Citizenship for Military Spouses in Mesa

Military families play an important role in our country. To recognize the dedication of service members, the United States offers specialized citizenship programs to their spouses. Available programs can speed up the application process or meet special circumstances that apply to military families. The experienced citizenship and naturalization attorneys at Solano Law Firm could help you explore the varied options for citizenship for military spouses in Mesa. From submitting legal forms to reuniting your family, we will be there to help every step of the way.

Expedited Citizenship for Military Spouses

In Mesa, when an active-duty military spouse is stationed outside the U.S., eligible spouses may be able to expedite the naturalization process. To do so, they must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 or older
Proof that the spouse is a U.S. citizen who is or will be regularly stationed abroad as a U.S. service member for a period of one year or more
Copy of official orders that shows the applicant can accompany their spouse abroad
Be present in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident at the time of the naturalization application interview
Be present in the U.S. at the time of naturalization
Show intent on living abroad with spouse and returning to live in the United States when service overseas ends
Able to read, write, and speak basic English
Have a general understanding of U.S. history and government
Have good moral character and support the principles of the U.S. Constitution

Applicants applying for citizenship as a military spouse should notify their immigration lawyer if they qualify for expedited processing to get tailored assistance.

Overseas Citizenship for Military Spouses

Mesa military spouses often live under extraordinary circumstances that make it impossible to meet the typical requirements of living in the United States for three to five years before becoming a naturalized citizen. To account for the lifestyle of spouses who travel abroad with active service members, immigration authorities allow for special physical presence rules.

A spouse married to someone in the Armed Forces who is stationed outside of the U.S. and permitted to accompany their spouse abroad can apply for U.S citizenship overseas. Qualifying factors require the applicant to have a green card for three to five years and live continuously in the U.S. or abroad with their military spouse for up to two and a half years.

Parole in Place

The Parole in Place program allows family members of service members to apply for green cards even if they entered the country illegally. Eligible applicants are the spouse, parent, or child under the age of 21 of someone who is an active-duty military service personnel member. Applicants must include proper paperwork and supporting documentation.

Citizenship for Surviving Spouses

For legal permanent residents in Mesa, the tragedy of losing a spouse serving in active duty is often compounded by concerns of losing the chance of becoming a U.S. citizen. USCIS offers programs to help surviving military spouses gain citizenship. To qualify, an applicant must be a lawful permanent resident and have lived with their spouse at the time of death (except for circumstances beyond their control, such as their spouse’s military service). Qualifying applicants remain eligible even if they have remarried since their service member’s death.

Citizenship for Children in Military Families

Children who are not U.S. citizens may be eligible for overseas citizenship as part of a military family. The following eligibility requirements must be met.

The child is less than 18 years old
The parents’ military orders allowed the child to accompany them abroad
Their U.S. citizen parent was physically present or living abroad as part of the military for at least five years

Children adopted by a U.S. service member are also eligible under the same qualifications.

Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer to Learn More About Citizenship for Military Spouses

While USCIS offers many programs to streamline the process of gaining citizenship for military spouses in Mesa, navigating the legal system can be challenging. At Solano Immigration Law Firm, we understand the value of U.S. citizenship for military families. Our skilled immigration attorneys could help you explore your options for citizenship and guide you through the legal process. Contact us to learn more about your family’s eligibility for naturalization or to schedule a free consultation.