Citizenship Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale
Obtain Citizenship Through Naturalization
If you have come to this country as an immigrant and want to take the necessary steps for achieving naturalization, retain our Fort Lauderdale immigration law firm, Guerra Saenz, PL, for help. Our lead attorney is a native Spanish speaker, and his own life experiences in fighting for the right to stay in the United States have made him passionate about representing clients on all types of immigration law matters. Beyond that, Mr. Guerra has also earned recognition from The Florida Bar as a Board Certified lawyer in Immigration and National Law.
Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
There are two basic routes to achieve citizenship, each with their own set of requirements. The two primary methods are:
By Birth
- Be born in the United States or territories and/or possessions of the U.S. OR
- Had a United States citizen for a parent and the time of your birth if you were born abroad. (Some additional requirements may apply).
By Naturalization
The general requirements for naturalization include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a green card for a minimum of five years, during which you must also have maintained continuous residence
- Live within the state where you are applying for at least three months
- Be physically present for at least two and a half years before the date of application
- Display the ability to read, write and speak basic English
- Pass a test in U.S. history and government
- Demonstrate that you are a person of "good moral character," which includes not having been convicted of certain crimes
- Be attached to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
Other Ways to Qualify for Citizenship
If you meet certain criteria, you might be eligible for expedited citizenship. Below, you can find other ways to qualify for citizenship in the United States:
Have a U.S. Citizen for a Spouse
- Be married to and living with a U.S. citizen for at least three years
- Have a green card for a minimum of three years, during which you must also have maintained continuous residence
Be a Member of the U.S. Military
- During peacetime – Currently serving or having served in the U.S. Military for at least one year. Must have received an honorable discharge if no longer in the armed forces.
- During U.S. government designated period of hostilities – Having served for any length of time during a specified time of conflict. Must have received an honorable discharge if no longer in the armed forces.
Be Married to a Member of the U.S. Military
- Be married to a member of the U.S. Military who is or will be actively deployed
- Have a green card and be present in the U.S. at the time of application
- Assert intention to reside with U.S. military spouse upon the completion of their service
Local Support for Citizenship in Fort Lauderdale
Living in Fort Lauderdale, you have access to various local resources that can assist you on your journey to U.S. citizenship. The City of Fort Lauderdale's official website offers valuable information on community services and local government support that can be beneficial during your naturalization process. Additionally, the Broward County Library system provides free access to study materials for the U.S. citizenship test, including books and online resources.
One common challenge many Fort Lauderdale residents face is navigating the complexities of immigration paperwork and understanding the specific requirements for naturalization. Our Guerra Saenz PL team is well-versed in these local nuances and can help you avoid common pitfalls. We understand that the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale can be high, and unexpected legal fees can add to the stress. That's why we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to make our services accessible to everyone.
Moreover, Fort Lauderdale's diverse community means that language barriers can sometimes be an issue. Our lead attorney, being a native Spanish speaker, can provide bilingual support to ensure clear communication and understanding throughout the process. We are committed to helping you feel confident and prepared as you work towards achieving your U.S. citizenship.
Whether residing in the bustling downtown area or the quieter neighborhoods of Victoria Park or Coral Ridge, our Fort Lauderdale office is conveniently located to serve you. We are familiar with the local USCIS office and can guide you through each step, from gathering the necessary documents to preparing for your citizenship interview.
Contact Us for Assistance with Your Citizenship Journey
While some of these criteria may be relatively simple to satisfy, others might require extensive preparation. Our Fort Lauderdale immigration attorneys are skilled at navigating through the procedures of achieving U.S. citizenship. We will assist you with every stage of the process, taking steps to maximize your chances of success.
In the event that your application for naturalization is wrongfully denied, we might even be able to help you challenge the decision with the USCIS and the federal courts. At Guerra Saenz, PL, our Fort Lauderdale citizenship attorneys are committed to helping you accomplish your aspiration of U.S. citizenship.
Let us help you achieve your citizenship goals. Contact us now for an initial consultation.