Orlando Citizenship Lawyers

Guiding Clients Through the US Naturalization Process

At the Sekou Clarke Law Group, we are immigrants ourselves. Our attorney has been through the arduous process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Having walked this path, it is now our passion to guide others. While the process requires great patience, it also comes with great rewards.

Every client is unique, which means that their story will be different. It is our joy to learn more about your special situation and use our knowledge of immigration law to work through the steps involved in naturalization and citizenship. Our legal strategy is always personalized, and we will be available for you the whole way through.

Applying for citizenship through naturalization? Call our Orlando citizenship lawyers today at (407) 269-8774. We are here to make the process easier for you.

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process that allows a foreign citizen or national to become a citizen of the United States. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an eligible applicant for naturalization must be at least 18 years old and be of good moral character. Another very important requirement is that the applicant must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years. This means that they must have had a green card for at least five years. An immigrant who came to the U.S. seeking asylum or as a refugee also needs a green card to become naturalized, but they can count some of their time as an asylum-seeker or refugee in the five years.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Obtaining U.S. citizenship may be worth the difficult naturalization process because you will have freedoms such as:

• Protection from deportation
• Citizenship for your children
• Ability to sponsor other relatives outside the U.S. to come to the U.S.
• Ability to travel freely to other countries
• Ability to work
• Ability to vote

The Naturalization Process

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are 10 steps to naturalization. Unfortunately, we have seen that most applicants become stuck on one of these 10 steps. There may be a problem with their paperwork, a concern about their intentions, or issues arising from their past. In these cases, it is best to get a dedicated and compassionate advocate on your side.

The 10 basic steps to naturalization are:

• Determine if you are currently a citizen of the United States
• Ensure you are eligible for U.S. citizenship
• Fill out a Form N-400 Application for Naturalization
• Submit this form to the USCIS
• Go to a biometrics appointment (if required)
• Attend an interview with a USCIS official
• Receive a decision on your application
• If you received a “yes,” you will be given a date to take the Oath of Allegiance
• Understand the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen

What Happens if My Application for Naturalization is Denied?

This means that the USCIS has determined you are not eligible for citizenship. We may be able to appeal your case. Also, many immigration cases are “continued.” This means that the USCIS wants to do additional investigations before granting you naturalization. We suggest hiring an immigration attorney if you received a denial on your Form N-400.

Are You Eligible to Apply for Citizenship?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship unless you are planning to apply for military naturalization. You must also be a current permanent resident. In most cases, applicants must show that they have been a permanent resident in the U.S. for more than five years. You may be able to apply if you have been a permanent resident for three to five years if you have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years.

There are also restrictions on your travel during the time of your permanent residency. If you want to learn more about the many facets of eligibility, talk with one of our Orlando citizenship and naturalization attorneys. Having a trustworthy and dedicated lawyer on your side could make a world of difference.

Call (407) 269-8774 today to learn more about how our citizenship & naturalization attorneys in Orlando can help. The Sekou Clarke Law Group is here for you.