Permanent residents who are eligible for naturalization should seriously consider applying. US citizenship can have tax, employment and other benefits such as automatic citizenship for minor children. Perhaps most importantly, citizenship protects lawful permanent residents from deportation. This is especially important in the current political climate which has made it increasingly easy for the government to deport long time permanent residents despite having US citizen family members and substantial other ties to the United States.
There are a number of circumstances, however, when permanent residents should not apply for naturalization. This is particularly true for those who have criminal convictions which might actually result in deportation. Our firm has extensive experience representing people with these complicated issues and we would welcome the opportunity to consult with you about the strategy most appropriate to your case.
HomeNaturalization and Citizenship
Naturalization and Citizenship
The Firm has helped many lawful permanent residents obtain US citizenship through naturalization. We have also assisted individuals born abroad to claim US citizenship through their parents; individuals who have lost or renounced their US citizenship have it restored; and US citizens living abroad obtain US citizenship for their children born abroad. In addition, we have filed a number of successful lawsuits in federal court challenging delays in the adjudication of naturalization applications.
Most lawful permanent residents can apply to become naturalized US citizens upon meeting certain age, residence, physical presence and good moral character requirements. Typically, an applicant for naturalization must have been a lawful permanent resident and maintained a residence in the United States continuously for at least five years. Applicants who obtained lawful permanent residence through a US citizen spouse and who are still married to and living with that spouse are eligible to apply for naturalization after three years.
Most lawful permanent residents can apply to become naturalized US citizens upon meeting certain age, residence, physical presence and good moral character requirements. Typically, an applicant for naturalization must have been a lawful permanent resident and maintained a residence in the United States continuously for at least five years. Applicants who obtained lawful permanent residence through a US citizen spouse and who are still married to and living with that spouse are eligible to apply for naturalization after three years.
