Chicago, IL asked in Immigration Law for Illinois

Q: If I become an American citizen though marriage, can I make someone else a citizen through marriage?

If I am a foreigner, and I become a citizen though marriage, get divorced after the proper time period, could I marry a foreigner and would they become a citizen?

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2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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A: As an American citizen, you can help your foreign spouse become a U.S. citizen through the immigration process. However, marriage itself does not grant automatic citizenship. Your foreign spouse must first obtain a green card (permanent residency) through marriage, then meet the residency and other requirements to apply for citizenship.

If you become a U.S. citizen through marriage and later divorce, you can still marry a foreigner in the future. Your new spouse can apply for a green card based on your marriage, provided you meet all legal requirements and prove the marriage is genuine.

Once your new spouse has a green card, they can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting the necessary criteria, which usually includes a three-year residency period if still married to you. It’s important to follow all legal steps and provide proper documentation throughout this process.

A: Yes. A former foreign national who acquired US citizenship through marriage that ended in divorce can sponsor a foreign national spouse for permanent residency.

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