There are many requirements you must meet, so you may be asking, “Am I eligible for naturalization?” We’re here to explain.
Scroll down to hear Attorney Rolando Casais, Jr. explain the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen.
The terms citizenship and naturalization may seem interchangeable but they are slightly different. Citizenship is given at birth or acquired through naturalization. To gain citizenship, you must be eligible for naturalization by meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
How To Become A U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
If you were born outside the United States, naturalization is the legal process of becoming a US citizen. There are many requirements you must meet, so you may be asking, “am I eligible for naturalization?”
What Are The Requirements For Naturalization?
To begin, you must be at least 18 years old at the time you apply, you must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years (typically), and you must continuously live and be physically present in the United States.
You must be able to show that you are a person of good moral character. Good moral character is character that measures up to the standards of the average citizen in the community. Good moral character is determined on a case-by-case basis, however, there are various types of conduct that will automatically prevent you from showing good moral character. You cannot show good moral character if you have been convicted of an aggravated felony, if your income comes from illegal gambling, if you are a habitual drunk, or if you have lied to an immigration officer, to name a few.
As part of the naturalization process, you will be required to attend an interview where it will be necessary for you to show the ability to read, write, and speak in English. The naturalization interview is an in-depth interview where the immigration officer inquires into your personal background including your marriage history, your children and parents, trips taken outside the United States, criminal history, your association with groups, clubs, and organizations, and much more.
You must also show knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and the U.S. form of government, display loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and you must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Stop Searching “Am I Eligible for Naturalization” and Contact Us Today
If you would like to apply for naturalization, please contact the Law Office of Casais and Prias. Our attorneys will represent you in preparing and submitting your application for naturalization, we will prepare you for the naturalization interview, and an attorney will accompany you to the naturalization interview.
