Naturalization and Citizenship lawyer in louisiana

Eligibility Qualifications

The requirements for becoming a citizen depend on your situation and the type of green card you have. According to USCIS, you must meet these criteria to be eligible for citizenship:

• You must be 18 years old or older

• You have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least 5 years. If married to a U.S. citizen, you’ve been a permanent resident for at least 3 years.

• You must be a person of Good Moral Character

• You must pass an English and Civics test. Some applicants might qualify for an exempt of the test requirement, please consult with a licensed attorney to advice you if you qualify for an exempt.

• You must also be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

The USCIS offers a free Naturalization Eligibility Tool to determine your eligibility for citizenship. If you’re considering applying for citizenship , our immigration lawyer at Rocha Moody Law Firm can help you determine if you’re eligible and guide you every step of the way.

Naturalization process in the UNited States

1. Determine your eligibility to become a citizen. You can visit the Citizenship Resource Center or our citizenship lawyer can help you make this determination if you’re unsure.

2. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

3. Submit your Form N-400, as well supporting documents and fees to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

4. Go to your Biometrics Appointment if applicable to you.

5. Complete your Naturalization interview. It’s very important that you don’t miss your interview. You’ll meet with a USCIS officer who will ask you questions about your Form N-400. You will also take your English and civics test unless exempt from it .

6. You’ll receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400.

7. You’ll receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.

8. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

   If you find the steps to be long and overwhelming, reach out to Rocha Moody Law Firm for assistance during this process.

Benefits of Naturalization

• Protects you and your family from deportation

• As a U.S. citizen, you can petition to bring more of your immediate family members to the United States. This includes your parents, siblings, and adult children who are married.

• You're now free to travel without the previous limitations you had as a Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR) also known as green card holders.

• You can vote in elections and hold public office, except for the U.S. presidency.

• U.S. citizens get special federal benefits that are not accessible to others.

  Becoming a citizen of the United States gives you lots of rights and benefits.
  

Obstacles to u.S. Citizenship

Becoming a US citizen should be fairly simple if you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the process correctly. But there can be challenges that may raise questions about your eligibility. Here are some common obstacles to consider when applying for US citizenship.

1. Not Being of Good Moral Character

   Failure to pass the "good moral character" test is a common reason for naturalization application refusal. This can occur if the applicant has a criminal conviction, but it's not the only factor. Other less known reasons for not having good moral character include owing taxes to the U.S. government. It's important to resolve any tax issues promptly and show that steps are being taken to address it, such as entering into a payment plan.

2. Lying in the Application

   Some people are afraid that something from their past could stop them from becoming a citizen. Because of this fear, they may lie or give false information in their application. If you are dishonest in your application or interview, it lowers your chances of becoming a citizen. If you are worried about something from your past, talk to an immigration lawyer. They can help you figure out how to include that information in your application. There are ways to address your concerns without lying and risking your application being denied.

3. Incorrect or Missing Documents

   It's important to accurately complete your naturalization application and provide all necessary documents. If there are any issues with these documents, especially if they were obtained from another country, it could cause delays or even a denial of your application. If your application is denied, you can request a review by filing Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings. You may also have the option to reapply. However, if you encounter a problem, you could be at risk of being removed or deported. In such situations, a lawyer can assist you in navigating these issues and advising you on how to handle a negative decision.