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En cualquier momento, siempre y cuando reúna los requisitos mencionados anteriormente.
La semana pasada expliqué acerca de la propuesta de USCIS para incrementar, a partir de Junio, las tarifas para la mayoría de las formas de inmigración, se recomienda, que si usted califica para su naturalización, aplique lo más pronto posible y evite el alto costo que habrá a mediados del año.
Una Palabra de Precausión: En los Estados Unidos, un individuo que solo es “notario público”no es un abogado, y no puede dar consejos legales, ni representarlo en los procesos legales ante USCIS. Tenga mucho cuidado en confiar sus aplicaciones y documentos importantes de inmigración a una persona que no es abogado. En muchos países de Latinoamérica, los notarios públicos son tambien abogados, esto no pasa en Estados Unidos. Existen muchos casos donde los notarios públicos han pasado como abogados y causado serios problemas haciendo aplicacione con USCIS.
Por favor recuerde que esta columna contiene información general y no pretende darle solución a casos específicos. Cada caso es diferente y require de atención individual por un abogado con licencia en su estado.
Are You Eligible to Apply For U.S. Citizenship?
It was recently reported that there are more than 8 million legal permanent residents in the U.S. who are eligible to immediately apply for U. S. citizenship (naturalization).
What are the basic requirements to apply?
· Age 18 or older
· Permanent resident for 5 consecutive years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen (there are some additional exceptions)
· Good moral character
· Basic knowledge of U. S. history and government
· Read, write, and speak basic English (there are some exceptions)
When can I apply?
If you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the United States:
· For at least 5 years or
· For at least 3 years if married to a U. S. citizen
Last week I explained about the proposal of USCIS to increase most filing fees later this year. It is recommended, if you qualify for naturalization, to file soon and beat the increased costs.
One word of caution. In the United States an individual who is only a “notario publico” is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice, and cannot represent you at USCIS legal proceedings. Be very careful about trusting your important immigration applications and documents to a non-lawyer. In much of Lain America most notario publicos are also lawyers. That is not true in the United States. There have been many cases where notario publicos have passed themselves off as lawyers and caused significant problems for the individuals filing with USCIS.
Please note that this column contains general legal information and is not intended to provide solutions to specific cases. Every case is different and requires individual review by an attorney of your own choosing, licensed in your state.
Editor’s Note: Murray D. Bilfield is the managing partner of the Cleveland, Ohio law firm of Bilfield & Associates Co., L.P.A. Specific questions may be directed to him at 1-800-ABOGADO.
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