• Voting in federal and local elections
• Bringing family members to the United States
• Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad
• Traveling with a U.S. passport
• Becoming eligible for federal jobs
• Becoming an elected official

A person may obtain U.S. citizenship by naturalization or through a U.S. citizen parent.

Citizenship through naturalization

“Naturalization” is the term in immigration law that refers to the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Requirements for naturalization that must be met, include:

• Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) for at least 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Maintain at least 5 years of continuous residence in the U.S.
• Pass the English and Civics Test (certain exemptions may apply)
• Prove good moral character

Citizenship through U.S. citizen parent

There are two general ways to obtain citizenship through U.S. citizen parents: at birth, and after birth but before the age of 18.

The law in effect at the time of birth determines whether someone born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) is a U.S. citizen at birth. In general, these laws require that at least one parent was a U.S. citizen, and the U.S. citizen parent had lived in the United States for a period of time.

In addition, children born abroad may become U.S. citizens after birth if the child is residing in the United States, under 18 years of age, a legal permanent resident with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization.

It takes a considerable amount of preparation and understanding of the process to successfully attain naturalization and citizenship. Our attorneys have successfully achieved citizenship for their clients. For more information and eligibility requirements on naturalization and citizenship, contact us today.