Hello:

I need your advice. I have a greencard and want to get my US citizenship. Some friends tell me I don't need an attorney. They say that having an attorney for such a simple form looks suspicious. And the form looks pretty easy - i just give them a copy of my greencard, two photos, and sign.

I would like your advice on why I should hire an attorney instead of doing it myself.

thank you,

Sairah

Hi, Sairah:

It shouldn't be a surprise I think you should hire an attorney (and not just because I am one!). Here are five reasons why you should hire an experienced attorney who focuses on immigration law:

1) If things go well, this is the only time you'll ever file an N-400. An experienced immigration attorney has probably filed hundreds. You're paying him or her to do it right, the first time.

2) If things go wrong, you're paying him/her to take care of it. For example, if extra information is needed (known as an RFE, or "Request for Evidence"), s/he will make sure that evidence is gathered to answer it. Further, if there is a mistake on the form, it is his or her fault as the drafter in 95% of the cases, and the attorney should take responsibility. If you fill out the form yourself and you make a mistake, the USCIS officer has only you to blame. And if a finding of misrepresentation is made, it could be very costly, indeed.

3) You'll almost always receive better treatment when you are accompanied by an experienced immigration attorney. Most USCIS officers are professionals in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples. If it's just you and the USCIS officer in the room, and something is said which you feel is unfair, biased, or even prejudiced because of your race or religion, it is your word against his. Such inappropriate behavior seldom happens in an attorney's presence, and if it does, it can be acted upon because you have a witness on your side.

4) A good immigration attorney can prepare you. While we can't know everything that will be asked, we can give you a good idea. And that can help you understand questions and answer them with the information being requested.

5) Finally, the N-400 form really isn't all that simple. It is a minefield. If you check the wrong box, or fail to include appropriate information, then you could lose your citizenship, and even find yourself in deportation, along with any relatives who depended on your naturalization in order to get their greencard.

My best advice is to always hire an experienced immigration attorney to take care of your immigration filings. The above advice is not just for naturalizations; it is also for adjustments of status or bringing relatives to the USA or transitioning from a student visa to a work visa.

I hope this is helpful!

John
Hogan & Vandenberg LLC
Philadelphia office
john@hvimmigrationlaw.com
Ph: 610 664 6271
www.hvimmigrationlaw.com