For undocumented individuals with dreams of becoming a citizen of the United States, having an immigration lawyer is fundamental to make that dream a reality. With Rivera Law by your side, your U.S. citizenship process will go smoother. We will work with you to:
- Assure you are prepared for your interview and exam.
- Assemble all of your necessary documentation.
- Acquire your identification.
- Complete your N-400 form (Application for Naturalization).
- Send in your application with all documents and fees attached.
Additionally, varying legal reasons may affect your naturalization eligibility. This is why it is best to seek help from a professional immigration lawyer before proceeding. Some of the stipulations may include:
- Having a criminal history: While some believe criminal records are in the past, that is not always the case when it comes to acquiring citizenship. Typically, your immigration officer will review all arrests, citations, and violations that are on your record. This can determine if you will be denied citizenship.
- Having unpaid taxes: You must pay all of your taxes or come up with a payment plan that will satisfy immigration.
- Not registering with Selective Services: Males between 18-26 who have not registered with Selective Services can be denied. There is a chance to refile again at the age of 31 however, there are exceptions.
- Child support debt: Not making all child support payments promptly can be subject to denial as well.
- Lying on your naturalization application: If you lie on your N-400 form, your citizenship can also be denied. For example, if you have a criminal record and you choose ‘NO’ on a question that asks if you have ever been arrested, the courts will most likely rule this as deception whether it was an accident or not.
How Much Does Naturalization Cost in Florida?
As of December 23, 2016, the USCIS has placed a fee of $640 for naturalization in Florida. While this fee is always subject to change, you should always verify them before you begin the naturalization process. Failing to pay the required fees can potentially lead to a rejected submission.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Have an Immigration Lawyer?
While you may think that you can handle your immigration process on your own, it is important to consider the rigorous requirements that can lead you to overlook important details on your application. It is important to consider that the Department of Homeland Security could challenge your permanent resident status if the USCIS has found evidence of immigration violations. Once you are labeled a “violator” of immigration laws, you could be denied citizenship and placed in removal proceedings or even be deported.
Keep in mind that even though you are not obligated to apply for U.S. citizenship, you cannot automatically become a citizen by being a legal permanent resident (LPR). You must first assure you are eligible to apply for naturalization and begin your naturalization process.
Remember, the USCIS verifies all of your information, including:
- Past criminal records
- If you properly obtained your LPR status
- Background checks
This is why obtaining the assistance of Rivera Law is so crucial to your immigration process. It is paramount that before you even begin the application process, you contact us so that we can ensure everything is going smoothly from the start. If there are any discrepancies in your case, we will work diligently to gather evidence so that biases potentially harming your case can be ruled out.
Contact us at 561-651-9322 for your consultation with a board-certified immigration attorney today.
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