Fraternity-Testvériség, 1963 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1963-01-01 / 1. szám
FRATERNITY 9 IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION WILL I, AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, LOSE MY CITIZENSHIP BY LIVING ABROAD INDEFINITELY? Question: I am a native born American citizen. For personal reasons, I expect to have to live in a foreign country for an indefinite period of time. I do not wish to lose my American citizenship. Is there anything I have to do so preserve it? Answer: Persons born in the United States do not lose their citizenship by merely residing abroad. They do lose it by certain affirmative acts, such as serving in the armed forces of a foreign state without first obtaining permission from our Secretaries of State and Defense; voting in a foreign political election or plebiscite; accepting employment under the government of a foreign state if such employment requires an oath of allegiance or involves acquiring the nationality of such foreign state; remaining outside the United States in time of war or national emergency for the purpose of avoiding military training or service; taking an oath of allegiance to, or becoming naturalized in, a foreign state. If you stay clear of these and like actions, your American citizenship will be safe. It is recommended, however, that you remain in touch with the nearest American Consulate or Embassy, register with them as an American citizen abroad and when in doubt seek their advice. DOES MY MARRIAGE TO AN AMERICAN CITIZEN ALLOW ME TO BE NATURALIZED SOONER? Question: I was admitted to the United States as an immigrant two years ago. A year ago I married an American citizen. What is the earliest I can apply for naturalization? Answer: The husband or wife of an American citizen may be naturalized after three years’ residence in the United States, provided he or she has been married and living with the citizen spouse for at least three years, and provided he or she has been admitted for permanent residence and has been physically present in the United States for at least half of the three years. Since you have been married only one year, you will be eligible to apply for your citizenship two years from now, provided you are not away from the United States for more than one and one-half years, continue to live with your citizen husband or wife, and meet the other general requirements. These are explained in the handbook, “How to Become a Citizen of the United States”, published by the American Council for Nationalities Service, 20 West 40th Street, New York 18, N. Y. It sells for $1.00.
