Colorado Citizenship Lawyer

Most individuals become United States citizens either through birth in the U.S., birth abroad to parents who are U.S. citizens, or a process called naturalization. Citizenship gives someone in the U.S. all of the rights that this country has to offer. For instance, a U.S. citizen has the right to:

• Vote
• Petition for family members to immigrate
• Live abroad without losing the right to return

To become a citizen in this country, you must first have lawful permanent residence in the U.S. with a green card. You must also meet additional requirements. Our firm’s experienced Colorado citizenship lawyers can help ensure you meet these requirements and guide you in this exciting yet challenging process. There are several ways one can attain citizenship in the United States.

Automatic Citizenship

People born in the United States are automatically granted citizenship at birth. Only a few exceptions exist for people born on foreign vessels in U.S. waters or foreign heads of state.

Many individuals born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents can also become citizens at birth. Rules and regulations for automatic citizenship for those born abroad are incredibly complex and often vary. We invite you to speak with our Colorado citizenship attorneys about your potential eligibility for automatic citizenship.

Citizenship By Naturalization Application

Everyone applying for citizenship through naturalization is required to be at least 18 years of age and:

• Lived continuously in the U.S. for five years after becoming a lawful permanent resident or three years if legally married to a citizen
• Spent at least half of the past five years or three years if legally married to a citizen as a lawful permanent resident physically in the U.S.
• Lived for at least three months in the same jurisdiction where they file their application
• Show good moral character for the entire period of required residence (five or three years), as well as an attachment to the principles expressed in the United States Constitution
• Have basic English skills and knowledge of United States history and government with certain exceptions
• Be willing to take the Oath of Citizenship

Some people aren’t eligible for citizenship even if they meet all of the above requirements, such as those with past or present specific ideological beliefs and people who have deserted the U.S. military. An individual with certain criminal convictions may not be eligible to receive citizenship through the naturalization process.

Derivative Citizenship

Through the naturalization of one or both parents, children born outside of the United States can still derive citizenship when at least one parent is naturalized.

A child may derive their citizenship if all of the following apply:

• One parent is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
• The child is not yet 18 years of age
• The child is a legal permanent U.S. resident
• The child resides here in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent

Meet with Knowledgeable Colorado Citizenship Lawyers Today

If you have questions about your citizenship, becoming a U.S. citizen, or another immigration question or concern, turn to the Colorado citizenship lawyers at Joseph & Hall P.C. Since these are crucial matters with very specific answers. In that case, it’s essential that you talk to attorneys who specialize in this area of the law. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your citizenship goals.