Colorado Citizenship Attorneys

There are generally four pathways to becoming a U.S. citizen:

1. A person born in the U.S. and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is automatically considered a U.S. citizen.
2. A person born in another country whose parents are U.S. citizens could become citizens at birth by acquiring their parents’ citizenship.
3. A person who successfully passes the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen.
4. Lawful permanent residents or green card holders whose parent/s have become naturalized could become U.S. citizens by derivation of their parents’ citizenship. 

The Naturalization Process

Once you have been given lawful permanent status in the U.S. and want to become a citizen, you must maintain your permanent resident status and meet the eligibility requirements for the naturalization process. To achieve citizenship through naturalization, you must meet these requirements: 

• A lawful permanent U.S. resident
• 18 years old or older
• Good moral character
• Speak, write, and read English, though exceptions exist for certain individuals. 
• Must be willing to pledge their full allegiance to the country.
• Could pass an exam about the United States government and history
• Has been living in the U.S. lawfully for five years minimum, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
• Has been present physically in the U.S. for a minimum of thirty months during their five-year residence or 18 months (spouses of citizens) during their three-year residence in the U.S.
• Has not interrupted the requirements for continuity of residency for the past five years (certain exceptions exist)

Several exceptions exist for the naturalization requirements mentioned above. These exceptions are for people under the special categories, which include: 

• Children of U.S. citizens
• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• People who have served in the U.S. army

Important Considerations for Dual Citizenship

Plenty of foreign nationals naturally wonder whether they’ll be able to maintain their original citizenship status, along with the benefits it provides if they become United States citizens. This is called dual citizenship. 

However, being granted dual citizenship would be significantly dependent on U.S. immigration law and the foreign national’s home country immigration law. The problem with this is that U.S. immigration law does not explicitly state whether dual citizenship is a recognized immigration status. In addition, not all countries permit dual citizenship. This means that you will automatically lose your original citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen. 

If you are considering dual citizenship, you must discuss your specific circumstances with a skilled Colorado immigration lawyer in the U.S. and an immigration lawyer in your home country to learn more about your case. In the event that your home country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you must weigh the pros and cons of retaining your citizenship against the benefits you stand to gain when you become a U.S. citizen. 

Reach Out to Our Knowledgeable Colorado Citizenship Attorneys Today

For more details on what our skilled Colorado citizenship attorneys can do for you, do not hesitate to get in touch with Joseph & Hall P.C. today. You can arrange an appointment with one of our Colorado citizenship attorneys by contacting us online.