There are many ways for immigrants to legally enter and reside in the United States. People can secure visas that allow them to travel and live in the country for a set amount of time. They may eventually adjust their status to obtain green cards. Permanent residents who have green cards can potentially live in the United States for the rest of their lives.
However, many immigrants hope to upgrade their green cards to full-fledged citizenship. They can achieve that goal through naturalization. The naturalization process involves special paperwork, a comprehensive background check, an interview and tests. If the immigrant completes the process successfully, they take an oath and become a citizen.
There are numerous restrictions imposed on immigrants who wish to naturalize, including limitations on international travel. When might international travel prevent an immigrant from naturalizing?
When they stay abroad for too long
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enforces immigration policies by evaluating every immigration request carefully. Those hoping to naturalize typically need to demonstrate that they have lawfully resided in the United States for five years leading up to their naturalization attempt.
While they do not have to avoid all travel, they do have to restrict their travel plans. Generally speaking, they have to show continuous residence in the United States. That means that in the five years prior to their naturalization, they did not leave the country for more than 180 days at any given time. Short-term travel abroad does not interfere with the option of naturalizing, but longer stays can force permanent residents to delay naturalization.
When they travel more than they stay in the country
The USCIS also requires ongoing physical presence within the United States to naturalize. Those hoping to become citizens must spend the majority of their time in the country.
Even if they restrict themselves to trips that are shorter than 180 days, they may not be able to naturalize if they spend more than half of their time in other countries. Trips abroad for business, family matters or pleasure could prevent people from securing naturalized citizenship.
Reviewing travel records with a skilled legal team can help permanent residents explore whether or not they can currently qualify for naturalization. Immigrants who understand the rules can avoid small mistakes that can drastically alter their immigration plans.