Going through the Naturalization process and applying for Citizenship can be difficult if you don’t have a citizenship lawyer. The Orlando Immigration Attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm can help you navigate the complicated U.S. immigration and citizenship laws. Jose Rivas, the firm’s founder, knows how it feels to start over in a new country. He came to the United States and became a successful businessman and attorney. If you have decided to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, call 407-644-2466 to speak with a Central Florida Immigration Attorney.
The Naturalization Process
If you are born in the United States, you are automatically a citizen. You can become a U.S. citizen if you were born in another country through the naturalization process. Naturalized citizens have all the rights and responsibilities of a natural-born American. You can live and work anywhere you choose, get a U.S. passport, vote, run for office – and pay taxes.
To be eligible for naturalization and apply for citizenship, you must be at least 18 years old and have good moral character (GMC). GMC generally means that you have a clean record and haven’t been convicted of crimes. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must also:
- 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 a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you need to file Form N-400. Along with the application form, you have to make sure to submit all the supporting documents or evidence, such as:
- A copy of your Permanent Resident Card
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if applying for naturalization based on military service)
- DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and separated from service)
- A copy of your official military orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and currently serving)
- Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under 319(b))
- Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States)
Applying for Citizenship
Completing the naturalization process is applying for citizenship. Once you complete all the forms, submit all of the documents, and undergo an interview, the USCIS will notify you of its decision. A citizenship lawyer can help you through each of these steps and give you confidence going into your interview. If they deny your application, your citizenship attorney may be able to remedy the situation. If your application is approved, you’ll be on your way to taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
The citizenship lawyers at the Rivas Immigration Law Firm in Orlando are ready to help you through the process of becoming a citizen of the United States. Call 407-644-2466 for a consultation.