Naturalization

Aventura Naturalization Attorneys

Helping Clients Become Citizens

The naturalization process is how immigrants become U.S. citizens. If that is your goal, an Aventura naturalization lawyer at the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi can guide you step-by-step through the complicated naturalization process. Our law practice offers this service to our clients across the United States and throughout the world.

As the number of applications for naturalization increases, so does the waiting time for processing those applications. The first requirement for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is patience. Naturalization can be long and complicated, but it is well worth the effort.

What Does Naturalization Offer?

Naturalization offers a number of privileges that are available only to U.S. citizens, including the right to vote in U.S. elections, the right to travel freely, and the right to live and do business in other nations and return to the United States without additional immigration requirements.

Naturalized citizens may petition the government for lawful permanent resident status for their spouse, parents, and children – with no extra waiting time – because there is no cap on the number of relatives of U.S. citizens who may apply for lawful permanent resident status.

What is Required for Naturalized Citizenship?

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, on the date you file Form N-400 (“Application for Naturalization”), you must meet the qualifications for citizenship set forth by the Immigration and Nationality Act. You may qualify for naturalized U.S. citizenship if:

  1. You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, and you meet the other requirements for naturalized citizenship.
  1. You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least three years, you are married to a U.S. citizen, and you meet the other requirements for naturalized citizenship.
  1. You are eligible because you have served in the United States military, and you meet the other requirements for naturalized citizenship.
  1. You’re at least 18 years of age and you can read, write, and speak basic English.
  1. You can demonstrate the required physical presence and continuous residence in the United States.
  1. You have demonstrated good moral character, for example, by paying taxes, paying child support if ordered, having no criminal history including DUI, no bankruptcy, and no unfavorable connections to organizations that pose a threat to U.S. national security.
  1. You have a basic knowledge and understanding of U.S. government and history.
  1. You have demonstrated loyalty to the ideals and principles of the United States Constitution, and you are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

An Aventura naturalization attorney at the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi will help you complete Form N-400, answer your questions about the naturalization process, and address your concerns. Helping you succeed is our goal. You can reach us by calling 754-289-6645.

Why Are Some Applicants Rejected?

Applicants may be rejected for naturalization if they appear to lack allegiance to the United States, if they cannot prove that they have the required period of permanent residence, if they appear to have bad moral character, and/or if they fail the required Civics or English test.

If you are already a U.S. citizen, your child may qualify for naturalization, even if your child was born in or resides in another country. If your biological or adoptive parent became a naturalized U.S. citizen before you turned age 18, you may already be a citizen and do not need naturalization, but you should apply (using Form N-600) for a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you have family members who are eligible for naturalized citizenship in the United States, a naturalization lawyer at the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi can help you and your family with the extensive paperwork that becoming a naturalized citizen involves.

What Should You Know About the Naturalization Test?

To become a United States citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. You’ll attend a naturalization interview where you will respond to questions about your background and your application.

Unless you’re eligible for an exemption or waiver, you must also pass the English and U.S. Civics tests. An exemption may be granted if you’re 50 or older and you’ve had a green card for at least twenty years or if you’re over age 55 and you’ve held a green card at least fifteen years.

If you are developmentally or physically disabled, you may also qualify for an exemption from the English and U.S. Civics tests, but documentation of your disability must be submitted by your doctor and accompany your N-400 application.

You are provided with two opportunities to take the English and U.S. Civics tests. If you fail either or both at your first naturalization interview, you may retake either or both tests within two weeks of that first interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers study materials for the naturalization test, and it makes these resources available through its website.

What Should You Know About Form N-400?

Applicants for naturalization must complete Form N-400 and attach the required documentation. Those who may qualify for a waiver or fee reduction include applicants who:

  1. have household incomes between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty guidelines
  2. are exempt from the fees based on military service
  3. are experiencing extreme financial hardship

How Will the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi Help You?

Your naturalization lawyer will help you complete Form N-400 and will ensure that the process isn’t delayed by any mistakes or misunderstandings on your part. Your attorney will also respond on your behalf if any misunderstanding or dispute emerges.

Naturalization seems easy, but U.S. immigration laws and regulations can be quite complicated. If your goal is citizenship for yourself or a family member, having trustworthy legal guidance from the attorneys at the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi is the smart way to achieve that goal.

Consulting one of our naturalization lawyers should be your first step. Your situation is unique, so you need sound advice that’s practical and personalized. You can schedule a consultation with a naturalization attorney at the Law Offices Of Carla A. Anzaldi by calling 754-289-6645.