Citizenship

Citizenship and Naturalization Attorneys Located in Manhattan

One of the greatest joys of working in the immigration law field is helping clients achieve their goals of becoming citizens of the United States. The process, though challenging, is ultimately very rewarding when all is said and done. If you would like to begin the naturalization process and become a citizen of the United States, it is essential that you have strong legal representation on your side. Katona & Associates, PLLC has nearly 20 years of experience proudly serving clients in the New York City area from our office in Manhattan. If you need an experienced immigration attorney you can trust to help you achieve your goals, contact Katona & Associates, PLLC today to schedule a consultation.

Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship

To become a citizen of the United States, there are a number of different requirements that you must first meet. In addition to being at least 18 years of age, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You are a permanent resident, have served in the U.S. military, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years
• You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen and have lived here for at least 3 years
• You have been granted asylum and have lived in the U.S. for 4 years
• You have had permanent resident status for 5 years and have lived in the U.S. during that time

Physical Presence in the United States

If you wish to become a citizen of the United States, you must establish a residence and that you have been physically present in the country. Be aware that if you have a single absence from the United States for more than 1 year, you may not be eligible for citizenship. Additionally, leaving the country for more than 6 consecutive months but less than 1 year can disrupt your continuity of residence, as long as you can prove that you did not abandon your residence in the U.S. during that time.

Good Moral Character

Anyone who wishes to become a U.S. citizen must be able to show that they are a person of good moral character and have been throughout the entire duration of the time period used to establish naturalization eligibility. If you have committed a crime of moral turpitude or a drug crime, you may not be eligible for citizenship. Crimes of moral turpitude can include the following:

• Domestic violence
• Battery
• Theft
• Assault
• Homicide
• Rape

English & Civics Examinations

The United States requires most citizenship applicants to take an examination that tests their knowledge of basic English, U.S. history, and government. Certain individuals are permitted an exemption from the English language test, but must still pass the civics and government tests in their native language. These exemptions include the following groups:

• Individuals who are 50 years of age or older and have resided in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 20 years
• Individuals who are 55 years of age or older and have lived in the United States for at least 15 years

Contact a NYC Citizenship Attorney

Katona & Associates, PLLC takes tremendous pride in assisting clients across New York City in their journeys to become citizens of the United States. If you are ready to begin the naturalization process, you can count on us to help you navigate each step of the way. To learn how our team of experienced immigration attorneys can assist you with your case, contact Katona & Associates, PLLC today.