For many people who immigrate to the United States, obtaining U.S. citizenship is often their goal. Beyond personal and emotional fulfillment, citizenship offers numerous legal benefits—the most crucial being protection from removal and deportation. The path to becoming a U.S. citizen is known as naturalization, and there are specific legal requirements that must be met to achieve it.
The seasoned Palm Bay citizenship and naturalization lawyer at Jag Law, PLLC, could guide you through the process to ensure you meet all requirements and support you in making your path to citizenship smoother.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), there are several key criteria that must be fulfilled to apply for naturalization. While the general requirements are straightforward, some individuals may face unique circumstances. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help clarify these nuances and ensure you meet all necessary conditions.
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you must:
*Foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens only need to hold a green card for three years before becoming eligible for naturalization.
Students can apply for naturalization either in their home state or where they attend school, if these differ. Students must still depend on their parents for financial support to apply in their home state.
One of the most crucial requirements for naturalization is demonstrating good moral character (GMC). According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy manual, this means your conduct over the past five (or three) years meets the moral standards expected of average citizens in your community.
The term good moral character (GMC) refers to your conduct over the past 5 years (or 3 years if you’re the spouse of a U.S. citizen who’s filing for naturalization). It means that your conduct “measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community in which the applicant resides,” according to the USCIS policy manual.
However, certain types of criminal conduct can disqualify you from establishing GMC and, in some cases, lead to removal proceedings. Crimes that are considered “morally reprehensible” or “intrinsically wrong” can negatively impact your citizenship application. These crimes may include, but are not limited to:
If you’re not sure whether you’ve been convicted of a crime that would change the way USCIS looks at your character, talk to a Palm Bay immigration and naturalization attorney. You may still be eligible to fill out a citizenship application.
Once you have determined your eligibility, the process of applying for naturalization involves several steps:
Filing the proper forms, such as Form N-400, and submitting the required documentation.
USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints and other data.
You will need to attend an interview where you’ll be asked questions about your application and background. You’ll also take the English and civics tests to demonstrate your language proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
If your application is approved, you will attend a ceremony to take the oath of allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
Errors in your application or missing documentation can cause delays or even result in denial. This is why it is critical to ensure that every detail is correct. Working with a knowledgeable citizenship and naturalization attorney in Palm Bay could help you avoid costly mistakes.
Navigating the naturalization process can be challenging without proper legal guidance. The laws surrounding immigration and naturalization are complex, and they are subject to change. Even minor errors in your paperwork or misunderstanding of eligibility requirements can delay or jeopardize your application.
At Jag Law, PLLC, we are passionate about helping our clients achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship. Our experienced attorney in Palm Bay could guide you through every step of the citizenship and naturalization process, from determining eligibility to preparing for your interview and test. We are committed to helping you avoid pitfalls and making your path to citizenship as smooth as possible.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant achievement, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. If you are considering applying for naturalization, contact Jag Law, PLLC, today. Our Palm Bay citizenship and naturalization lawyer is here to answer your questions, assist with your application, and ensure you have the best possible chance of success.
