Citizenship Attorney in Jacksonville
Providing Legal Assistance for Immigration Matters Since 2006
The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre takes pride in helping this country’s immigrants on their path to becoming U.S. citizens. Becoming a U.S. citizen can be an emotional and transformative experience. However, it can also be a complex and lengthy process. Individuals with any arrest and convictions should seek the advice of an immigration attorney before filing for any immigration benefit. Certain convictions could result in a loss of your legal permanent residence status and even lead to removal from the United States.
What Sets Our Law Firm Apart?
- An Attorney Who Understands the Immigrant Experience
- Top Avvo Rating of 10.0 & Top-Rated by Previous Clients
- Dedicated, Compassionate Legal Representation
- We’ll Provide Prompt, Continuous Updates on Your Case
If you are in pursuit of U.S. citizenship, our Jacksonville-based citizenship attorney can act as your trusted guide throughout the process. You will have access to our firm to seek answers to your questions, ensure that your case is moving forward, and prevent any unnecessary delays or setbacks. We can take care of the paperwork and documentation and ensure that everything is handled within proper guidelines and time frames. When you need a qualified naturalization attorney in Florida, turn to our Jacksonville immigration lawyers at The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre.
Call (904) 447-1937 to speak with a citizenship attorney in Jacksonville about how we can assist you with the naturalization and citizenship process.
Naturalization
Only Lawful Permanent Residents who have lived in the United States for the statutory period required are eligible to file for Naturalization.
Eligibility to Apply for Naturalization includes:
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing the application;
- Must be a lawful permanent resident;
- Must have had continuous residence in the USA as a legal permanent resident for at least five years, or three if married to a United States Citizen;
- Must have been physically present in the United States for 30 months (18 months if married to a U.S. citizen);
- Must be of good moral character for the statutory period;
- Have the ability to read, write, speak; and understand basic English;
- Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government; and
- Support the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. government and take the oath of allegiance.
Our Jacksonville Naturalization & Citizenship Services
How Our Jacksonville Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer Can Help:
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Naturalization Process: Naturalization Attorney Joanne Fakhre guides clients through the naturalization process, assisting with the necessary paperwork, interviews, and requirements to become a U.S. citizen.
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Citizenship Applications: We help individuals complete and submit citizenship applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with immigration laws.
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Citizenship Test Preparation: Citizenship Attorney Joanne Fakhre provides comprehensive support for the citizenship test, including assistance with the civics and English language portions.
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Derivative Citizenship: For eligible individuals, we explore derivative citizenship options, ensuring that family members can benefit from the citizenship status of qualifying relatives.
When Applying for Citizenship in the U.S
It is important before applying for citizenship to ensure that there are no obstacles, such as certain criminal convictions or other problems, that could result in a denial of your citizenship application, or worse, place you in removal or deportation proceedings.
How Long Does It Take To Become A U.S. Citizen?
The timeframe to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process can vary. On average, the citizenship process can take anywhere between a year or two to complete, however, there are many factors that can influence how quickly the naturalization and citizenship process goes, including how complex the case is, the workload of USCIS, and more:
- USCIS Processing Times: processing times can vary based on workload and other factors. Delays in USCIS processing can extend the overall timeline.
- Complexity of the Case: Circumstances involving a criminal record, prior immigration violations, or complex immigration history may require additional documentation or review, increasing the processing time.
- Background Checks: If there are issues or delays with the background check, it can impact the processing time.
- Personal Circumstances: Circumstances such as the completeness and accuracy of the application, response to requests for evidence (RFEs), scheduling of interviews, and availability of required documents, can influence the timeline.
- Changes in Immigration Policies: Changes in immigration policies, laws, or regulations can impact the length of the naturalization.
Each case is unique, and the exact timeline can vary. Consulting with a knowledgeable naturalization attorney, can provide personalized guidance and help navigate the process efficiently.
Reasons for a Denied Citizenship
Certain other factors that could present potential problems include:
- Criminal Convictions
- Having voted in a U.S. election
- Abandoning your permanent residency by remaining outside of the United States for a long period of time
- Failing to pay child support or taxes
- Failing to register for selective service (men between 18 and 26 who are permanent residents).
It is very important to be sure none of these factors apply before submitting an application for naturalization.
Waivers & Exemptions
If you have a medical disability that makes you unable to learn English and study for the history and civics requirements, you may be eligible to file for a medical exception.
If you are 50 years old at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years, or are 55 years or older at the time of filing for naturalization and lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years, you may be exempt from the English language requirement but still need to take the civics test. It is possible to take the civics test in your native language if your spoken English is poor.
If you are at least 65 years or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you are only required to study 20 of the 100 civics questions.
How to Apply for Citizenship Through Naturalization
In order to become a U.S. Citizen you must ensure that you meet the requirements prior to applying. The following is a overview of how the application process consist of in order to become a U.S. Citizenship through naturalization:
- Complete and fill the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Provide a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Provide photographs - Similar to passport photographs.
- Submit any filing fees - These fees can be for the application and biometric service fees.
- Submit any evidence needed and supporting documentation for your N-400 file.
- Sign and File the Form N-400.
It would be beneficial to have our immigration attorney in Jacksonville to ensure that all documentation is filled out accurately and prevent any delays. Consult with our attorney at The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre today!
Derive Citizenship from Parents (Birth Abroad)
Derivative citizenship can also be acquired for those who were born in another country but whose parents are U.S. citizens. A Certificate of Citizenship is available for both biological and adopted children.
Can I Apply For Citizenship With A Dismissed Misdemeanor?
Generally, a dismissed misdemeanor offense should not automatically disqualify you from applying for U.S. citizenship. However, it's important to note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will still review your entire immigration history, including any criminal records, during the naturalization process.
Even if a misdemeanor charge was dismissed, USCIS may consider the underlying circumstances and factors such as the nature of the offense, the reasons for dismissal, and your overall moral character. It's crucial to provide accurate and complete information about the dismissed misdemeanor charge on your naturalization application and be prepared to provide supporting documentation if required.
Seeking citizenship through naturalization? It's highly recommended to consult with a qualified naturalization attorney, such as Attorney Joanne M. Fakhre at The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre, P.A.. Working with an experienced lawyer can help expedite the process. With a deep understanding of the naturalization process and the immigrant experience, Attorney Fakhre, who is also an immigrant herself, provides personalized guidance and advocacy. Since 2006, we have been dedicated to keeping America great, one immigrant at a time™. Recognized for our exceptional legal services, we have earned a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo. Trust us to navigate the complexities of naturalization and work diligently to help you achieve U.S. citizenship in a timely manner.
Call the Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre Today
Those who feel that they were wrongly denied citizenship through the naturalization process can request a hearing to appeal the decision. Ms. Fakhre can provide the assistance you need in pursuing this appeal.
Work with an experienced Jacksonville naturalization lawyer at our firm. Call (904) 447-1937 to arrange a consultation in person, by phone, or through Skype.
