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What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is how a foreign national becomes a United States citizen. It has been a part of federal law since Congress approved the Naturalization Act of 1790. Let an Aventura naturalization lawyer advise and guide you through the naturalization process.
The United States has a lengthy history of welcoming immigrants from around the world. Over the last decade, more than eight million immigrants became naturalized citizens.
Today, hundreds of thousands of immigrants hope for and seek naturalized U.S. citizenship. In fiscal year 2024, the United States welcomed more than 800,000 new citizens in naturalization ceremonies held across the nation.
What is the First Requirement?
The number of naturalization applications has substantially increased since fiscal year 2015, and so have the waiting periods. Today, the first requirement for becoming a naturalized United States citizen is having some patience.
Naturalization offers benefits and privileges available only to United States citizens – including the right to live or work anywhere in the world without losing the ability to return and live in the U.S. – without any additional immigration interference.
Naturalization can be a lengthy and convoluted process, but it is worth the effort. Naturalized citizens may vote in U.S. elections. They may also petition the government for permanent resident status for their spouses, parents, siblings, and children, without any extra wait.
What Else is Required for U.S. Citizenship?
To become a United States citizen, applicants must meet all the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. You may be eligible for naturalized U.S. citizenship if:
- You’ve been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years, and you meet the other requirements to qualify for naturalization; or
- You’ve been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least three years, you are married to a U.S. citizen, and you meet the other requirements to file for naturalized citizenship; or
- You qualify for naturalization because of your service in the United States military, and you meet the other requirements to be eligible for naturalized citizenship; and
- You are at least 18 when you file Form N-400 (“Application for U.S. Citizenship”).
- You can demonstrate the required continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
- You can read, write, and speak basic English.
- You have demonstrated good moral character (for example, by paying taxes, paying child support, registering for military service, and/or having no criminal record).
- You have a basic knowledge and understanding of the history and government of the United States.
- You have demonstrated loyalty to the ideals of the U.S. Constitution and are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Why Are Some Naturalization Applicants Rejected?
Applicants may be denied naturalized citizenship if they cannot prove that they have the required length of permanent residence, if they are found to lack allegiance to the United States, if they are deemed to have bad moral character, and/or if they fail the required English or Civics test.
Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are already a U.S. citizen, even if the child was born or resides in another country. If your adoptive or biological parent became a U.S. citizen before you reached age 18, you may already be a U.S. citizen, and you may not need naturalization, but you should apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.
If you have family members who may be eligible for naturalized U.S. citizenship, an Aventura naturalization attorney can advise and help you with the mountain of paperwork and red tape that becoming a U.S. citizen involves.
What Does Naturalization Entail?
If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you must attend a naturalization interview, where USCIS will ask about your background and your citizenship application. Unless you are eligible for a waiver or exemption, you also must take and pass English and U.S. Civics tests.
An exemption may be approved if you are 50 or older and you’ve held a green card for at least twenty years or if you are over age 55 and you’ve held a green card for at least fifteen years. If you are physically or developmentally disabled, you may also be exempted, but documentation of your disability must be submitted by your physician on the correct form with your application.
You have two chances to take the English and Civics tests. Should you fail either or both tests, you can take either or both again within two weeks after your naturalization interview. USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – provides study materials for the test and other resources about naturalization through its offices and website.
What Is Form N-400?
Applicants for naturalized citizenship must complete Form N-400 entirely and accurately and attach all of the required documentation. The filing fee for Form N-400 is $760 for paper applications and $710 for online applications. As of 2024, there is no separate biometric fee.
In fiscal year 2023, USCIS denied more than 100,000 naturalization applications. That number makes one thing clear: You’ll need advice and guidance from an Aventura naturalization attorney who can address your concerns, assist you with Form N-400, answer your questions, and help you become a U.S. citizen.
Let the Law Offices of Carla A. Anzaldi Help You Become a U.S. Citizen
If your goal is U.S. citizenship for yourself or a loved one, an Aventura naturalization lawyer at the Law Offices of Carla A. Anzaldi will help you achieve that goal and ensure that no misunderstandings or mistakes delay your naturalization process.
Consulting a South Florida immigration attorney is your first step. Everyone’s situation is unique, so you must have personalized immigration advice. An attorney at the Law Offices of Carla A. Anzaldi will also advocate on your behalf if any dispute or misunderstanding emerges.
If you want to become a U.S. citizen, don’t take anything for granted. Naturalization may seem easy, but the laws and regulations are extremely complicated. Get the help you need and call the Law Offices of Carla A. Anzaldi at 754-289-6645. We speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
