Becoming American: A Practical Guide to Naturalization and Citizenship Law

With immigration policy in constant flux, gaining U.S. citizenship has become both more essential and more challenging. This one-hour CLE session delivers the critical legal insights attorneys need to navigate naturalization and citizenship law effectively—whether assisting longtime permanent residents, children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, or clients facing unjust denials, delays, or potential loss of citizenship. We’ll cover the full landscape of relevant law, including key legal standards for naturalization, birthright citizenship, and the automatic acquisition and derivation of citizenship for children. You’ll also gain essential knowledge of the federal court remedies available in these cases—including petitions for review under 8 U.S.C. § 1421(c) and mandamus actions to compel USCIS to act. Designed for immigration attorneys seeking to deepen their expertise and better serve their clients, this session blends a thorough review of statutes and regulations with real-world examples, legal strategies, and updates on fast-changing policy developments. Whether you're handling straightforward cases or confronting bureaucratic inertia in federal court, you'll leave this session equipped with tools you can use immediately in practice.