Citizenship and Naturalization

The Path to Citizenship

A Legal Permanent Resident holding a valid Green Card issued by the United States may apply for Naturalization and become a United States Citizen.   The path to citizenship is best approached with the help of an experienced immigration attorney due to the complexities of federal Immigration laws.

Permanent Residents may apply for Citizenship if they have met the following:

• Must be a Lawful Permanent Resident for five years and have spent at least half of that time in the United States; absence for longer than one year restarts the counting period;
• If Permanent Residency was attained through marriage to a United States Citizen, then an application for citizenship can be submitted in three years. However, the U.S. Citizen spouse must have been a U.S. Citizen for that three-year period with residency restriction
• Must be 18 years of age and be able to read, write, and speak simple English,
• Must have a basic understanding of U.S. history & civics (exceptions apply);
• Must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years without more than a 6 month absence.
• Have been of good moral character throughout the time of residency.

There are many issues that can affect the "good moral character" requirement, most of which have to do with violating the law and criminal convictions. Anyone convicted of drug offenses, gambling, prostitution, habitual drunk driving convictions, illegal smuggling, any felony conviction or jailed for more than 180 days, among others, will be considered of poor moral character and will not qualify for citizenship.  There are many complications involving this area, which require assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer in order to ensure your eligibility is not affected needlessly.

After the application is filed, an interview will be scheduled. There are two steps to the interview: the oral test and the written test.  During the oral test, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service Officer will ask questions about American History. The written test concerns the ability to read, speak, write, and understand English.  A Lawful Permanent Resident who has been residing in the United States for at least 15 years and who is over the age of 55, or, who has been residing in the United States for over 20 years and who is over the age of 50 may be examined in their native language. Applicants who can medically show a mental or physical disability are also exempt.

For effective and responsible legal help with your citizenship application, contact our office at the Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq., P.C. to assist you through the process.  Failing to properly follow the exact legal requirements can delay and possibly cause you to lose your chance at citizenship.  Our dedicated staff will help you through this confusing bureaucracy to help your dream of becoming a United States citizen come true.  Call us today.  SE HABLA ESPANOL.