What Happens if My Visa Expires in the U.S.?
One of the most rewarding experiences for an immigration lawyer is to see their clients become U.S. citizens. However, in many cases, the naturalization process is not as easy as one would like. It takes a skilled attorney to handle the more challenging cases. If you are interested in knowing more about the process or to retain the services of an experienced naturalization lawyer who can walk you through this significant step, contact Sesini Law Group.
Qualifications for Naturalization
If you are over 18 years old and want to become a citizen, you most likely will have to go through the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen. You must fulfill one of the requirements below to be eligible for naturalization.
- You have been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years, and you meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- You were granted asylum, later became a lawful permanent resident, and meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization
- You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, have been a lawful permanent resident for 3 years, are living in marital union with your spouse, and meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- You are a lawful permanent resident and qualify for naturalization through honorable service in the U.S. military
Other Requirements for Naturalization
Moreover, you must satisfy the following requirements as well.
- Residence and Physical Presence: In order to qualify, the applicant may not have any single absence from the U.S. of more than one year. Absences of more than six months but less than one year are considered to disrupt the applicant’s continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period. Applicants must also meet specific physical presence requirements during the statutory period.
- Good Moral Character: An applicant for citizenship must be a person of “good moral character” during the required permanent residency period. Persons who have been convicted of aggravated felonies (committed on or after November 29, 1990), or who have ever been convicted of murder, are permanently barred from applying for citizenship on this basis. Any applicant with a criminal record should consult an immigration attorney prior to applying for citizenship because many crimes that make a permanent resident ineligible for citizenship also make him or her deportable as well. However, not all crimes result in a permanent bar to citizenship, and not all crimes will prevent a finding of “good moral character.”
- Knowledge of English Language, U.S. History and Government: At the time of the naturalization interview, a test is given to determine the applicant’s basic knowledge of English, U.S. History, and Government. Persons who are over a certain age and have been present in the U.S. for very long periods of time, and persons who demonstrate that they have a qualifying physical or developmental disability or mental impairment which affects their ability to learn English or civics may be exempt from these requirements.
- Loyalty to the United States: Once an applicant is approved for naturalization, he or she must take the oath of allegiance in a ceremony actually conferring citizenship.
Some of the greatest benefits of becoming a U.S. Citizen include the right to vote, freedom to travel throughout the world on a U.S. passport, and, of course, immigration benefits. Unlike permanent residents, U.S. citizens are permitted to petition for their parents, siblings, or married children.
Contact a Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer in Milwaukee Today
Having quality legal support through the process of Naturalization is important. The process is complicated. Our naturalization lawyer can help. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of becoming a citizen, and begin the naturalization process with an experienced immigration law firm.
