The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy guidance related to the impact of registering to vote on a foreign national's good moral character (GMC) requirement when applying for U.S. citizenship. The updated guidance is designed to prevent potentially catastrophic consequences for...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that it has reinterpreted the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to grant U.S. citizenship at birth to a child born abroad, as long as the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth and the...
Answer In order to file an N-400 application, the applicant typically must be at least 18 years old. However, depending on the circumstances, a minor may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship based on the naturalization of a parent. (29.Apr.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...
Answer Having a payment plan for back-taxes would not automatically prevent a form N-400 from being approved. Depending upon the circumstances, however, failure to report income or pay taxes may result in the USCIS finding that the applicant lacks the good moral character needed for naturalization....
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad remains limited. The severity of backlogs in visa interviews varies based on epidemic control protocols of each country. U.S. embassies and consulates are taking the necessary precautions to protect...
Foreign nationals requesting admission to the United States and indeed, even U.S. citizens, may face additional scrutiny at the United States border. This includes the physical border itself or the functional equivalent of the border such as an international airport, port of entry, or border...
On February 18, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 (USCA) was introduced in both houses of Congress. This bill, which is modeled after a proposal laid out by President Joe Biden, would fundamentally transform the U.S. immigration system. However, this bill has a long...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS), which is responsible for all U.S. embassies and consulates, has provided an updated summary on its plan for the phased resumption of routine visa service across the globe. While this provides the general plan on how it will go...
Legalization or decriminalization of marijuana or other narcotics at the state level can mislead noncitizens into thinking using such drugs in accordance with state law is legal. Marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and many other drugs are controlled substance under federal law. Therefore, the use, sale, purchase,...
Answer No, there is a U.S. civics/history test when applying for U.S. citizenship. But, there is no such test when applying for a green card. (03.Dec.2020).Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....
