By: Gabe Ortiz |americasvoice.org This month marks 20 years since the first federal recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which is observed on September 17 and encourages U.S. citizens to learn about their civic responsibilities. It’s also historically been a day for prospective U.S. citizens to complete the naturalization process, whether it’s submitting their application forms […]
Changes to naturalization civics test better assess applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government WASHINGTON: On September 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted a Federal Register notice announcing implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test. The 2025 test assesses an alien’s understanding of U.S. history and government in line with the statutory requirement and is one […]
By: Mary Campbell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially intensified its evaluation of the ‘good moral character’ (GMC) standard for lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship. Under this revised policy, applicants must now substantiate not only the absence of disqualifying behavior, but also demonstrate active, positive contributions to their communities. Expanded GMC […]
By Mary Campbell A health worker who has lived legally in the United States for over five decades was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a California airport, despite holding a valid green card. The incident has ignited renewed discussion about the legal vulnerabilities of long-term permanent residents and the crucial protections […]
Applying for a U.S. passport as a derivative citizen involves a series of steps to establish and document your citizenship status. Derivative citizenship refers to individuals who automatically acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents, typically under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the process, including the necessary […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) upcoming Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Alien Registration and Evidence of Registration, set to take effect in April 2025, introduces new obligations and potential penalties for non-citizens residing in the United States. Given the increased scrutiny, stringent registration requirements, and potential legal consequences for noncompliance, lawful permanent residents […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / shutterstock.com In recent years, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified its scrutiny of family-based immigration petitions. This heightened examination focuses on identifying factual inconsistencies, omissions, mistakes, or intentional misrepresentations within applications. Such rigorous evaluations can lead to petition denials, revocation […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. In the United States, millions of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to become U.S. citizens but fail to do so. Many delay filing for naturalization due to fear, procrastination, misinformation, or simply not realizing the urgency. However, waiting too long to apply could expose you and your family […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a monumental step in solidifying your place in the United States, ensuring greater opportunities, security, and rights. If you are a green card holder eligible for naturalization, applying for U.S. citizenship is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your family. […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. President Trump’s expansion of denaturalization efforts represents a significant departure from the historical principles of fairness, stability, and equality in U.S. immigration policy. The flaws in these policies, from racial bias to constitutional overreach, highlight the need for robust legal defenses and systemic reforms. Introduction Overview of Naturalization and Citizenship in […]
