Naturalization and Citizenship

Jarrett & Price, LLC can assist you in obtaining full citizenship if you can establish the criteria for naturalization.  Generally, an applicant must meet the following requirements:  

• The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident.  
• The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.    
• The applicant must meed the continuous residence and physical presence requirements.  There are several factors that affect whether this requirement is met. Generally the requirement is five years of continuous residency after obtaining lawful permanent resident status.  Marriage and spousal abuse situations can change the length of this requirement.  The applicant must also be a resident for at least 3 months in the state where you file your application.  The applicant must be physically present in the United states for at least one-half of the required continuous residency requirement.  
• The applicant must be of good moral character.  The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides statutory elements to a finding of good moral character.  Immigration judges further have discretion in certain instances where the applicant has been involved in criminal behavior not leading to an automatic bar.  
• The applicant must reveal all organizations the applicant has been a member of and the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the United States.  

• The applicant must be willing, when the law requires, to bear arms on behalf of the United States, or to perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or to perform work of national importance under civilian direction.  
• The applicant must not be otherwise barred under the Immigration and Nationality Act.  
• The applicant must demonstrate a knowledge of the English language, U.S. History, and government.  

Naturalization law often times presents unique questions.  For instance, if your parent was a US citizen, you may have derived citizenship through that parent and you can file for a certificate of citizenship instead of naturalization.  Our attorneys will review your case and determine what your options are and identify any difficulties your case may have.  

If you want to begin the process to become a naturalized citizen and believe you meet the above requirements, contact us at 912.401.8880 to schedule a consultation or by using the contact form below.