At Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A., we understand that it can be as challenging as it is rewarding to take the naturalization test to become an American citizen. If you are a legal immigrant in Miami who has lived in the country for many years, your challenges may be different from those of younger residents.
What are some of the challenges you might face? If your native language is different, it may be extremely difficult to become proficient in English at a later age. You might also have physical conditions or health restrictions that could add to this difficulty, especially if you are unable to attend courses to learn English.
Fortunately, immigration officials have taken these possibilities into consideration when it comes to the naturalization test. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, if you are over the age of 50, and you have legally resided in the United States as a green card holder for 20 years, you do not have to take the English proficiency portion of the citizenship test. The same exemption applies if you are 55 years or older, and you have been a permanent resident for 15 years.
However, you must still take the civics portion of the naturalization test. If you are not fluent in English, you are required to bring an interpreter with you to your naturalization interview. To assist the interview in going as smoothly as possible, the interpreter should be proficient in both your native language and English. Learn more about the process of becoming an American citizen by visiting our page.
