The citizenship lawyer in Houston, Texas, at The Fonseca Law Firm works with individuals who are applying for U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, the next step might be to apply for U.S. citizenship. Citizenship confers many benefits, including the ability to vote, the ability to petition family members to move to the U.S. or receive green cards, the freedom to travel abroad without putting your status at risk, and never again having your residency status called into question.
There are several ways a person can become a U.S. citizen. You can become a U.S. citizen by birth or through your parents, or you can apply to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Was your citizenship application denied? Call 713-534-2873 to schedule a consultation. You may have the right to appeal the denial or take steps to remedy the situation that led to it.
Permanent residents must meet certain qualifications to apply to become a U.S. citizen. If you are not sure whether you qualify, or need help with the application process, reach out to the citizenship lawyer in Houston, Texas, at The Fonseca Law Firm. We can review your situation and offer guidance on the next steps.
Are You Eligible to Apply for Citizenship?
Permanent residents must meet certain criteria to be eligible to apply for citizenship. If you have permanent resident status and are wondering whether you qualify to become a U.S. citizen, here are some of the qualifications to keep in mind:
- Time with a green card. You generally must have had a green card for at least five years. If you are a refugee or received a green card through marriage, you may qualify to apply sooner.
- Marriage to a U.S. citizen. If you have been married to, and living with, a U.S. citizen for three years — and your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least that long — you may qualify to apply after three years of permanent residency.
- Continuous residence and physical presence. You must have lived in the U.S. for the required period while holding your green card, without leaving the U.S. for more time than permitted.
- Local residency. You must establish at least three months of residency in the state or district where you plan to apply.
- Good moral character. You must show that you have paid your taxes, paid any required child support, and haven't committed crimes that could bring your moral character into question.
- English and civics. You must be able to read, write and speak basic English, and demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of U.S. history and government.
These are just some of the basic requirements. Problems arise when people believe they meet these requirements but actually don't. Individuals who apply for citizenship without addressing underlying issues can even put their immigration status at risk. If you are not sure whether you qualify, reach out to the citizenship attorney in Houston, Texas, at The Fonseca Law Firm before you file — we can review your situation and help you move forward safely.
Issues That Can Arise When Applying for U.S. Citizenship
There are situations where individuals might be denied U.S. citizenship. The best way to prevent a denial is to understand the application process thoroughly and make sure you meet every qualification before you apply. The Fonseca Law Firm can review your situation, identify red flags, and help you resolve them as you navigate the process. Common reasons citizenship applications get denied include:
- Good moral character concerns. Good moral character can be called into question if you have had encounters with the law. Some offenses — like a DWI — may require a waiting period before you apply. More serious matters, including drug offenses, illegal gambling, violent crimes, or failure to pay child support or alimony, can result in denial. If you have a criminal record, or were ever arrested, speak with a citizenship lawyer before filing anything.
- Physical presence problems. Even if you have held a green card for five years or more, you must still show you were physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 of the last 60 months. Failure to meet physical presence requirements can result in denial — including for applicants who received their green card through family-based immigration.
- Tax issues. If you aren't up to date on your taxes, your application could be denied.
- Green card validity. If your green card was not obtained properly, or there was an error in the process of obtaining it, you could face issues when applying for citizenship.
- Failing the citizenship tests. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you'll need to pass an English test and a civics test covering U.S. history and government. Studying for these tests is paramount.
Denied? You May Still Have Options
If your citizenship application is denied for any of the reasons above, you may have the right to appeal the denial or take steps to remedy the situation that led to it. The citizenship lawyer in Houston, Texas, at The Fonseca Law Firm can review your application and the reasons you were denied, and may be able to help you with the appeals process. And if you are still in the process of applying and want help getting your application right the first time, The Fonseca Law Firm is a Houston, Texas, citizenship law firm that may be able to assist you.
Thinking about applying? A short consultation before you file can catch problems while they're still fixable. Call 713-534-2873 or send us a message. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I have a green card before applying for U.S. citizenship?
In general, you must have held a green card for at least five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen — and your spouse has been a citizen for at least three years — you may qualify after three years of permanent residency. Certain refugees and asylees may also count part of their earlier time toward the requirement.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. Some convictions require a waiting period before you can show good moral character, and others can jeopardize your immigration status entirely if you apply. Before filing anything, have a citizenship lawyer review your record — applying at the wrong time can do more harm than waiting.
What happens if my citizenship application is denied?
A denial is not necessarily the end. Depending on the reason, you may be able to appeal the decision, request a hearing, or fix the underlying issue — unpaid taxes, missing documents, physical presence problems — and reapply. The Fonseca Law Firm can review your denial and advise on the next step.
Do I have to pass a test to become a U.S. citizen?
Most applicants must pass an English reading, writing and speaking test plus a civics test on U.S. history and government. Limited exemptions exist based on age, years of residency, and certain disabilities. Preparation matters — failing the tests is a common reason applications stall.