The Immigration Act of 1990 dramatically changed these procedures and implemented what is known as Administrative Naturalization. Now, authority to naturalize is vested directly in the Attorney General and delegated to the INS. This is intended to expedite and streamline the process, and to reduce backlogs throughout the country. At the outset the procedure is … Read more
The Immigration Act of 1990 dramatically changed these procedures and implemented what is known as Administrative Naturalization. Now, authority to naturalize is vested directly in the Attorney General and delegated to the INS. This is intended to expedite and streamline the process, and to reduce backlogs throughout the country. At the outset the procedure is … Read more
The basic eligibility requirements for naturalization have been in place for many years and remain unchanged by the Immigration Act of 1990. The “general requirements” for naturalization are as follows: Admission to the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident; Eighteen years of age; Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately preceding … Read more
There are “special requirements” for naturalization of certain classes of persons, such as members of the armed forces, U.S. government employees, and Filipino war veterans. The most important special class are the spouses of U.S. citizens. A spouse of a U.S. citizen is eligible for naturalization if he/she meets all the above requirements except that: … Read more
One of the most generous provisions of the naturalization laws benefits the spouse of a citizen of the U.S. where the U.S. citizen is temporarily employed abroad with a qualifying organization. The citizen spouse must be: An employee of the U.S. government, an American institution of research, a public international organization of which the U.S. … Read more
Since Lawful Permanent Resident status is the foundation for naturalization, it is crucial to remember two related concepts: As part of the naturalization process, the INS Examiner is trained to review the circumstances under which LPR status was obtained, no matter how long ago it occurred. If subsequent events as reflected in the application reveal … Read more
A fundamental concept in naturalization law is that a prospective applicant interrupts the “continuity” of his residence for naturalization purposes in the following circumstances: By remaining abroad for a continuous period in excess of twelve months (unless “extended absence” benefits are sought and granted). Such an absence conclusively interrupts continuity, regardless of extenuating circumstances-even if … Read more
Certain LPR’s who are to be employed abroad for an extended period of time may obtain special permission to remain abroad for a continuous period in excess of twelve months without interrupting the continuity of residence. Such a person must: Be a Lawful Permanent Resident; Be an employee of the U.S. government, an American institution … Read more
An applicant submits Form N-400, a copy of the “green card”, three color photographs, a $320.00 filing fee, along with a $70.00 fingerprinting fee to the INS Service Center having jurisdiction over the applicant’s place ’of residence by mail. Generally, no supporting documents need be furnished. Please note that these fees often change, and should … Read more