Immigration Attorney

T he last step for an immigrant, who wants to make the United States home, is obtaining citizenship through naturalization. As a United States citizen, you will be able to enjoy all rights and full protection by the United States government.

Benefits of United States Citizenship:

• Right to live and work in the United States – forever
• No risk of being deported
• Freedom to travel abroad and seek the United States government’s protection abroad
• Possibility to petition for a Green Card for qualifying family members
• Citizenship for your children under the age of 18 who are legal permanent residents
• Eligibility for public benefits such as social security or retirement benefits

Requirements:

• Generally, five years of continuous residence in the United States (three years or less under certain circumstances such as being married to a United States citizen or serving in the United States military)
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Knowledge of United States history and government
• Good moral character
• Pledge of allegiance to the principles of the United States constitution

Derivative Citizenship

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 facilitates the process for both natural-born and adopted children of United States citizens to claim United States citizenship through their parents. Under the act, a child must:

• Be under 18 years of age
• Be a permanent United States resident
• Have at least one parent who is a United States citizen
• Live in the United States in the custody of the citizen parent

If you would like to apply for citizenship or derivative citizenship, contact the immigration lawyers at The Cruz Law Office in San Diego for a free consultation at (619) 717-2233.