Citizenship & Naturalization
Your Journey to Citizenship Starts with Trusted Legal Guidance
Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys In Florida
Helping You Complete the Journey to U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a United States citizen is a significant and transformative milestone in one's life, as it brings with it a host of new rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that can enhance both personal and professional prospects. At Caballero & Fernandez de Avila, P.A., we are dedicated to assisting individuals and families throughout Florida with every stage of the citizenship process. This includes navigating the complexities of naturalization, securing derivative citizenship, or obtaining citizenship through parents.
Our team is committed to providing personalized support and guidance, ensuring that your journey to citizenship is not only clear and compliant but also thoughtfully aligned with your unique immigration history and circumstances. We believe that this process should be as seamless as possible, empowering you to fully embrace your new status as a citizen of the United States.
Call Caballero & Fernandez de Avila, P.A. at 855-768-0997 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Naturalization: Becoming a U.S. Citizen as an Adult
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can become a U.S. citizen after meeting certain requirements. These include:
- Holding a green card for the required number of years (usually 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Demonstrating good moral character
- Passing an English language and civics test
- Showing continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance
At Caballero & Fernandez de Avila, P.A., we help clients review their eligibility, prepare their Form N-400, address any potential issues (such as past immigration violations or criminal records), and prepare for their naturalization interview.
Citizenship Through Parents
In some cases, individuals may already be U.S. citizens through their parents—even if they were born outside of the United States. Determining eligibility depends on factors such as the child's age at the time, the legal status of the parent(s), and the child's physical presence in the U.S.
We assist with both:
- Citizenship at birth (when at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth abroad), and
- Citizenship after birth (when the child obtains citizenship automatically after the parent naturalizes)
We help clients gather evidence, such as birth records, marriage certificates, and documentation of legal custody, to support their citizenship claim. In many cases, this process can be handled without going through naturalization, using Form N-600 or applying for a U.S. passport directly.
Derivative Citizenship
Derivative citizenship refers to situations where a child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when certain conditions are met, often after a parent becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen. These rules are complex and have changed over time depending on the child's age and the laws in effect.
Generally, a child may derive citizenship if:
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization)
- The child is under 18 years of age
- The child is a lawful permanent resident and residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent
At Caballero & Fernandez de Avila, P.A., we work with families to confirm whether their children have already acquired U.S. citizenship automatically and to document that status correctly. This may include applying for a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. passport to prove their citizenship.
Have Immigration Questions?
If you or a loved one needs help navigating the immigration process, call Caballero & Fernandez de Avila, P.A. 24/7 at 855-768-0997 to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.