US Citizenship
Citizenship
Video Transcript – Part 1: US Citizenship
U.S. Citizenship
Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. We’re so glad you’re joining us for this video presentation on U.S. Citizenship. In this series, we’ll walk you through the process of acquiring U.S. Citizenship and explain why applying as soon as you’re eligible is essential for safeguarding your future and that of your family.
Acquiring US Citizenship
For most people, becoming a U.S. Citizen is the culmination of an immigration journey to fully integrate into American society. It’s important to note that you can’t skip straight to a U.S. Citizenship application without going through the earlier stages, except in a few very rare cases. For example, in certain circumstances, adopting a child may result in that child automatically becoming a U.S. Citizen, depending on their age.
For the majority, the journey starts with obtaining a Green Card, which eventually leads to U.S. Citizenship. Congress has established specific rules to determine how and when Green Card holders can apply for citizenship.
Green Card by Marriage and Green Card by Employment
If you received your Green Card through marriage, you’re eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship three years after your Green Card was issued. If your Green Card was obtained through family sponsorship, employment, or self-sponsorship, you can apply after five years.
That said, meeting these timelines is just one part of the process. There are several other requirements that must be fulfilled for your application to succeed.
Good Moral Character
You must demonstrate that you’ve used your time as a Green Card holder to live in a way that reflects the values of a responsible U.S. Citizen. Essentially, U.S. Immigration is looking for evidence of good moral character, primarily an absence of serious criminal history, particularly crimes of moral turpitude.
While it’s hard to cover every detail, a general guideline is that if you’ve been in and out of the criminal justice system for criminal behavior, it’s best to maintain a clean record for at least five years before applying. If you have any legal issues, it’s critical to consult with a specialist criminal-immigration attorney to discuss your situation.
Good moral character also extends to financial responsibilities. You must have paid all your taxes or be enrolled in a payment plan with the IRS. Failing to meet tax obligations is a serious issue and could jeopardize your application.
Absences from the US
If you’ve spent time outside the US while holding your Green Card, it may impact your eligibility timeline for U.S. Citizenship. Different rules apply depending on how long you’ve been away:
- Absences of up to six months
- Absences of more than six months but less than 12 months
- Absences exceeding 12 months
In the next video, we’ll explore how these periods of absence can affect your application. Be sure to click on part two for more details.
Attorney Chris M. Ingram
Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.
Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.
The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:
- Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
- Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
- Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants
We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.
Our Commitment to You
Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!
Important Notice
All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted
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