Naturalization | The Law Office of Harvey J. Spinowitz, P.A. | Clearwater, Florida, Family Law Attorneys

Law Office of Harvey J. Spinowitz, P.A. ~ Attorneys at Law ~ (727) 449-9929 (727) 781-5LAW

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Located in Clearwater, Florida, we also represent clients in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, New Port Richey, Seminole, Largo, Tarpon Springs, Pinellas Park,

Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, and Spring Hill.

Harvey J. Spinowitz, P.A. is a law firm located in downtown Clearwater,

1421 Court St., Suite C, Clearwater, FL 33756

and generally practices in the areas of bankruptcy, family law matters and immigration. (727) 781-5LAW;

E-mail: info@Clearwaterlawyer.com.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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Naturalization The Law Office of Harvey J. Spinowitz, P.A. - Clearwater, Florida, Family Law Attorneys

Most immigrants become United States citizens through the naturalization process.

The general requirements for naturalization include:

- maintaining lawful permanent resident status (green card holder) for at least five years;

- being at least 18 years of age;

- being physically present in the U.S. for at least thirty months out of the previous five years;

- exhibiting good moral character;

- residing in the state where the application is filed for at least three months prior to filing;

- reading, writing and speaking English;

- demonstrating knowledge of U.S. history and government;

- professing attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,

- possessing a favorable disposition toward the United States.

Spouses of U. S. citizens may be eligible to naturalize in a shorter period of time. If a person gains lawful permanent resident status based upon his or her marriage to a U.S. citizen, then that person would only need to maintain a minimum of three years of permanent resident status prior to filing, so long as the couple is still residing together as husband and wife.

Members of the Armed Forces also may qualify to naturalize prior to the five year residence requirement.

There can be many pitfalls in applying for naturalization. For example, good moral character is not fully defined. Typically, the Immigration Service will review the statutory time period immediately prior to filing (usually five years), however the Service is not limited to this time period. Conviction of many crimes will make a person ineligible for naturalization. So may a failure to pay federal taxes or a failure to pay domestic support. Also, absences from the United States that exceed six months in duration could have a negative impact on one’s naturalization application. It is important for an individual to consult with an attorney prior to filing for naturalization to ensure his or her eligibility. It is

possible to actually lose one’s status as a lawful permanent resident when filing for naturalization.

With such serious potential consequences, one may wonder why anyone ever files for naturalization. The benefits to U.S. citizenship are many, including the ability to vote in elections, to sponsor relatives for U.S. lawful permanent residence, to travel abroad without risk of losing immigration status; and to qualify for security sensitive jobs.

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