Citizenship
Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney in Colorado Springs
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. Most applicants must show a required period of permanent residence, continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, good moral character, an understanding of English and U.S. civics, and attachment to the Constitution.
Blasingame Law LLC reviews naturalization eligibility before filing — including travel history and any arrest record — because an application can surface problems that put permanent residence itself at risk.
Core naturalization requirements
- Lawful permanent residence for the required period
- Continuous residence in the United States without disqualifying absences
- Physical presence in the United States for the required portion of that period
- Residence in the state or district for the required time before filing
- Good moral character during the statutory period
- English reading, writing and speaking ability, subject to exemptions
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government, subject to exemptions
- Attachment to the Constitution and willingness to take the oath
Travel history matters more than people expect
Long absences can break continuous residence, and extended time abroad can raise questions about whether permanent residence was abandoned. Building an accurate travel history before filing is one of the most useful things an applicant can do.
Good moral character and criminal history
Some convictions are permanent bars to naturalization. Others are conditional bars within the statutory period. Arrests without convictions, dismissed charges and old cases still need to be disclosed and documented. Some criminal history can also expose a permanent resident to removal, which is why the review has to come first.
Tests, exemptions and accommodations
Applicants who meet certain age and residence combinations may take the civics test in their native language or qualify for a simplified test. Applicants with a qualifying medical disability may request an exemption from the English and civics requirements with a properly completed medical certification. Disability accommodations are available for the interview.
Special provisions
Members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, and certain spouses and children, may qualify under provisions with different residence and presence requirements. Children of U.S. citizens may acquire or derive citizenship without naturalizing.
Interview, decision and oath
At the interview an officer reviews the application, administers the tests unless exempt, and questions the applicant under oath about the answers given. If approved, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance at a ceremony and receives a certificate of naturalization.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I hold a green card before naturalizing?
Most applicants must hold permanent residence for a set number of years, with a shorter period available to certain spouses of U.S. citizens and to some military applicants.
Can a trip abroad affect my application?
Yes. Absences of certain lengths can break continuous residence, and longer absences can raise abandonment questions.
Do I have to disclose an old arrest?
Yes. Arrests must be disclosed even if charges were dropped or records were sealed, and supporting court documents are usually needed.
What if I fail the English or civics test?
Applicants are generally given a second opportunity to take the portion failed within a set period.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
U.S. law does not require renouncing another nationality, but the other country's law controls what happens to that citizenship.
Is naturalization risky if I have immigration violations?
It can be. An application invites a full review of a person's history, so eligibility should be evaluated by an attorney before filing.
Primary government sources
Written by the Blasingame Law LLC team. Attorney reviewer: Amber L. Blasingame — [ATTORNEY REVIEW REQUIRED BEFORE PUBLISHING]. Last reviewed: [ADD LEGAL REVIEW DATE].
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