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Scranton Immigration Law

The goal of many people — particularly those in third-world countries — is not necessarily to be rich or have a good-paying job, but to become an American citizen. For many, U.S. citizenship affords many opportunities. It comes with a lot of rights, benefits, and privileges. It is a valuable thing to have.

Routes to Citizenship

A person not born in the United States can become a citizen in several ways:

  • Both parents are U.S. citizens. This requires that:

    • Both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of the child’s birth.
    • The parents were married at the time of birth.
    • One or both parents lived in the United States prior to the child’s birth.
  • One parent is a U.S. citizen. This requires the following:

    • One parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
    • The parents were married at the time of birth.
    • The child was born on or after November 14, 1986.
    • The parent who is a U.S. citizen was physically located in the U.S. for at least five years at some point before the child was born. Two of these years must be after the parent’s 14th birthday.
  • One parent is a U.S. citizen. This is another way in which a person could become a U.S. citizen through their parent’s citizenship status:

    • One parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
    • The child was born between October 10, 1952 and November 14, 1986.
    • The parents were married at the time of the birth.
    • The parent who is a U.S. citizen was physically located in the U.S. for at least 10 years at some point before the child was born. Five of these years must be after the parent’s 14th birthday.
  • Citizenship through naturalization. This is the most common way for a foreigner to become a U.S. citizen. A person must be 18 years old and go through one of the following processes:

    • Qualifying service in the U.S. Armed Forces
    • Five years as a permanent resident
    • Threw years as a permanent resident who has been married to a U.S. citizen spouse for three years
  • Citizenship through derivation. When a parent becomes a permanent U.S. citizen, their minor children living with them may be able to become U.S. citizens. These requirements need to be met:

    • One or both parents must be U.S. citizens.
    • The child must be a green card holder.
    • The child must be living with the U.S. citizen parent, who must have physical and legal custody.

Contact Us Today

Citizenship is just one aspect of immigration law. Whether you want to immigrate to the United States or you want to bring over your family on visas, there are many laws to consider. An experienced immigration lawyer can help.

Seek legal help from Needle Law Firm. Our team can guide you through the process and help you handle delays and other issues. Schedule a consultation today. Fill out the online contact form or call (570) 344-1266.

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