US Citizenship & Naturalization
Can citizens be deported? It's a fear that spikes every time immigration enforcement makes headlines, and naturalized citizens ask it most. The short answer is no. Once you hold U.S. citizenship, the government cannot deport you the way it removes a green card holder or visa holder. Confusion often starts because people mix up citizenship with permanent residency. If you want the full picture of how these statuses differ, our guide on green card versus citizenship rights breaks down each protection level. So where does the fear come from? Deportation applies to removable aliens, not to citizens with a valid...
In August 2026, Sen. Mazie Hirono and a group of Senate colleagues asked the Department of Homeland Security to rethink a planned naturalization fee increase. They also want DHS to keep fee waivers in place for low-income citizenship applicants who qualify. The proposal, published by DHS in June 2026, would raise the current $760 Form N-400 paper-filing fee by about 75% (to $1,330) and end the reduced-fee option and fee waivers for non-military applicants. It is still a proposed rule, not final; you can check the current fee schedule at uscis.gov before you file. This fight matters for anyone weighing...
As of August 24, 2026, families planning a U.S. birth under a visitor visa or a surrogacy arrangement face new uncertainty over the birthright citizenship executive order signed by President Trump. On Aug. 6, 2026, Trump signed two executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship for children born to certain non-citizen parents, according to the White House fact sheet. The orders target birth tourism and surrogacy cases, and the birthright citizenship order is being challenged in court, so check where the litigation currently stands before you make plans. This article explains what changed, who the orders affect, and what families...
You have a criminal record. Now you want citizenship. So you wonder if that old arrest ends everything. Here is the truth. A criminal record citizenship review is not one simple yes or no answer. Some crimes create a permanent bar. Other crimes only reset your good moral character clock. Many minor offenses do not block naturalization at all. But every criminal record must be disclosed on your N-400. Hiding a criminal record is worse than the record itself. USCIS officers check your criminal history through FBI fingerprints. They see sealed cases. They see dismissed charges too. So honesty protects...
You worry about the English test. Many older green card holders do. But english civics test exemptions may let you skip it completely. Age and green card years decide this. So the rules matter a lot. The 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20 rules set the exemption limits. Each rule uses your age and your years as a resident. Our team explains the 2025 naturalization civics test update for every N-400 filer. That update matters for exemption planning. At Vega & Associates, we have handled immigration law for 45+ years. We work only on immigration cases in Houston. Also, we speak English...
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship? Yes, it does. Dual citizenship United States rules let you keep your first passport and gain a new one. But this status is not automatic for everyone — your original country's laws decide the rest. At Vega & Associates, we guide clients through the naturalization process every day, and this is one of the most common questions we hear in our Houston office. Many green card holders worry they must give up their birth nationality, and that worry keeps qualified people from filing. The naturalization oath does include a clause renouncing allegiance to foreign...
Getting your N-400 denied can feel like a devastating setback after months of preparation, gathered documents, and the interview you waited so long for. But a denial is not the end of your path to citizenship. You have real options, and the right move depends on why USCIS turned down your application. At Vega & Associates, our Houston immigration team has guided clients through the naturalization process for more than 45 years. According to USCIS naturalization data, denial rates vary by year and applicant background, so understanding your specific denial reason is the first step. You may be able to...
Good moral character naturalization is one of the most misunderstood parts of the citizenship process. Many applicants assume a clean record is enough. But USCIS looks at much more than that. The standard requires showing consistent, honest conduct over a set period of time. USCIS reviews your taxes, your criminal history, your honesty on forms, and more. The agency focuses on the statutory period, usually the five years before you file. One mistake in that window can delay or deny your case. That is why understanding this requirement matters before you apply. At Vega & Associates, we have helped Houston...
This guide explains how to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, covering eligibility requirements, the N-400 application process, the civics and English tests, and what to expect from filing through the oath ceremony. Each year, roughly 800,000 to 900,000 people complete the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens. If you hold a green card and meet the residence requirements, you may be closer to eligibility than you think. Check the current fee schedule at uscis.gov before you file. Table of Contents Who Is Eligible to Apply for U.S. Citizenship? Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements How to Apply for U.S....
Continuous residence naturalization is one of the most misunderstood rules in U.S. immigration law. Many green card holders assume that simply living in the U.S. is enough. But continuous residence naturalization has specific rules. One long trip abroad can reset your clock or even end your eligibility. Understanding continuous residence naturalization before you apply can save you years of waiting. At Vega & Associates, we have helped Houston immigrants navigate naturalization for over 45 years. We see the same costly mistakes again and again. Absences from the U.S. affect your continuous residence in ways most people do not expect. According...
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