If you want to live in the U.S., it may be in your best interests to become a citizen. There are numerous ways to become a citizen, but they all have a common denominator: You must first obtain a green card. To find out how to get a green card, read our information here.
But first, make sure it is in your best interests to become a U.S. citizen. If you are currently subject for removal (deportation), applying for citizenship will bring you to the attention of USCIS. You definitely need to speak with an immigration attorney first. If your green card shouldn’t have been issued, you don’t want to bring attention to yourself.
Even in cases where it isn’t your fault, for example, in situations where your sponsor’s own green card was revoked and you didn’t know it, you may be subject to removal.
Also, if your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may not want to give up the citizenship of your homeland.
If you have committed a crime, your application for U.S. citizenship may be rejected. But in some cases, even with a conviction, you may be able to obtain a waiver.
What are the advantages of citizenship? Quite a few, actually. You can vote, work in the U.S., travel freely, and generally never have to face deportation, except in a few, rare circumstances.
Your children with green cards, and any children you adopt or have later, will automatically become U.S. citizens. You can submit petitions to obtain green cards for certain family members, such as your spouse, your parents, and your brothers and sisters.
Generally speaking you must be a permanent resident for five years before you can become a U.S. citizen, but there are exceptions:
- a spouse of a U.S. citizen who stays married for 3 years
- a battered spouse of a U.S. citizen
- a refugee or asylee
- in the U.S. military or a military widow or widower
- a spouse of a U.S. citizen in certain overseas jobs