How to Change Your Name During the Naturalization Process in the United States

In this article, we want to address a topic of great interest: changing your name when naturalizing as a citizen of the United States.

Many of our readers wonder if it is possible to change their name when obtaining U.S. citizenship. The answer is yes, but several important aspects and details must be considered. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to do it and the restrictions you should keep in mind.

Why Change Your Name?

There are various reasons why someone might want to change their name when naturalizing:

Integration and Identification: To identify differently within the community.
Family Unity: To match the names of other family members.
Professional Advancement: To enhance their professional image.
Religious Beliefs: For religious reasons.

Restrictions on Changing Your Name

Changing your name cannot be done arbitrarily. There are certain legal restrictions:

Debt Evasion: You cannot change your name to avoid being pursued for debts.
Famous Names: Adopting the names of well-known individuals, like celebrities, is not allowed.
Confusing or Inappropriate Names: Names that could cause confusion or are threatening or obscene will not be approved.

Procedure for Changing Your Name

The Immigration Service is authorized to change your name in two situations:

Documentary Evidence: Through documents such as marriage or divorce certificates.
Court Order: Through a judicial order. This process can be lengthy and requires patience.

Steps to Follow

Documentation: Gather the necessary documents that justify the name change.
Application: Fill out the name change application during your naturalization process.
Ceremony: Attend the oath ceremony before an authorized judge, who will approve the name change.

Final Considerations

The process of changing your name when naturalizing is neither automatic nor simple. It requires meeting certain requirements and can take time. Make sure to follow the appropriate steps and be prepared for potential delays.

Need More Information?

If you have more questions about the naturalization process or other immigration issues, feel free to contact us at 205-506-2129 or send us your questions through our Abogados Centro Legal website, Facebook, or YouTube page.