Success Story: Achieving the American Dream – A Citizenship and Family Reunification Journey with Gehi & Associates

At Gehi & Associates , we are proud of transforming the lives of individuals and families through diligent legal representation and unwavering support. This success story is a testament to our commitment, showcasing how we helped a client not only achieve U.S. citizenship but also secure lawful permanent residency for her husband while laying the foundation for her children’s future.

In 2019, our client, a long-time U.S. resident from Guyana, sought to file her application for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, her initial attempt with a different attorney was unsuccessful, leaving her disheartened and uncertain about her future. Despite the setback, she remained determined to achieve her goal and turned to Gehi & Associates in 2020 for assistance.

Our client’s case was not straightforward. In addition to reapplying for citizenship, she wanted to secure an adjustment of status (AOS) for her husband, who had entered the U.S. on a B1/B2 visitor visa. This dual goal required a coordinated legal strategy that prioritized both her citizenship application and her husband’s green card petitions.

One of the first steps in building her case was filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. These requests were crucial in obtaining her immigration history and retrieving files from her previous attorney. The additional context gained from these documents enabled us to understand her case more comprehensively and address the issues that had led to her earlier denial.

After gathering all necessary documentation and thoroughly reviewing her case, our team re-filed her application. We meticulously prepared her for every step of the process, from biometrics to the citizenship interview.

The interview, conducted by a USCIS officer, went smoothly, thanks to our detailed preparation and the client’s cooperation. In 2024, she proudly took the oath of allegiance and officially became a U.S. citizen. This moment marked a significant milestone in her life and set the stage for the next steps in reuniting her family.

With her citizenship secured, the client was now eligible to sponsor her husband as an immediate relative, enabling a faster way to lawful permanent residency. Gehi & Associates quickly filed the Petition for Alien Relative and Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status on her husband’s behalf.

The journey was not without its challenges. Processing times and USCIS requirements demanded careful monitoring and follow-ups, but our team’s diligence ensured that nothing fell through the cracks. Finally, on January 2, 2025, USCIS approved the petitions, and her husband was granted his green card, making him a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

In addition to assisting the client and her husband, Gehi & Associates is currently handling the family’s file to secure U.S. citizenship for their two children. By maintaining a holistic approach, we are helping this family build a stable and promising future in the United States.

Today, the client and her husband are overjoyed with the results. She is now a proud U.S. citizen, and her husband is a lawful permanent resident, paving the way for their family’s future. This case exemplifies how, with the proper legal guidance and perseverance, even complicated immigration challenges can be overcome.

FAQs About the Process

Q1: What is the citizenship application process?

The application is the official form used by permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. The process involves filing the application, attending a biometrics appointment, passing the citizenship interview (which includes an English and civics test), and participating in an oath ceremony.

Q2: How does becoming a U.S. citizen benefit family reunification?

U.S. citizens have the privilege of sponsoring immediate relatives—spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—for green cards. This category does not require waiting for visa availability, significantly expediting the process.

Q4: What does adjustment of status (AOS) mean?

Adjustment of status is the process through which eligible individuals already present in the U.S. can apply for permanent residency (a green card) without leaving the country. This process often involves filing a Form and undergoing a medical exam and interview.

Q5: Why are FOIA requests important in immigration cases?

FOIA requests allow individuals to obtain records from federal agencies, including immigration history and case files. This information can be critical in understanding past issues and building a stronger case.

Q6: Can green card holders and U.S. citizens sponsor their children for U.S. citizenship?

Yes. U.S. citizens can sponsor their children for green cards or citizenship, depending on eligibility factors like the child’s age and marital status. Green card holders can also sponsor their children. However, there may be a waiting period depending on the child’s age and marital status.

At Gehi & Associates , we understand the immense emotional and practical value of achieving U.S. citizenship and family reunification. Our team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff work tirelessly to provide personalized and effective legal solutions.

If you or someone you know is working on the U.S. immigration system, contact us today. Let us help you turn your immigration challenges into success stories. Together, we’ll help you achieve your American Dream!

Disclaimer: This case study is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any legal case depends on specific facts and circumstances, and this case study does not guarantee success in any individual case. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this case study. Immigration laws can change, and information may not be up-to-date. Consult an experienced immigration attorney for personalized advice. Each immigration case is unique, and success depends on individual circumstances and applicable laws. Seek legal counsel before making any decisions related to immigration or deportation proceedings. Gehi & Associates Disclaims liability for actions based on this information. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.