Fraternity-Testvériség, 1965 (43. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1965-02-01 / 2. szám
10 FRATER NI TY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS HOW CAN I HASTEN MY HUSBAND'S IMMIGRATION? Question: I came to the United States as an immigrant from a country with an oversubscribed quota. On a recent trip to visit my family, I married a young man I have known all my life. Upon my return, I filed a petition to give him a preference, but have been told that there is a very long waiting period for persons in my country who are entitled to third preference as the spouse of an alien admitted for permanent residence. It seems that we shall have to live separately for a long time. Is there any way in which I can speed my husband’s immigration? Answer: Unfortunately, your situation is difficult. As soon as you become an American citizen, you will be able to bring your husband to the United States as a non-quota immigrant. But you will have to wait five years from the date of your first entry as an immigrant to become eligible for naturalization. If your husband has special skills he may try to obtain a sponsor in the United States who could petition for a first preference on his behalf. That might speed his immigration. Otherwise, he will have to wait until he is reached on the quota waiting list or until you become an American citizen, whichever comes first. HOW SOON CAN I BE NATURALIZED? Question: My husband is an American citizen who is employed abroad in the service of the United States government. I met and married him while he was working in his present job. My husband has been advised that he cannot continue in his present position unless I become a citizen of the United States. Can you tell me how long a period of residence in the United States is required for naturalization, and the earliest date that I can apply for it? Answer: In order to be eligible for naturalization, you will have to be admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident on an immigration visa, for which you can apply at the nearest U. S. Consulate. If you arrive in the United States with such a visa, no particular period of residence is required in a case such as yours, assuming that your husband is still employed by the United States government abroad, whether in the Army or as a civilian. Ordinarily, however, the spouse of a United States citizen is eligible for naturalization only after residing in the United States for three years. In cases like yours the law has eliminated any particular residence requirement. You can, therefore, be naturalized at any time after legal entry, and thereafter return at once to your husband. You will have to make a statement before the naturalization court that you intend to take up residence in the United States immediately after the termination of your husband’s employment abroad.
