U.S. Citizenship Guide: Final Protections – Part 4

Why Applying for U.S. Citizenship Matters

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. We’re delighted to have you join us for part four in our series of video presentations on U.S. Citizenship. In this final segment, we conclude our discussion and hope you’ll feel inspired to contact us so we can begin your citizenship journey as quickly as possible.

Meeting the Physical Presence Requirements

In summary, as long as you have not remained outside the U.S. for more than six months during your qualifying period, and you have spent at least half of that time physically present in the U.S., you are typically in good shape to apply. However, we still need to evaluate any additional bars to U.S. Citizenship, which we covered in previous presentations.

Expanded Sponsorship Opportunities

There are many powerful benefits associated with becoming a U.S. Citizen.

1. Sponsoring a Fiancé(e)

Green card holders may only sponsor a fiancé(e) after marriage, and even then, the wait can be up to two years.
As a U.S. Citizen, you can sponsor a fiancé(e) immediately, bring them to the U.S., marry, and obtain a green card for them in as little as 4–6 months.

2. Sponsoring Parents and Siblings

Green card holders cannot sponsor their parents or siblings at all.
U.S. Citizens can.

• Sponsoring parents typically takes less than one year.

• Sponsoring siblings can take nearly a decade, but it is still a life-changing opportunity for many families.

Many are hopeful that future Comprehensive Immigration Reform will reduce long wait times for family petitions, especially since most annual visa quotas have not increased in decades.

Citizenship Eliminates the Risk of Removal

Even law-abiding people can unexpectedly find themselves at risk. For example:

• A single DUI,

• A serious traffic accident,

• Being distracted by a cell phone while driving,

• Or a young family member making a poor decision such as using a fake ID or experimenting with substances,

…can trigger immigration consequences that endanger the entire family’s future in the U.S.

Green Card Holders Can Lose Status for Non-Criminal Reasons

Simply staying outside the U.S. for more than one year, if not handled properly, can jeopardize your green card.

U.S. Citizens Cannot Be Deported

Once you become a Citizen, even if you face criminal penalties, your U.S. residency is never at risk. After completing any sentence, you continue your life in the U.S. like any other Citizen.

This is why we strongly recommend applying for U.S. Citizenship as soon as you are eligible. It provides complete protection for your entire family and peace of mind for years to come.

Citizenship Is Like Insurance, Protecting Your Future

Most people have never had a house burn down or suffer a flood, yet we all pay hundreds of dollars per year for home insurance.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship works the same way,
It protects you from rare but life-altering events.

Many people also incorrectly assume they will have to give up their original citizenship. In reality, most countries allow dual citizenship. For the few that do not, we are happy to check your country’s specific policies for you.

We’re Here to Help You Start Your Citizenship Journey

We hope you have enjoyed this presentation and now feel more informed about the benefits and requirements of becoming a U.S. Citizen. When you’re ready to move forward, please contact us for a consultation so we can assess your eligibility and get you started.

We look forward to hearing from you very soon.