnson Law today for a confidential consultation. Available in English and Spanish.