The final step in a person’s journey to immigrate to the U.S. permanently is known as naturalization. Many benefits come with being a citizen of this country, but the process required to get there is long and challenging.
Different laws exist that offer foreign residents a path to citizenship. After living in this country long enough and complying with a host of other requirements, you may be able to become a citizen and make the U.S. your permanent home. Our attorneys look forward to assisting you with becoming a naturalized citizen.
Naturalization Based on Five Years of Residency
Lawful permanent residents have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship after residing continuously in the United States for five years. To qualify, applicants must prove they have physically lived in the country for at least 30 months during that five-year period without spending extended time abroad. Additional requirements include being at least 18 years old, showing good moral character, and demonstrating an ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
There are additional requirements to be aware of. For example, applicants must pass a civics exam covering U.S. history and government, attend a biometrics appointment, and submit to an in-person interview. If approved, the final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Even minor issues, such as tax problems or past legal troubles, can delay or jeopardize approval. Given this reality, you must have the support of an experienced attorney every step of the way.
Naturalization Based on Three Years of Residency
Someone who is married to and living with a U.S. citizen may apply for naturalization after just three years of permanent residency, rather than the standard five. A spouse will only qualify for this shorter time period if they have continuously resided with their spouse in the U.S. during that period. What’s more, they must be able to demonstrate good moral character, which generally means not having a criminal record to speak of.
The marriage must be bona fide and ongoing at the time of the application and throughout the process. The government will investigate the nature of the relationship in an effort to determine if the union is purely for immigration purposes. In addition to meeting residency and relationship requirements, the applicant must also pass the English and civics tests.
Acquisition & Derivation of Citizenship
Some individuals become U.S. citizens automatically through their parents without needing to go through the naturalization process. Acquisition of citizenship applies to children born abroad to one or more U.S. citizen parents under certain conditions, such as meeting physical presence requirements.
Derivation of citizenship occurs when a lawful permanent resident child automatically becomes a citizen after a parent naturalizes. This is only possible when the child is under 18, resides in the United States, and is in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent.
Learn How Footbridge Law LLC Can Help
If your goal is to become a United States citizen, let Footbridge Law LLC assist you with the naturalization process. Reach out today to discuss your options with our team.