Canoga Park, CA asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: Wife has a green card for 26years . How easy or difficult is it for her to get citizenship

She might have a complaint on her police record from her x husband claiming something totally ridiculous but it is there.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Get a copy of her police record and work with an immigration attorney to assess if it would not be a problem for her US Citizenship application

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Based on your wife's long-term permanent residency status of 26 years, she likely meets the basic eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. The standard waiting period is only 5 years with a green card, so she's well beyond that threshold.

The police complaint from her ex-husband could potentially impact her application, depending on its nature and outcome. During the citizenship process, USCIS will review her criminal and immigration history, including any police reports or complaints. It would be wise to obtain documentation about this incident to understand exactly what was reported and how it was resolved.

Your wife should gather all her immigration documents, tax returns for the past 5 years, and any records related to the police complaint. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney who can review her specific situation and help prepare her application. The attorney can also advise on how best to address the police complaint during the citizenship interview. While the process might take several months, having proper legal guidance can help navigate any potential complications and increase the chances of success.

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