“Serena” had been a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident for over twenty-five years. However, having lived in a segregated area of Brooklyn, New York Serena never learned how to communicate much beyond her native Arabic. As such, Serena never had the confidence to apply for naturalization, yet it had always been her dream to become a U.S. Citizen and vote in the Presidential election.
Before hiring counsel, Serena first applied for naturalization pro se via Form N-400. Serena was predictably denied at the interview as she could not pass the English or Civics portion of the exam. Naturalization requires more than simple residence in the U.S.; in order to become a U.S. Citizen, an applicant must demonstrate an elementary level knowledge of reading, writing, and understanding of English, as well as a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government. The only exception is if an applicant qualifies for a waiver of the English and/or Civics requirement.
After another failed application, Serena finally retained Slepian Law to represent her. Andrew Slepian, Esq. of Slepian Law visited with Serena in New York City and determined that Serena was clearly eligible for a waiver of the English requirement by virtue of being over 50 years old and having been a Lawful Permanent Resident for over 20 years. In addition, after speaking with Serena’s family, it was determined that Serena may qualify for a waiver of the Civics portion of the naturalization test due to a medical disability. After consulting with a psychiatrist, Serena was diagnosed with mild mental retardation which was a direct cause of her inability to pass the Civics portion of the naturalization exam. So, with the help of Mr. Slepian, Serena re-filed Form N-400 with a Waiver of the Civics exam due to a medical disability. After an interview in New York City attended by Mr. Slepian, Serena was approved for naturalization without the need to take the English or Civics exam. Within three weeks thereafter, Serena took the oath and was sworn in as a Citizen of the United States! Serena continues to reside in Brooklyn, New York.
