There are two ways to become a U.S. Citizen. The most common path to citizenship is through naturalization. You may be eligible to become a naturalized U.S. Citizen if you have had a resident alien card (green card) for at least five (5) years or at least three (3) years if you obtained residence through marriage to a U.S. Citizen, you have resided in the U.S. for at least five years, have a basic knowledge of English and of the history and government of the U.S., and you have had good moral character for the past five years.
Qualifications
Some people derive citizenship through their mother or father or grandparent. Derivative citizenship is sometimes difficult to prove, and if you were born outside the U.S. there is a presumption that you are not a U.S. Citizen.
However, if one or both of your parents or grandparents were U.S. citizens, you may have derived citizenship from birth, and you may already be eligible to obtain a U.S. Passport and other benefits.
To find out if you qualify for naturalization, or if you think you may already be a U.S Citizen through Derivative citizenship, please schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.