In updated guidance in its Policy Manual, USCIS provides extensive detail about the legal prerequisites to becoming a naturalized citizen of the US. While it is well known that permanent residence for at least five years is required, there are situations that involve...
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Citizenship and Naturalization
I Passed The Test | Why Was My Citizenship Denied?
Applicants are often under the misimpression that once one has passed the history test, he/she has passed the examination and is entitled to citizenship. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. There are a number of requirements in order to become a...
New Immigration Policy on Long Trips Affects Citizenship Applications
USCIS recently revised their Policy Manual on Naturalization to further address the legal effect of absences outside the US. This guidance particularly affects green card holders who have traveled outside the United States for more than one year and who are now...
You Can Be Denied Citizenship For Bad Acts
Late last year, USCIS adopted two significant policy changes pertaining to Good Moral Character for naturalization petitions. (Every applicant must demonstrate Good Moral Character in order to become a US Citizen.) The first one, which we previously covered, pertained...
Filing for Citizenship After 3 Years If Separated
Under certain circumstances, a lawful permanent may apply for naturalization after only three years versus the requisite five years that is normally required. In order to qualify, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has been a green card holder for at least...
Citizenship Denied for Two or More DWI Convictions
Not too long ago, Attorney General Bill Barr issued an important decision regarding good moral character determinations within the context of cancellation of removal. Under Matter of Castillo-Perez, the Attorney General held that two or more drunk driving convictions...
Can I Travel Out Of The Country After Applying For Citizenship?
One of the most common questions that our citizenship clients ask is whether there are any travel prohibitions after they have filed for naturalization. At the risk of oversimplifying matters, the short answer is that applicants are allowed to travel outside the US...
Immigration Filing Fees Going Up
Last week, the government announced a series of proposed fee increases that are staggeringly steep. At the moment, the proposal is undergoing a public comment period, but unless there is some sort of litigation to block the changes, applicants may have to dig deeper...
New Residence Rules for People Born Abroad Claiming Citizenship Through Parent
During his administration, President Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his intentions on ending birthright or automatic citizenship for those born within the United States. To be clear, birthright citizenship is still intact, but the latest USCIS policy memo pertaining...
False Claim to Citizenship Does Not Need To Be Knowing to Trigger Deportation
A deeply jarring decision from the Board of Immigration Appeals came out late last month pertaining to the issue of false claims to US Citizenship. Under Section 237(a)(3)(D)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, "an alien who falsely represents, or has falsely...