Comprehensive Legal Services In Citizenship And Naturalization Issues
Becoming a U.S. citizen is often the final part of the American dream that many foreign individuals aim for. However, as can be the case in many immigration issues, the road can be full of obstacles and challenges. It involves a system that can seem impossible to understand for anyone who does not handle immigration cases regularly.
At Garcia & Qayum Law Group, P.A., in South Florida, our lawyers know how it feels to have that dream and fight to make it come true. Some of our attorneys and team members are migrants themselves. They are honored to help other candidates make their dreams come true. Our lawyers are proud to provide personalized services. They take the time to get to know each client and their immigration goals, and they even defend them from leaving the country when necessary. They design solutions to help clients fulfill their immigration objectives.
The First Step: Are You Eligible?
As in every migration matter, the first thing to do is determine whether you are eligible to become an American citizen. The first filter is to define whether you are:
- A lawful resident who can apply for naturalization
- The child of a U.S. citizen who is less than 18 years old and who can apply for acquisition
If you fall into the first category, then you also need to meet the following requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You can provide proof of good moral character.
- You are able to speak, write and read basic English.
- You have knowledge of U.S. history (fundamentals).
- You adhere to the U.S. Constitution.
You may also apply for naturalization if you are married to a U.S. citizen or are serving in the U.S. military.
After you and your attorney have determined your eligibility and the category that applies to your case, the next step is to start the application process. For example, an individual married to a U.S. citizen may only need to prove a residency time of three years instead of the five mandatory years required for legal residents.
What Does The Application Process Look Like?
For this process, you will use Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides the option to file online or by mail. The process includes the following steps:
- A biometrics appointment
- An interview
- An English language and a civics test
- Decision by USCIS
- Oath of allegiance
During the English test, the candidate will prove their skills at reading, writing and speaking ordinary English. The civics test includes 10 questions (out of 100, which a candidate should study before their interview). These questions are also available online at the USCIS website.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
At Garcia & Qayum Law Group, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale lawyers will guide you to ensure that your application is properly completed and filed. They will determine whether you are eligible to apply for citizenship, assist you in preparing a solid file to submit to USCIS and even help you study and prepare for the English and civics tests. You can rest assured that our team will be with you every step of the way.
Ready To Start Your Application?
Call us at 305-676-0048 or fill out our confidential online form and leave your contact information. Our team will contact you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience. Our lawyers are proud to serve clients in Dade and Broward counties and in Fort Lauderdale. Hablamos español.