Citizenship and
Deportation (Removal)

The current national focus on immigration has led to an increase in the number of naturalization filings. The basic statutory requirements for naturalization are:

• Be 18 years old;
• Be lawfully admitted as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR);
• Continuous residence as an LPR for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen spouse);
• Physical presence for half of the required period of residence (30 months if five years and 18 months if three years) There are exceptions to the physical presence requirement INA 317,319, and 328-29;
• Continuous residence from the date of the application up to the time of admission to citizenship;
• Residence in the filing district for at least three months;
• Good Moral Character;
• English language skills (there are exceptions);
• Knowledge of U.S. history and government, unless applicant qualifies for a medical waiver;
• Attachment to the principals of the U.S. Constitution;

A person who has a pending I-751 petition to remove conditions on residence, may apply for naturalization assuming the applicant is still married and living with the U.S. citizen, spouse.

Unless otherwise indicated, Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
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