2007-11-04 07:49:33 · 19 answers · asked by jeannie6715 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Not any more. All the immigration laws have changed since 9/11. Depending on what country your spouse is from matters whether or not you need to get a lawyer. Good luck
2007-11-04 07:57:07 · answer #1 · answered by amrolraml 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
No. If a U.S. citizen marries a non-citizen, he or she can apply for a green card (or legal permanent resident, LPR, status) for the non-citizen spouse. The applications, according to law, are supposed to be adjudicated within 120 days, but USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has a serious backlog, what with so many people wanting to come to the U.S. and become LPRs and citizens. The process includes getting fingerprinted and a background check, which also seriously extend the waiting period.
Even so, it's not automatic; the non-citizen must not have certain communicable diseases, must not be a security risk to the U.S., and must have a clear criminal record (clear, at any rate, of certain offenses). And yes, the couple must demonstrate that theirs is a real marriage, not a sham or fraud to confer immigration benefits on the non-citizen.
Once the non-citizen has been an LPR for seven years, he or she may apply for citizenship.
2007-11-04 16:06:35 · answer #2 · answered by Writer Chick 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a naturalized citizen from marriage to an American! This is the true process! When you marry, you must apply for Adjustment of status to become a permanent resident! All this involves the fingerprinting, full medical and the background check etc, etc! If approved, you will be granted conditional permanent residence for two years, after which you and your spouse must apply to remove those conditions! You will then be a full permanent resident! You must be married to that same spouse for at least three years after you were granted your green card and meet all conditions of naturalization before you can apply! Having a green card by NO WAYS OR MEANS, makes you a citizen of the US. Citizenship is purely optional if you want it!
2007-11-04 16:53:12 · answer #3 · answered by ron 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, not automatically, but the process becomes much simpler and the wait can become shorter. You still have to go through the process of applying for residency, then applying and meeting the requirements for citizenship.
2007-11-04 18:40:16 · answer #4 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you do not. You must pursue citizenship either by your own virtue or through your marriage to a US citizen. Either way, you must apply for citizenship, and complete all requirements to become one.
2007-11-04 16:35:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope
2007-11-04 17:01:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, You still have to go through the naturalization process
2007-11-04 15:55:16 · answer #7 · answered by king Arthur of USA (Returns) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not automatic. you must go through the process, as is my daughter-in-law who is Russian. my son is in the military and she still has to apply and be approved but does have a 'fast track' to it.
2007-11-04 16:17:52 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, of course not. But it can be used as an avenue for citizenship.
2007-11-04 15:57:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a lot of people thought it was true when they saw the line outside #1 mommy's room but she's just makin anchor babies and that don't necessarily work anymore.
2007-11-05 00:16:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋