What you should know about US citizenship through marriage?

A green card holder or lawful permanent resident has to go through the process of naturalization to become a US citizen. However if you marry a US citizen you do not automatically become a US national which was what Dominika Petrova was hoping for in season 7 of House with House being her husband. Nevertheless, you will get a green card after which you will have to spend a few years in the US as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and fulfill several legal requirements before you can become a US national, according to immigration lawyers.

Green Card Holder Rights

Acquiring a green card usually means that you can stay in the US indefinitely if you fulfill certain conditions – robbing and stealing and even committing worse acts such as murder will certainly not improve your chances which is what some illegal immigrants do in sanctuary cities like San Francisco. Though they are probably not even trying to be legal citizens and even their home countries do not even want them around. If you do commit a heinous act you not hurt your chances of being a legal American citizen you can hurt your family’s chances as well or anyone who ever wished for your support. If that is no one then that is no one.

Moreover, you can work here and travel to different countries. However, you must not be absent from the country for more than 6 months. Immigration authorities view the step as an abandonment of residence and your green card can be cancelled. As an LPR you be provided with a social security number as well.

However, immigration attorneys caution that you will be deported if you violate US law, receive government assistance, or do not provide the authorities with the proper notification of a change of address. Remember, you are still a foreign national holding a passport of that country. This is one of the reasons why most LPRs are eager to become US citizens as soon as possible.

How does marriage to a US national affect your Visa status?

If a foreign national marries a US citizen under the immigration laws they are treated as immediate relatives and this means they can become eligible for LPRs right away. However, if an alien marries a LPR then they become preference relatives under category 2A. People qualifying under this category will join the waiting list because of the fixed quota of visas available every year in this category.

The process of application for a green card whether you are married to a US citizen or LPR is a very long drawn process and involved staggering amount of paperwork. This is why it is wise to involve an immigration lawyer at this stage to help you with the regulations. Along with the forms you will have to submit proof of marriage. If the petition is approved then the spouse will have to attend interviews at an embassy in the US or at the consulate in his or her country of origin.

What consequences will a spouse face if he/she has entered the US illegally?

If you have entered the US unlawfully without a proper border inspection or have overstayed after the expiry of your visa, marrying a US citizen will not provide you with respite. After marrying a citizen when you apply for a green card you will be required to leave the US to attend the interview at the consulate of your country and when you do so the USCIS officials may bar you from re-entering the US for a period of 3 to 5 years not matter even if the marriage and love is genuine. If this is the case consult an immigration lawyer to determine if there are any ways to prevent the authorities from taking these adverse steps.

Whether you are a work-based or family based visa aspirant who is not entirely aware of the rules and regulations of USCIS then you can always count on the help from an immigration lawyers. Your legal counselor will not only provide you with valuable guidance pertaining to the steps you can take to qualify for a certain types of visas but can also help you choose the best path to immigrate to the US.

The process may seem complicated. You may seem like no one is around to help you. This is not the case. The Internet can be warm and friendly place. Contact us if you need some help. Press right here Immigration.USAttorneys to begin the immigration journey the right way.