For more than two decades, our client from Suriname carried a quiet fear that kept her from taking the next step in her immigration journey.
She had lived in the United States since 2002 as a lawful permanent resident, built a life with her husband, and raised a family — yet one concern held her back from ever applying for naturalization.
Her husband, who entered the U.S. in the late 1990s and applied for asylum, had a final order of removal from years ago. Although they had been married for 20 years, she was terrified that her N-400 would put her family at risk. That fear stopped her from becoming a citizen for more than two decades.
What Happened When She Came to McBean Law
When she met with our office in 2025, she came with a simple question: “Will applying for citizenship hurt my husband?”
She was anxious, confused, and carrying years of worry — but we immediately reassured her of something she had never been told:
Her husband’s removal order does not affect her ability to become a U.S. citizen.
This was the first step in breaking down a barrier that had kept her from moving forward for years.
Uncovering Issues That Needed Fixing
During our legal analysis, we identified something else that needed correction before we could safely file: her tax filings. Some returns mistakenly reflected the wrong marital status — an issue that could impact the “good moral character” requirement for citizenship.
We guided her through correcting those records so that when we filed her N-400, everything was accurate, consistent, and aligned with USCIS requirements.
Building the Path Forward
With her documents corrected and her fears resolved, we filed her naturalization application in August 2025.
Just a few weeks later, USCIS scheduled her interview for November 3, 2025 — an unusually fast timeline for an N-400 case. Our attorney prepared her thoroughly, going over her history, reviewing the corrected records, and ensuring she was confident and ready for the officer’s questions.
The Turning Point
At the interview, our attorney appeared with her to provide support and ensure the complex history was presented clearly. The officer reviewed her file, asked the required questions, and — without hesitation — recommended approval on the spot!
In less than three months from filing, a journey she feared for 20 years suddenly opened into a new future.
Our client is now scheduled for her oath ceremony and will soon become a United States citizen — something she always qualified for but never felt safe pursuing until now.
Why Experienced Legal Help Matters
Countless immigrants delay applying for naturalization because they fear how their family members’ situations might affect them. Misunderstandings, unchecked fears, and old paperwork issues can hold people back for years.
But with the right guidance, these barriers can be removed.
At McBean Law, we help clients understand their options, correct past issues, and move forward with clarity — even in cases that feel overwhelming or uncertain.
If you’ve been putting off your immigration goals because of fear, questions, or old complications, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation.
P.S. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.
