Naturalization & Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. Citizen is one of the goals of all the immigrants that come to the United States. It gives the privilege to vote and to work for the Federal Government and in many jurisdictions also to work for the local authorities. Also it gives the possibility to bring more family members to this country.
The naturalization is a very serious process and is the last screening the immigration authorities will perform on a “Green Card” holder. This process should not be taken lightly. That is why is convenient to retain a competent immigration attorney to represent you.
In general there are five requisites to apply for the U.S. Citizenship:
- Immediately preceding the filing of the application the applicant has resided continuously for 5 years after being lawfully admitted for permanent resident. The person that gets the “Green Card” through marriage with a U.S. Citizen has to reside continuously for 3 years after being lawfully admitted for permanent resident.
- The applicant for naturalization has to be physically present in the United States for periods totaling at least half of the time of the periods mentioned in the previous paragraph according to each applicable case.
- The applicant has resided within the State or within the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed the application for at least three months.
- The applicant has resided continuously within the United States from the date of the application up to the time of admission to citizenship.
- During all the periods referred to in paragraphs number 1, 2, 3 and 4 has been and still is a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.
In addition the person has to show a minimum level of English and knowledge of American history and government. There are certain exceptions for the English test and the possibility for some elder applicants to take a shorter version of the American history and government test.
The main problem many people encounter when applying for the U.S. Citizenship is having being convicted of certain crimes or not having paid their taxes.
At the Law Offices of Hugo C. Castro we may advice you about your particular case and represent you throughout the naturalization process to avoid any pitfall that may have serious consequences.
We have the knowledge, experience, resources and capabilities to provide you with a legal strong representation.