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The Many Faces of Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman LLP

Since 1985,Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman has limited its practice to immigration law, with a special emphasis on matters relating to the employment of foreign professionals. Mr. Stern and Ms. Elkind founded the firm with the goal of providing the very best immigration advice and representation to our clients. As the firm has grown, we have continued our commitment to maintaining a high level of expertise combined with an understanding that our clients are individuals whose lives are deeply affected by the work we do. Over the years, we have developed expertise and wide-ranging experience in all facets of immigration law.

We continue to be deeply affected by our clients, some of whom are introduced within this web site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization and Citizenship

Immigration law in Denver, Colorado

I am a permanent resident of the U.S. What are the criteria for obtaining citizenship?

The basic requirements are:

You have been a permanent resident for five years, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen
You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the five or three years, with no absences of more than twelve months

(If you've been absent between six and twelve months, you may have raised a rebuttable presumption that you have lost permanent residence)

You have shown good moral character for the three-to-five-year time period prior to the application
You are able to read, write, and speak English
You have knowledge of basic information about U.S. history and government

Are there any waivers for the English and history requirements?

In some cases there are, if:

You are physically unable to comply; or
You are elderly and have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for a long time.

What is the process for applying for citizenship?

You file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, and an interview is held several months later. If you pass the English and history exam during the interview, a naturalization ceremony is then held either in a U.S. court or at the Immigration Service office.

Once I become a naturalized citizen, can I do everything a citizen can do?

Naturalized citizens have all the protections, rights and responsibilities of citizens born in the U.S., except they can't become President of the United States.

If you need legal help for your immigration, or if you know someone who does, please contact us to set up an initial consultation.

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