How Can I Become a U.S. Citizen?

Every incredible journey has a worthwhile destination. For the countless people who travel to the United States every year to join their families, escape persecution, or seek new opportunities, that destination is often receiving U.S. citizenship. Although the process is frequently complex, challenging, and time-consuming, obtaining U.S. citizenship is a worthwhile endeavor for those individuals who complete it. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization.

Naturalization is a bureaucratic process that serves as the end-stage for the immigration process and confers all the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. Suppose you or a loved one is an immigrant to the United States who is ready to begin the naturalization process or has already started it and needs legal assistance. In that case, you must contact Ruth Jean at the Jean Law Group, LLC. Her compassionate yet dedicated approach to immigration can aid you through the process and help you and your loved ones finally achieve their dreams.

Who is Eligible to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Determining eligibility is a complex part of the process in itself, and is a key reason to consult an experienced immigration and naturalization attorney in Florida. While a simple test can help give you a basic idea of your eligibility, reaching the naturalization stage comes after other parts of the immigration process, such as obtaining a Green Card and becoming a lawful permanent resident.

Some basic requirements include being at least 18, demonstrating a “good moral character,” and possessing a basic understanding of both English and U.S. history. Whether or not you currently hold a green card or are married to a U.S. citizen also impacts your eligibility to apply for citizenship.

Do I Need a Green Card to Become a U.S. Citizen?

In most cases, yes. Having a green card makes a person a lawful permanent resident of the United States, which is a step towards full U.S. citizenship. Think of a green card as a stepping stone: it’s part of a larger process that leads to citizenship—having a green card grants holders certain rights and privileges, such as the ability to live and work in the United States, without the full benefits of citizenship. For example, someone with a green card cannot vote in elections.

In most cases, you must have had your green card for at least five years before you can apply for U.S. citizenship. This is something of a “waiting period” that allows prospective citizens to demonstrate they won’t commit any crimes and wish to live and work peacefully in the country. It also allows you time to decide whether you want to go through with the naturalization process.

For people married to U.S. citizens, the waiting period is only three years. This shorter waiting period is based on the presumption that someone married to a U.S. citizen truly wishes to live in the country and has incentives towards being a productive, law-abiding member of society.

Can I Become a U.S. Citizen if I Have a Criminal Record?

One of the disqualifying criteria for becoming a U.S. citizen is “crimes of moral turpitude.” Crimes of moral turpitude include, but are not necessarily limited to, murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and certain drug crimes. If you have a criminal history and are concerned that it may impact your chances at naturalization, consult with an experienced immigration attorney in Florida. It’s important to remember that, even if you have a green card, you may still face deportation for criminal offenses. This risk means it is imperative to be careful when applying for citizenship with a criminal record.

Although a criminal record is one major roadblock to naturalization, there are other criteria that may disqualify a person as well. For example, if you have been ordered to pay child support while in the country but have failed to meet these obligations, it can impact your ability to become a citizen. Certain offenses involving gambling and alcohol may also affect your naturalization opportunities. Engaging in or hiring sex workers is another potential barrier to citizenship, as is bigamy (marrying a person in the United States while already married to someone else).

These are only a few possible reasons someone may be disqualified from becoming a U.S. citizen. A naturalization attorney such as Ruth Jean at Jean Law Group, LLC can review your case and determine whether you may face disqualification.

What is the Naturalization Process?

Naturalization is a multi-stage process. Although the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) lists numerous steps on its website.

The basic naturalization process can be simplified into the following stages:

• Prepare and Submit Form N-400
• Go to a Biometrics Appointment
• Complete a Naturalization Interview
• Take the Oath of Allegiance

Form N-400 is the paperwork that allows someone to receive U.S. citizenship. Like many other aspects of the immigration and naturalization process, N-400 can be challenging to fill out. It’s vital to remember that any error on your paperwork, such as forgetting to fill something out, can result in your application being delayed or rejected. New, more aggressive approaches to immigration enforcement mean it’s even more important than ever to consult a naturalization attorney prior to starting the process.

“Biometrics” means being photographed and fingerprinted for citizenship. This is a fundamental part of the immigration process that has existed for many years. For several people, this can be a key moment in the naturalization proceedings and when things begin to “feel real.” Many people even keep these fingerprint cards as heirlooms that are passed down to successive generations as part of their family story.

Following your biometrics appointment is an interview with U.S. officials. This is one of the final stages of the process, and a key part of the procedure. An immigration attorney can help prepare you for this interview, including what kind of questions may be asked and how to answer them correctly. It can be easy to become stressed out over the naturalization interview, which is why having a naturalization attorney is vital for this stage of the process.

Lastly, following the successful completion of your interview, you will take the Oath of Allegiance. Depending on the timing of your interview, you can take the oath as part of an official naturalization ceremony along with other immigrants. Like the biometrics card, naturalization ceremonies often become part of a family’s American Story, similar to a college graduation.

This is a fundamental overview of the naturalization process. If you or a loved one is considering becoming a U.S. citizen or is currently in the process, consult Ruth Jean at Jean Law Group, LLC today.

What Should I Do if I Want to Become a U.S. Citizen?

The naturalization process is a rewarding opportunity for immigrants to the United States to become citizens and make it their permanent home. However, not every person who comes to America qualifies for citizenship, and even those who do often face an uphill battle. Especially in today’s political environment, it’s vital for anyone applying for citizenship to ensure they follow all procedures according to the precise letter of the law. It’s also essential that you meet all qualifications before beginning the process. That’s why if you or a loved one is currently applying for U.S. citizenship or is considering becoming a U.S. citizen, you must contact Ruth Jean at Jean Law Group, LLC.

Ruth Jean and her experienced, compassionate, and dedicated staff have extensive experience in helping individuals and families successfully achieve U.S. citizenship. She’ll work with you and your loved ones through every step of the process and ensure that you meet all criteria and that all paperwork and forms are filled out correctly. If you face any potential hurdles at the start of the process, she’ll help determine the best way to move forward with the naturalization process. If any issues arise along the way, she and her team will be there to help you keep the process moving ahead.

Citizenship is often the final stage in a long and challenging journey. Don’t let your journey come to an end prematurely. If you or a loved one is considering or currently undergoing the naturalization process, don’t hesitate to contact Ruth Jean today at 954-951-8773 to schedule a consultation.