Experienced Citizenship Attorneys In Miami And Naples
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone. For many, it’s a dream that takes years or even decades to achieve. Choosing the right legal partner can make the journey to citizenship much smoother.
At the Law Offices of Sandra Echevarria, P.A., we understand the importance of this journey, as we have experienced it firsthand. Established in 2008, our family-run Florida firm focuses solely on immigration law. Our founding lawyer, Sandra Echevarria, began her legal career to help her father achieve U.S. citizenship. Since then, she and her team have helped numerous clients around the globe achieve their immigration dreams.
Eligibility Criteria For U.S. Citizenship
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have held a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Show good moral character
- Pass English language and civics tests
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, talk to our immigration attorneys for guidance.
What Is The Difference Between Citizenship And Naturalization?
Citizenship is a permanent legal immigration status. Naturalization is the legal process through which a noncitizen becomes a U.S. citizen. While all naturalized citizens have citizenship, not all citizens are naturalized – some are citizens by birth.
What Are The Benefits Of U.S. Citizenship?
There are many citizenship benefits, including:
- The permanent right to live and work in the United States
- Protection from deportation
- Voting rights in federal elections
- Eligibility for a U.S. passport
- Access to federal benefits
- The right to sponsor family members for immigration benefits like green cards
U.S. citizenship offers permanency and layers of protection beyond that of lawful permanent residence (green cards). Beyond just the legal protections, it also provides a sense of security, stability and belonging.
Children born to U.S. citizens are automatically citizens upon birth. For many families, securing U.S. citizenship is the start of a multigenerational legacy.
What Is The Process For Naturalization?
The naturalization process involves several steps:
- Determine your eligibility
- Complete and submit Form N-400, the official application for naturalization
- Attend a biometrics appointment
- Complete the citizenship interview
- Pass the English and civics tests
- Receive a decision from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Attend the naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance
It’s worthwhile to seek legal guidance at the start of this journey. The citizenship application process and naturalization requirements can be complicated and confusing, and it’s important to be prepared from the start.
How Long Does The Naturalization Process Take?
The naturalization process can take several months to over a year, depending on various factors such as USCIS processing times and individual circumstances. Thorough preparation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Why Work With Us?
Immigration is all we do. With 25-plus years of combined experience, our citizenship lawyers understand U.S. immigration law inside and out.
Immigration is also personal to us. We’ve been through the process, so we understand it from both a professional and personal lens.
We’re passionate about helping people start new lives and legacies here in the United States. Our work has earned us multiple forms of recognition. Sandra has been named among the Top 10 Immigration Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Legal Council, among others.
Start Your Citizenship Journey Today
If you’re ready to start your journey to U.S. citizenship or have questions about the process, please contact us online or by phone at 786-807-6301. We offer personalized, comprehensive consultations to help simplify the process and explain your options.
We handle all stages of the process, from application help to citizenship test preparation and more. We can also address questions about dual citizenship, derivative citizenship, citizenship revocation, citizenship denial appeals and other aspects of citizenship. We have convenient offices in Miami and Naples (by appointment).
Se habla español.