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Naturalization & Citizenship in San Antonio, Texas

American citizenship brings many benefits and rights, such as exercising their right to vote, traveling with an “American” passport, staying for a long time outside the United States and not being subjected to deportation. Even if the person was NOT born in the United States, they could become a U.S. citizen.

Unlocking the Power of U.S. Citizenship

American citizenship holds within it a treasure trove of benefits and rights. It empowers individuals to exercise their right to vote, grants them the ability to travel freely with an “American” passport, provides the opportunity to stay outside the United States for extended periods without facing deportation, and establishes a sense of belonging.

Remarkably, even if someone was not born in the United States, they have the potential to become a U.S. citizen.

Multiple Routes to American Citizenship

Obtaining American citizenship is achievable through various avenues. One of these paths is the process of naturalization. It entails the granting of U.S. citizenship to a lawful permanent resident, provided they fulfill the criteria established by law:

Essential Requirements for Naturalization:

Attainment of at least eighteen years of age.

Accumulation of five years of permanent residency, which can be reduced to three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

Maintenance of physical presence in the United States for a minimum of 30 months out of the previous five years. Exceptions apply if the applicant was absent for more than six months but less than a year, and they can demonstrate that the absence didn't signify an abandonment of resident status.

Display of good moral character throughout the five-year period before application (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen, or one year for specific military cases).

Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English, coupled with a demonstration of knowledge about United States history. Some applicants may be exempt based on age or mental condition.

Apply to the U.S.

When an individual initiates the application for U.S. citizenship, the immigration agency meticulously scrutinizes all historical files. The aim is to ensure that the applicant genuinely met all requirements during the acquisition of permanent residency. This scrutiny might even extend to requesting records from the applicant’s country of origin. In instances where new and potentially problematic information surfaces, the agency could reject the naturalization application and initiate removal proceedings.

Given the intricacies of the naturalization process, seeking guidance from an experienced immigration attorney is strongly advised.

U.S. Citizenship for Military Personnel

Military service is another route to acquiring U.S. citizenship.

Serving honorably in any branch of the United States armed forces, the Coast Guard, the Reserve Corps, or the National Guard can qualify an individual for citizenship.

Special Considerations: Adoption Cases

Citizenship options extend to adoption cases as well. DeLaTorre Law can provide tailored advice on citizenship avenues for adopted individuals.

Citizenship Through Acquisition & Derivation

For those with one or both parents who are U.S. citizens, citizenship can be acquired or derived, regardless of birthplace.

Citizenship
by Acquisition

An applicant qualifies if they have at least one United States citizen parent at birth. Additionally, the citizen parent must have lived in the United States for a specific duration, which varies according to the applicant’s birthdate and circumstances.

Citizenship
by Derivation

Derivation involves being the child of a foreign national who became a U.S. citizen before the child’s 18th birthday. To qualify, the child must be single and under 18 years of age, have obtained permanent residence before the age of 18, reside in the United States, and have been under the legal and physical custody of their U.S. citizen parent.

How We Can Help You

We will meet with you to hear your story and develop a strategy for your application.

After receiving your documents, we will prepare your case with all the relevant papers

We will be with you every step of the way.

DeLaTorre Law is here to answer all your questions, provide reassuring expertise and guide you to a successful application.