APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION (US CITIZENSHIP)
To most immigrants, obtaining their greencard has been a long and challenging journey. However, it should not be regarded as the final destination. The real American dream is to become a United States Citizen. After obtaining permanent residence status, many green card holders desire to take that next step—becoming a United States Citizen. As a United States Citizen, one is afforded many privileges that are not conferred on persons who only have permanent residence status. A United States Citizen is able to petition for the green cards of close relatives, pass on citizenship to existing children and children yet to be born, and vote in elections. Needless to say, naturalization is a very important step that requires familiarity of the requirements and procedures involved. The following is a brief overview of naturalization.
You need to determine whether you qualify to seek United States citizenship. To qualify, one must have held his/her green card and have been physically present in the United States for a sufficient amount of time. Generally speaking, one is required to have held his/her green card for a minimum of five (5) years. In addition, one must resided or even better be physically present in the United States for at least half of those five years. Exceptions to the general rule having to do with, among other things, minor children and marriage do exist that cannot be fully explored in this article because of space limitations. In addition, local residency requirements mandate that the person seeking citizenship reside within the state or district in which the application is filed for at least three (3) months.
In addition to determining eligibility to apply for naturalization, one should also consider the practical issues. To become naturalized, a determination is made as to whether the applicant is of good moral character. Generally, one is deemed to be of good moral character when it can be shown that one has not committed a crime of moral turpitude or has engaged in so-called “vice” crimes such as prostitution and illegal gambling. Other considerations, too many to go into detail here, exist in making the moral character determination. If one has done something that may adversely affect the determination of moral character, one must seriously consider whether to proceed with the application for naturalization. The application may bring such actions to the attention of the USCIS, which could result in possible denial of the application and deportation.
Once one has hurdled over the residency requirements and considered the practical issues, the next issue to consider is the appropriate time to file the application. One can apply for naturalization in the three (3) months before the aforementioned required period of residency has been completed. The application is a multi-step process. First, necessary paperwork is required to be filed with appropriate fees. Thereafter, an interview is scheduled where further inquiry is made upon the applicant. Usually, inquiry is made into the applicant’s eligibility and knowledge of U.S. government and history. Finally, if the application is approved, the applicant must take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
For more information on how we can help you resolve your immigration as effectively and quickly as possible, please contact our office without delay.
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The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC are the most professional, knowledgeable legal practitioners of family law and personal injury cases. They played an integral role in protecting my children and me, offering not just legal expertise but honest advice. Highly recommend.S.M.
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I struggled with two other lawyers for two years. The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC, ended the bullying and delays. This team is professional, respectable, and kindhearted. They expertly handled my case, securing a favorable outcome. Highly recommend!R.P.
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The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC has represented me since 2012 and has handled my case competently and professionally. They successfully assisted me towards my permanent residency despite the complications. Their expertise and care yielded the desired results.R.L.
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Thank you to Ken Reyes and his colleague Gabriella Castro for their exceptional service, hard work and unwavering dedication to my case. Divorce settlements are never easy or clear cut and both Ken and Gabriella spent time to explain every detail and remained strong, level-headed and professional during the heated back and forth with the opposing law firm. I was very satisfied with the overall outcome of my case and highly recommend Ken and team for all legal issues. Thank you Ken. Keep up the great work and I look forward to working with you again in the future.J.C.
