Become a US Citizen »

Kurt A. Wagner, MBA, JD (Magna Cum Laude) is an attorney, author, university lecturer, and founder of the Law Offices of Kurt A. Wagner with offices in Illinois and Austria. He is a member of the Immigration and International Law Section of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Washington, D.C. Bar Association. He formerly served as a U.S. Department of State Consular Officer with experience in visa processing at U.S. embassies abroad. He teaches classes on legal topics at the University of Klagenfurt and the Carinthia Technical Institute in Austria, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Southern Illinois University Law Journal.

Debbie M. Schell, JD is an attorney and author who practices with the Law Offices of Kurt A. Wagner. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. Her experience with immigration began early, when her mother immigrated to the United States from Jamaica and her father came from Belize. She has edited legal forms books as well as works on the law of asylum. Her clients include refugees, as well as individuals and companies seeking help with immigration issues. In addition, she has extensive experience with human rights issues related to employment and housing.

Richard E. Schell, JD is an attorney, author, and serves of Counsel to the Law Offices of Kurt A. Wagner. He has extensive legal editing and researching experience with a major legal publisher and in the areas of international law, immigration law, and agricultural law. He studied international law at the University of Notre Dame in London. He is alsoa frequent writer and speaker on international legal topics and small business development.

This important resource gives you everything you need to successfully understand each of the steps toward achieving citizenship.

Introduction - Overview of U.S. Citizenship & the Naturalization Process

Chapter 1: Why Become a U.S. Citizen?
Advantages of Becoming a U.S. Citizen Disadvantages of Applying for Citizenship Summary Checklist

Chapter 2: Who Qualifies for U.S. Citizenship
Permanent Resident Status
Residency Requirements Physical Presence Requirement Age Requirement Good Moral Character Loyalty to U.S. Constitution English Language Requirement Knowledge of Civics and U.S. History
Summary Checklist

Chapter 3: How Do I Apply for Citizenship?
Timing of Application Checklist The Necessary Application
Documents and Fees
Where to File Your Application Checklist

Chapter 4: What Happens Once My Application Has Been Filed?
Receipt of Your Application Fingerprinting Process Applicant Interview

Chapter 5: When Do I Find Out Whether I Am a U.S. Citizen?
Approval of the Application
Denial of the Application

Appendix: Blank Forms
Index