FAQS

How can I become a United States citizen?
Individuals who are not born as a U.S. citizen can receive citizenship through a process known as naturalization.

What are the requirements of citizenship by birth?
Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:

• By being born in the United States.
• If you were born in the United States (including, in most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), or you are an American citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat). Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.
• Through birth abroad to TWO United States citizens.

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:

• One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born
  
• Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born, and
  
• At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.

*If you were born before November 14, 1986, you are a citizen if your U.S. citizen parent lived in the United States for at least 10 years and 5 of those years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.

What are the requirements for naturalization?

• A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
• Residence in a particular USCIS district prior to filing
• An ability to read, write, and speak English
• Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
• Good moral character
• Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
• Favorable disposition toward the United States

When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date that you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card).

What is Asylum?
Asylum is the relief granted to an alien in the United States or at a port of entry who is found to be unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality, or to seek the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Persecution or the fear thereof must be based on the alien’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. For persons with no nationality, the country of nationality is considered to be the country in which the alien last habitually resided. Asylees are eligible to adjust to lawful permanent resident status after one year of continuous presence in the United States. These immigrants are limited to 10,000 adjustments per fiscal year.

Who is eligible to request Asylum?
Asylum may be granted to people who are arriving in or already physically present in the United States. To apply for asylum in the United States, you may ask for asylum at a port-of-entry (airport, seaport, or border crossing), or by filing the appropriate form. You may apply for asylum regardless of your immigration status, whether you are in the United States legally or illegally. Immigration lawyer Yvette Mastin has experience in requesting and achieving asylum for her immigration