Tampa Naturalization Attorneys

We Know the Path to Citizenship

The United States Constitution grants every person the right to become a naturalized citizen of this country. Whether you are a permanent resident, a lawful noncitizen, or a refugee, you may qualify for naturalization and become a United States citizen.

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., our Tampa naturalization lawyers can help you navigate the complex naturalization process. With over 40 years of combined experience, we can help determine your citizenship eligibility and meet the requirements. We can also represent you before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the federal courts, if necessary.

We are proud to serve the people of the greater Tampa Bay area, including:

• Clearwater
• St. Petersburg
• Broward County
• Manatee County
• Palm Beach County
• Hillsborough County

Call (352) 268-8875 or to schedule a consultation with our team. We offer our services in English, Spanish, Amharic, Dutch, German, Harari, Hindi, Korean, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Thai, and Urdu.

What Is Naturalization?

“Naturalization” refers to the process where a foreign citizen becomes a U.S. citizen. Once an individual completes the naturalization process, they receive a certificate of naturalization. This certification grants them the same rights and freedoms as any other U.S. citizen.

Who Can Become a Naturalized Citizen?

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have lived in the country for at least 5 years
• Demonstrate an attachment to the United States
• Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English
• Be willing to take an oath of loyalty to the country and its constitution
• Prove that you have good moral character (this means you cannot have a criminal record or any other actions that would violate the law.

What Are the Benefits of Naturalization?

The benefits of obtaining full citizenship are numerous and cannot be overstressed.

Naturalization grants immigrants the right to:

• Vote
• Be elected to public office
• Secure employment opportunities
• Access federal loans, grants, and other financial aid
• Travel, visit their home country, and reenter the states
• Apply for certain benefits such as Social Security and Medicare

Citizenship means that you are no longer considered a foreigner. This status protects you from deportation. It also allows you to sponsor relatives for immigration purposes.

The Naturalization Process in Florida

Florida's naturalization process differs in some respects from that of other states. For instance, Florida demands that individuals should live in the United States for a minimum of five years before applying for citizenship. Some other regions require only three years of residency. Florida’s citizenship test also has some unique qualities.

Our team understands the unique challenges of naturalization in Florida. We are here to help guide you through the process and earn the citizenship you deserve.

How Difficult is the Naturalization Test?

The U.S. Naturalization Test is designed to be challenging, but it is not impossible. It consists of two parts: an English proficiency test and a civics test.

The English test assesses the applicant's ability to read, write, and speak in English. The civics portion assesses your knowledge of U.S. history and government.

In total, the civics test contains 100 questions, but you do not have to answer them all. The person administering your test randomly selects only 10 of these questions for you. To pass, you must answer at least 6 of the 10 questions correctly.

The naturalization test can seem daunting, but we can help prepare you for it. Many of our clients pass the first time, earning their citizenship.

What Is the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance?

The oath of allegiance is the promise you make to the United States when you take the oath of citizenship. The oath of allegiance states:

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and conveyance all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

You can read more about the citizenship process and the naturalization process at the USCIS website.

To meet with our Tampa naturalization lawyers, contact us online today.