B
O
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U.S. CITIZENSHIP:
Other than obtaining the right to vote, is there any special
reason people should consider naturalizing (becoming U.
S. citizens) rather than remaining in the U.S. as lawful
permanent residents?
We always recommend, whenever possible, that individuals
naturalize, as acquiring citizenship is the only true way of
securing important rights and ensuring long-term permanent
residence. Permanent residence can be lost by those who
spend prolonged periods outside the U.S. Even fairly minor
criminal offenses can result in loss of permanent residence and
removal from U.S. Certain welfare benefits and certain
government jobs are unavailable to non-citizens.
Do individuals automatically lose their foreign citizenship
once they have naturalized as a U.S. citizen?
No. The U.S. recognizes dual-citizenship and taking the
naturalization oath does not strip individuals of their foreign
citizenship provided that their country also recognizes dual-
citizenship.
Who is eligible for U.S. citizenship and what are its
benefits?
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization,
if they meet the following requirements:
Lawful permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of
United States Citizens).
Other than obtaining the right to vote, is there any special
reason people should consider naturalizing (becoming U.
S. citizens) rather than remaining in the U.S. as lawful
permanent residents?
We always recommend, whenever possible, that individuals
naturalize, as acquiring citizenship is the only true way of
securing important rights and ensuring long-term permanent
residence. Permanent residence can be lost by those who
spend prolonged periods outside the U.S. Even fairly minor
criminal offenses can result in loss of permanent residence and
removal from U.S. Certain welfare benefits and certain
government jobs are unavailable to non-citizens.
Do individuals automatically lose their foreign citizenship
once they have naturalized as a U.S. citizen?
No. The U.S. recognizes dual-citizenship and taking the
naturalization oath does not strip individuals of their foreign
citizenship provided that their country also recognizes dual-
citizenship.
Who is eligible for U.S. citizenship and what are its
benefits?
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization,
if they meet the following requirements:
Lawful permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of
United States Citizens).
- 1. 18 years old or older
2. Good moral character
3. Speak, read, and write English
4. Pass a test on U.S. history and government
5. Physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite
time
6. Maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
7. Swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of
allegiance
Benefits include the right to vote for in all government
elections (federal, state and local), and the fact that
certain family members may be immediately eligible to
receive citizenship, such as minor children.
Other family members are eligible to receive a green card
with shorter wait periods than family members of residents
(see Family based residency section for estimated wait
periods).
BOGLE
OKOYE
CHANG
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BOGLE & CHANG, LLC
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Questions: U.S. Citizenship
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