I know a family who the wife, and 2 chidren were born Canadian. She married a US citizen. They tried to get naturalized when they were first here, and had saved the money (aprox. $1,000 for 3 people) for all the forms, got all the medicals, pics, etc, and everytime they went to file, something else was added that they needed to do. In the meantime, immigrations would not take the money until everything was done. So, being a family of 5, they fell on hard times, and ended up using the money for necessities. My question is this; I heard somewhere that there is a law that once you've lived here for either 7 or 10 yrs, you can automatically become a citizen. Anybody know if there's any truth in that? Also, is there a way to get a legal pic ID done (for travel purposes within the US) w/o a social? SHe was told there wasn't, but I would guess there is, I just don't know what it is. Any ideas? And no, she's not really from Mexico, and she's not taking anyone's job!
2006-06-24 05:21:30 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
There is no possibility of automatically becoming a US citizen. You have to apply for naturalization. On the other hand, there is no maximum time limit, either. Some resident aliens (people with green cards) live in the US for decades and never apply for citizenship.
Legal residents can get social security cards, drivers licenses, jobs, houses, cars, pay taxes - do everything except vote.
2006-06-25 02:14:12 · answer #1 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no law that if you are here a while you can stay.
The Senate Bill had a 10 year statute of limitations slipped in, but it is one of the provisions I doubt will survive scrutiny - there was no debate on it at all. It is too great a magnet for illegals to come.
I think immigration should set up a 'payment plan' for those they have treated like your friend, though.
2006-06-24 12:28:12 · answer #2 · answered by DAR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been here for 4...haven't filed my residency papers yet..costs so damn much. I know what they mean by hard times too.
It's hard to pay for something when you are denied the means of earning the money to do it....But i am pretty sure you still have to file all that crap.
2006-06-24 12:27:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋