CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION IN FLORIDA

 

Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen of the United States for those born outside of the United States.

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To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet several legal requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 

 

While these requirements make naturalization appear simple at first glance, there are several potential pitfalls that an experienced Florida naturalization lawyer, like those at The Law Office of George K. Gomez, can anticipate and plan for in order to make your naturalization application a successful one.
 

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ELIGIBILITY FOR NATURALIZATION

 

In order to apply for naturalization to become a United States Citizen, you must meet the following criteria:

 

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;

• Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);

• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

• Be able to read, write and speak basic English.

• Demonstrate good moral character.

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.

• Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

 

Benefits of Naturalization

 

Naturalization comes with many benefits. Some of the benefits of naturalization include:

 

• The right to vote in local, state, and federal elections;

• The right to serve on local, state, and federal juries;

• The right to seek public office;

• No more need to renew your permanent residence;

• The ability to seek employment with the federal government;;

• The ability to pursue immigration petitions reserved for U.S. citizens;

• Higher priority on preference category immigrant visas;

• Protection from deportation; and;

• The highly coveted U.S. Passport.

 

Common Pitfalls

 

Some of the common issues seen in a naturalization application concern:

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• Prior criminal history and a lack of good moral character

• Failure to pay child support or alimony

• Failure to file or pay federal income tax

• Failure to register for selective service

• Continuous residence concerns

• Physical presence concerns

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Properly addressing these concerns is paramount to having a successful naturalization application. In addition, filling out your application improperly or failing to provide the necessary documents can cause a rejection or delay the process. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced immigration lawyer so these issues can be anticipated and resolved.

 

I am an experienced citizenship and naturalization lawyer and have guided many people through the naturalization process.  I am familiar with everything you need to know and do in order to become a U.S. citizen. I can help you apply and can help prepare you for the naturalization interview and test.

 

Contact an Experienced Naturalization Lawyer Today!

 

I will help you get on the path to citizenship. As an experienced citizenship lawyer, I have the knowledge to understand your unique circumstances and to assist you in navigating the many steps you will have to take in order to become a U.S. citizen. Call (305) 539-0991 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation with me. We are located in Miami Lakes, Florida and are available for consultations by phone, by zoom, or in person.