U.S. Citizenship Naturalization

Why Aren’t You a U.S. Citizen?

You may be a Permanent Resident or have other status that provides legal benefits and residency in the United States. However, a green card does not protect you the same as U.S. Citizenship. It is important to understand the difference.

Here are some benefits as a U.S. citizen that are not available with a green card:

Protection from Deportation

Until you’re a citizen, you are subjected to the laws of deportation. Even after decades in the U.S., one mistake could cause your deportation.

Bringing family members to the United States

As a citizen, you can provide immigration benefits for your parents, children, and siblings to join you in the U.S.

Voting!

Your voice is counted and considered in our country’s political and law-making process. Your vote is more important than ever!

Access to federal jobs and privileges

The U.S. government has many opportunities restricted to citizens, including jobs, social welfare and grant programs.

STERN Law is happy to help you through the exciting journey of becoming a United States Citizen. We have significant experience with simple and complex naturalization processes.

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Ready to join STERN Law?

You May Qualify for U.S. Citizenship Naturalization if you have:

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Been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements.

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Been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.

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Qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.

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Proof of tax payments for the 3 or 5 year period before application

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Proof of your "Good Moral Character" for the 3 or 5 year period before application

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No disqualifying criminal convictions that bar citizenship

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No existing criminal sentence that still requires completion

Your Child May Qualify for U.S. Citizenship Naturalization if:

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You are a U.S. citizen;

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The child was born outside the U.S.;

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The child is currently residing outside the U.S.;

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And all other eligibility requirements are met.

NOTE: You may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization! If your biological or adoptive parent(s) became a U.S. citizen before you reached the age of 18, this may be possible but the law is tricky!

Carolina Goyeneche Gomez, Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Carolina G. is a professional who applies her knowledge and expertise to develop marketing and outreach strategies in support of STERN Law’s mission to help immigrants succeed to create a better life.

This work is essential for Carolina. Supporting minorities and standing up for what is right is a significant part of her life. Only recently emigrating from Colombia, Carolina has over ten years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising. She launched several campaigns in the US and Colombia, and as a result, increased sales, opened new markets, and improved customer communications.

Carolina creates new opportunities for STERN Law by connecting the firm to those who need help most through marketing and communication strategies based on a “client-first” approach. She ensures that non-citizens have access to valuable information and is committed to growing the excellent relationships STERN Law has with the communities it serves.

When Carolina is not working, she likes running, hiking, and enjoying food and music with family and friends.

Pamela Gonzalez, Intake Specialist

Pamela was born in Colombia and raised both in Italy and Atlanta. She understands the challenges many can face as they rebuild better lives for themselves and their families in a new country. She is committed to providing compassionate support to every client who seeks the American Dream.

Pamela has shown a real passion for helping the disadvantaged and rooting for the underdog. She studied Political Science at Georgia State University to better understand how governments implement laws, their effect on the people they govern and how to bring about lasting positive change. She served Georgia’s leading civil rights fair housing for several years fighting housing discrimination and advocating for better treatment of all people, specifically in the Latino community and other underprivileged segments of society.

Pamela also enjoys spending as much time as possible in nature with her dog Mina, exploring new places and countries and going to the drive-in theater.

Carolina Melguizo, Director of 1st Impressions

Carolina M. was born in Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in History and another in Political Science. She also has a paralegal certificate from the University of Georgia. Carolina has over 12 years of customer service experience and is passionate about helping people and the community. Her commitment to embody STERN Law’s mission stems from a personal struggle as an immigrant and the desire to assist others in achieving the American Dream.

Carolina is the first person to connect with our clients, colleagues and community members – either when they call us on the phone or walk through our doors. She connects them to the answers they need and makes sure they are headed on the right path. She also supports day-to-day office management to make sure our A-team has everything it needs to succeed.

She loves reading, hiking, salsa dancing and playing video games.

Ben Butera, Chief Operations Officer

Ben Butera joins Stern Law as COO after nearly 15 years working in the energy and utilities infrastructure industry. While Ben’s personal focus has always been client-centric, his experience and responsibility has been equally split between business operations, strategic planning/growth enablement and technology development, giving him a diverse set of experiences to draw on to help contribute to the success of the Firm’s clients.

Ben believes in the Firm’s mission, and sees the application of new technology and innovative approaches to improving the client experience as an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our clients.

When not at STERN Law, Ben enjoys playing the piano, cooking and reading about economics and history.

Laura Cameron – Firm Administrator

Laura Cameron is a Georgia native who brings 20 years of firm administration experience – managing all aspects of day-to-day operations, administration and policy implementation at the human-to-human level. The motivating factor for Laura is helping provide staff with the tools and resources needed to excel in their individual roles and guide the success and objectives of the firm team.

As part of a proud military family, Laura knows firsthand the responsibility and sacrifice given for the bounty of having and enjoying all facets of the “American Dream.” She firmly believes those ideals shine brightest when others are provided the opportunity to share in that bounty and knows the core values that drive and guide STERN Law exemplify these values.

Some of her responsibilities include directing all support services, overseeing the firm’s human resources, finance, payroll, vendor, technology, facilities management, personnel and benefits. Laura credits her degrees in accounting and business administration for providing a solid foundation that continues to guide her success in the administrator role.

Laura’s off the job interests include volunteering in her community, spending time with her wonderful husband, enjoying the simple pleasures or pursing their like interests; Cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with her culinary student youngest son; learning the fine art of photography or the latest technology wonders with her oldest son, who will soon be married, adding a much needed daughter to the family mix.





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