Citizenship through Naturalization
At US Immigration Law Group, LLP, we are committed to helping our clients reach the best possible results in their citizenship applications and cases.
Generally, one must be a Permanent Resident (green card holder) for five years to be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Persons married to a U.S. citizen spouse may apply within three years of becoming lawful permanent residents. In addition to being eighteen years or older, there are continuous residence requirements limiting the length and duration of overseas stays, physical presence requirements during the three or five year period, and a three month in state residency requirement.
The applicant must also show good moral conduct by complying with criminal and tax laws. Lastly, the applicant must pass a civics and history exam at the interview while demonstrating proficiency in the English language.
U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal for most immigrants. The competent team at U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP, LLP treats every client with the care that they deserve and will work diligently toward this important goal. Please allow US Immigration Law Group, LLP to be of service to you.
*Serious criminal offenses may make you ineligible; therefore individuals with limited criminal histories should contact a qualified immigration attorney to see if they may still qualify.
Benefits of Citizenship:
- Right to Vote: This privilege is only available to U.S. citizens, and while legal permanent residents are required to pay taxes and are permitted to reside in the U.S., they can not participate in the government by electing those who create laws.
- Sponsoring Family Members: Citizens are provided the opportunity to petition family members and receive preferential processing times effectively reducing or eliminating the substantial immigration backlogs faced by non-U.S. citizens and their families.
- Rights Extend to Minor Children: A parent of legal permanent resident children who naturalize can automatically qualify their minor children (under 18) in many cases.
- Protection Against Deportation: Non- U.S. Citizens convicted of criminal activity may be deported from the United States. Therefore, green card holders remain subject to the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration Courts. There are numerous cases of families being separated by this reality.
- Travel Freedoms & Protections: Many permanent residents delay gaining U.S. Citizenship because they can still work and travel freely to and from the United States. However, permanent residents can lose their green card by extended travel outside the U.S. and have to deal with the cumbersome and confusing U.S. immigration laws as they apply to them.