Naturalization and Citizenship
Although there are many types of citizenship cases, they are basically divided into two categories.
First, there are people who U.S. citizens at birth, either because they were born in the United States or because they were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent.
Second, there are people who acquire U.S. citizenship at some point after birth, either through their parents or by naturalization.
I help with all types of U.S. citizenship cases. Check out the FAQs below and contact me for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was arrested a few years ago. Can I apply for citizenship?
Maybe yes, maybe no. Naturalization applicants must show good moral character during the last 5 or 3 years, depending on the case. If the crime you committed reflects poorly on your character you must wait until 5 (or 3) years has passed. You must also prove that you were lawfully admitted to permanent residence. If the crime you committed occurred before you got your green card it is very important that it was disclosed on your residency application. If not, your naturalization could be denied and you may be deported. Also, certain criminal convictions committed after you got your green card may cause you to be deportable from the United States. Don’t risk your green card. If you have ever been arrested, talk to a lawyer before applying for naturalization.
Can I apply for naturalization if I don't speak English?
The general rule is that you must speak, read and write English in order to be eligible for naturalization. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. For example, a person who is more than 50 years old and who has been a resident for more than 20 years is exempted from the English language requirement. The same exemption applies for people over 55 who have been a resident for more than 15 years. In addition, people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from learning English may be eligible for an exemption from the English requirement.
If I become a U.S. citizen do I lose citizenship in my native country?
That depends on the law in your native country. Some countries permit dual citizenship and others do not. If you are concerned that naturalization in the U.S. could cause you to lose rights in your native country, please consult with your consulate or an expert on your country’s citizenship laws.
I was born abroad but one of my parents was a U.S. citizen. Is it possible that I am also a U.S. citizen?
Yes. The answer will depend on what year you were born, whether it was your mother or your father who was a U.S. citizen, whether your parents were married at the time of your birth, and how much time your U.S. citizen parent was physically present inside the United States before your birth.
What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
As a U.S. citizen you have all of the same rights as people born in the United States. You become a full-fledged member of this awesome country. You may vote, reside outside the United States indefinitely, and you become eligible for certain government jobs. You cannot be deported and you may petition for permanent residency for additional family members, including your parents, siblings and married children. Oh, and you get to pay taxes for the rest of your life on all income earned anywhere in the world.
Do I automatically become a U.S. citizen if one of my parents naturalizes?
Sometimes. You become a citizen automatically if all of the following conditions are met: You have a green card, you are under the age of 18, one of your biological or adoptive parents is a U.S. citizen, and you live in the legal and physical custody of your citizen parent. Note that stepparents can petition for residency for their step-children but U.S. citizenship is not transmitted automatically from stepparent to stepchild.
