Citizenship Basics
United States citizenship offers the maximum rights available in the United States. The benefits of U.S. citizenship are numerous, including the ability to sponsor relatives and family members so they can immigrate to the United States. U.S. citizens can live and work permanently in the United States, and cannot be deported or denied entry into the United States. In addition, United States citizens have the right to vote and hold certain federal jobs, and may be eligible for certain public benefits. Finally, U.S. Citizens may live or take long trips outside the United States without any restrictions.
United States citizenship may be obtained by birth or through the process of naturalization.
Citizenship by birth is acquired by 1) being born in the United States or 2) through birth outside the United States, when both of the parents hold the United States Citizenship.
If you were born in the U.S., you are an American citizen at birth, regardless of your parents’ nationality. The proof of your citizenship is your birth certificate.
Generally, you have rights to the U.S. citizenship even if you were born abroad, if the following conditions are met:
- Both of your parents were the citizens of the United States at the time you were born, and
- At least one of your parents lived in the U.S. in some point of their life.
If only one of your parents was a U.S. Citizen at the time of your birth outside of the United States, you most likely still have rights to the U.S. Citizenship if your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born and at least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.
Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, our law office can file an Application for Certificate of Citizenship with USCIS to get a Certificate of Citizenship.
If you weren’t born in the United States and none of your parents is a U.S. citizen, the only way to obtain U.S. Citizenship is through the process of naturalization. To be eligible for citizenship by naturalization, you have to meet certain requirements set by the U.S. law:
- Be 18 years old or older;
- Be a United States permanent resident for a certain amount of time ( usually at least 5 years, but may be less for some individuals);
- Have a good moral character;
- Have a continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, and
- Be able to speak, write and read English and have basic knowledge of U.S. History and Government.
At Law Offices of Milda Goeriz we will help you determine whether you qualify for the U.S. Citizenship, prepare and file all of the required paperwork, apply for waivers if you have committed a crime or have other issues that may be problematic when trying to prove good moral character, and help you get ready for the interview and civics exam.