Naturalization is the legal process in which a non-citizen acquires citizenship through a number of ways. This generally occurs when the individual has stayed in the adopted country for a minimum period of time, has not violated any immigration laws or has been give amnesty, can speak the native language, and has taken an oath of allegiance. Once one has been naturalized as a United States citizen, the rules and regulations regarding foreign travel can get quite complicated.
When you are in the midst of the naturalization process, foreign travel is generally advised against--at least for extended periods of time. If you spend more than 6 months abroad, you will interrupt your residential requirements of staying in the United States for a continued amount of time. Travelling outside of the United States for a prolonged period of time may mean you are not eligible for naturalization after all. Therefore, foreign travel is permitted, though not for lengthy trips.
Once you receive your naturalization certificate, you will be able to travel abroad as a Green Card holder, while your citizenship application is pending. Once you become a citizen, you will then be able to travel as freely as any other.
Contact Our Lake Charles Immigration Lawyer Today
If you are seeking a Lake Charles immigration lawyer you can trust to successfully advocate on your behalf, you can rest assured our firm can offer that to you--and more. At Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, our legal team is dedicated to helping you and your family start afresh in the United States, regardless of what that means for you. We will provide you with sincere guidance and care throughout the entire immigration process--allow us to serve you.
Interested in scheduling an initial consultation? Contact us at your earliest convenience by calling (337) 214-0670.