I've seen first hand the difficulties facing an applicant going through the naturalization process in the United States. My beautiful wife was born on the island of Jamaica. Prior to our marriage, she completed the transition from a resident to a United States citizen. Born a citizen of the United States, I never truly appreciated the magnitude of the immigration process, nor the immense difficulties involved, until I accompanied my wife through the process.

Naturalization is one of two ways to become a U.S. citizen, the other being by birth. An individual wishing to complete the naturalization process must carefully navigate the stringent and sometimes tedious process of becoming a citizen.

Good moral character is a significant factor in whether an individual is eligible for naturalization. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services determine an applicant' s moral character by looking at several factors including the applicant's history of honesty, as well as criminal records, if any exists. Not all arrests will hinder your naturalization, but an aggravated felony, which I will discuss in further detail in the coming weeks, may make you permanently ineligible for naturalization.

Additionally, physical presence is another important eligibility requirement. Physical presence means that you are actually in the United States. Applicants must be within the United States for a certain number of months to become eligible for naturalization. I will talk more about physical presence requirements in an upcoming blog post, so please check back. Naturalization is a complicated process, call the Law Office of Robert L. Booker, P.C. today and let us help you navigate the naturalization process.