Post on 27-Dec-2015
Basics of Naturalization Law
Church World Service ImmigrationKelly White, Esq.
18 years 5 years with Green Card
◦ Exceptions Continuous Presence/Physical Presence Citizenship Test Good Moral Character Oath
Naturalization
Derivative Citizenship◦ N-600 Application◦ Complicated Area of Law◦ Looking at Minors, under the age of 18 AND
who have a Lawful Permanent Resident Card And who are living with the Parent who naturalizes (delving into custody law).
◦ Automatic◦ Can apply for U.S. Passport OR for Certificate of
Citizenship.
If Under 18 Years of Age…
N-600 For those born abroad to U.S. Citizen
Parents Complicated area of law. U.S.C. Parent generally required to live in
U.S. for a requisite period of time prior to Child’s birth.
Legitimization issues.
Acquisition of Citizenship
Unless Married to a U.S. Citizen (and obtained Lawful Permanent Status)◦ 3 years
Unless Served in the U.S. Armed Forces◦ 1 year
5 Years with Green Card
Must be present for ½ of the 5 year Period (30 Months)◦ Or Must be present for ½ of 3 year Period if married to
U.S. Citizen (18 months) Must not take trips longer than 6 months
duration (resets 5 year clock) Must not take trips longer than 1 year
(Jeopardizes Green card/Lawful Permanent Resident Status)◦ Abandonment issues; Reentry Permits◦ If Asylee, should NOT be taking trips to country of
asylum.
Physical Presence & Continuous Residence
100 Questions Language Waivers for 20 years with Green
card, over 50 years of age◦ 15 years with Green card, over 55 years of age◦ 20 Question Test for 20 years with Green card, 65
years of age◦ Due consideration (advanced age)
N-648 Disability Waiver◦ Illness that affects ability to read, understand, and
learn English and Civics.
Citizenship Test
Temporary Bars Permanent Bars Deportation Issues
Good Moral Character
Notice to Appear (NTA) EOIR
◦ 1-800-898-7180
How Can Someone Know if They Are In Deportation Proceedings?
Religious Exceptions
Oath Requirement
Selective Service◦ www.sss.gov◦ Search for registration◦ Forgiveness in certain cases
Change of Address◦ AR-11 Form◦ www.uscis.gov◦ “FORMS”◦ Update online
Selective Service Requirements and Change of Address
1-800-375-5283 www.uscis.gov
◦ Check Case Status (Right Corner)◦ Freedom of Information Act
How Can Someone Check Their Case Status?
9:30 am Volunteers Arrive and Prepare Stations
10 am Public Arrives and Checks-in; Screenings as Time Permits
11 am Government Liaison Presents Noon- 2 pm Civics Refresher Session for
Waiting Public Noon- 2 pm Screenings; N-400; Review;
Packaging
Agenda for Clinic Day
Station #1 Check in
(Volunteers)
Station #2 Eligibility Screening
(Law students)
Station #3N-400
Application (Law
Students)
Station #4 Attorney Review
Station #5 Packaging
Clinic Stations
Kelly White, Esq. (336) 676-4223kwhite@churchworldservice.org
Citizenship Classes(336) 617-0381kdent@churchworldservice.org
Contact