Jacksonville, FL Military Immigration Attorneys

If you have served the United States as part of the armed forces, you deserve to take advantage of military immigration benefits. Foreign nationals who serve in the military are entitled to pursue naturalized citizenship according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you want to explore your options, our Jacksonville military immigration attorneys are here to help!

The lawyers of Weldon law Group, PLLC, have over 20 years of experience helping people understand their opportunities for immigration and make their home in the U.S. If you served the U.S., you have earned your place here, and we want to secure it. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we assist you as you pursue citizenship and other immigration options. Let’s achieve your American dream, together!

Understanding Military Immigration Eligibility

According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your eligibility for military immigration will depend on your answers to these questions:

• Are you currently in the military? Or have you served formerly?
• How many years have you served in the military?
• Did you serve during periods of hostility as defined by USCIS?
• Did you serve abroad?
• Were you discharged and, if so, under what circumstances?

In order to be eligible for military immigration benefits, you need to have served for at least one year. Depending on the factors listed above, you could be eligible for certain military immigration benefits but not others, so it is essential to speak with our Jacksonville military immigration attorneys to understand your options regarding:

• Naturalized (and potentially expedited) citizenship
• Overseas naturalization
• Automatic naturalization or citizenship for your children
• Application fee waivers
• Survivor’s benefits, including posthumous citizenship
• Deferred removal proceedings

There are other requirements you will need to meet in order to be eligible for naturalized citizenship, including passing tests related to English proficiency, the U.S. constitution, and history. You will also need to prove that you are of upstanding moral character and provide documentation related to your military service. Once you are approved for naturalized citizenship, you will attend a ceremony and take an oath of allegiance.

Military Immigration For Spouses And Children

One pressing question you might have is whether your spouse and children can benefit from your military immigration options, and the answer is yes! If you have served in the U.S. armed forces, your loved ones can potentially also gain naturalized citizenship status thanks to you! However, there are specific circumstances in which these benefits can be exercised, including:

• Whether or not your children are over 18 years old
• Whether or not they have a parent by birth who is a citizen or naturalized citizen
• Whether or not they are already a lawful permanent resident
• Whether or not they reside in the U.S. or in the custody of a current U.S. citizen
• Whether or not they have a citizen parent or grandparent who retains residency in the U.S.

For your spouse, the circumstances you need to evaluate include:

• How long the two of you have you been married
• Whether or not you are a U.S. citizen
• Whether or not your spouse is a lawful permanent resident
• Whether or not they currently live in the U.S.
• Whether or not they are able to accompany you abroad
• Where they intend to live following the termination of your service

Our Jacksonville Military Immigration Attorneys Can Help You Take Advantage Of Your Benefits

The attorneys of Weldon Law Group, PLLC, want to help you access the benefits to which you are entitled for serving our country. Our lead lawyer, Ian Weldon is bilingual and belongs to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He was named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers, and has received the prestigious AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. If you want to pursue the path to naturalization for yourself or your family, reach out right away to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a former member of the military. Do I still have a right to access military immigration benefits? 

If you have at any point served in the armed forces for a year or more, you are potentially eligible for military immigration benefits. Reach out to our lawyer to discuss the specifics of your service and learn more about your eligibility.

I am currently deployed overseas–can I still take advantage of my military immigration benefits? 

Yes! You can still become a naturalized member of the U.S. even when you are deployed, and your family can potentially access these benefits as well.

I am a member of the military, but I also have a criminal record. Can I still be eligible for naturalization?

It depends. Even with a criminal record, you could still be eligible for military immigration benefits, including naturalization, but it will depend on the nature of the crime(s) and any compounding circumstances. To better understand your eligibility, it is important that you speak with our immigration attorney.