Citizenship

The Law Office of Joan Thomas is experienced in handling citizenship and naturalization cases. The process of applying for and receiving citizenship has become increasingly complex over the last several years. We will make the complex simple and provide you with due diligence and guidance at every step of the process.  We will help you evaluate if you are eligible to apply for citizenship, provide you with a step-by-step outline of the naturalization process, and help you prepare for the Civics questions at the naturalization interview.

Eligibility Requirements for US Citizenship

  1. Be at least 18 years old
  2. Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card) for 5 years, or 3 years if married to US citizen
  3. Must show continuity of residence. Have been present in the US for at least 2.5 years of the past 5 years (or 1.5 years of the past 3 if married to a US citizen). A single trip abroad must be less than six months.
  4. Have basic knowledge and understanding of US government and history.
  5. Can read, write and speak basic English. Depending on your age and length of time you have been a lawful permanent resident, you might qualify for a simplified version of this test, or you may qualify for a waiver of this requirement
  6. Be continuously present in the US. You can’t have long absences from the United States. Generally, you must show that you maintained access to your US home, you did not work outside of the United States, and you paid taxes in the US.
  7. Be a person of good moral character.
  8. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
  9. Agree to support the US Constitution.

Benefits of Citizenship

  1. The right to vote; only US citizens can vote in Federal Elections and most State Elections
  2. Legal status for family members. US citizens get priority when petitioning for family members to join them in the US
  3. Protection from loss of legal status: US citizens cannot be deported. You can enter the US without having to prove you are admissible.
  4. Freedom of travel: you can live outside of the United States without loss of citizenship
  5. Increased access to employment and educational opportunities
  6. Eligible for federal jobs
  7. Eligible for public benefits
  8. US passport: you can get assistance from the United States when you travel abroad.

For more information, contact the Law Office of Joan Thomas at (425) 289-7843.