Welcome to Dehai Tao P.C.

This land flourished because it was fed from so many sources – because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples. - Lyndon B. Johnson

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out." ― Tony Blair

"We came to America, either ourselves or in the persons of our ancestors, to better the ideals of men, to make them see finer things than they had seen before, to get rid of the things that divide and to make sure of the things that unite." Woodrow Wilson

"The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…" George Washington

"We are a nation of immigrants. We are the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them that life in that place called America could be better."

You can go to live in France, but you can’t become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Italy, but you can’t become a German, an Italian or for that matter any country in the world. But anyone, from any corner of the world, can come to live in the United States and become an American

"Let the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile lands of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment." -George Washington

"It says something about our country that people around the world are willing to leave their homes and leave their families and risk everything to come to America. Their talent and hard work and love of freedom have helped make America the leader of the world. And our generation will ensure that America remains a beacon of liberty and the most hope fill society this world has ever known." ..... George W. Bush

"When my family came from England during the war, people said, "You are welcome here. What can we do to help?" I am a beneficiary of the American people’s generosity"..Madeleine Albrighth

"Yes, they broke the law, but it’s not a felony. It’s an act of love, it’s an act of commitment to your family" -- Jeb Bush

Citizenship Through Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

How to Apply for Naturalization

To apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

We also provide educational materials to help you prepare for the English, U.S. history and civics portions of the naturalization test, including:

If you are in the military and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, please see the M-599, Naturalization Information for Military guide.

You May Qualify for Naturalization if:

You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements, please visit our Path to Citizenship page for more information.
You have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, please visit our Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens page for more information.
You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements. Visit theMilitary section of our website.
Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.

You may qualify through other paths to naturalization if you do not qualify through the paths described in the links to the left. See also the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance and our A Guide to Naturalization guide. Chapter 4 of the guide discusses who is eligible for naturalization.

Note: You may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization if your biological or adoptive parent(s) became a U.S. citizen before you reached the age of 18.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements for Naturalization

Continuous Residence

Applicants are required to show that they have:

Resided continuously in the U.S. for five years before applying, , or
Resided continuously in the U.S. for three years in the case of qualified spouses of U.S. citizens,

“Continuous residence” means that the applicant has maintained residence within the United States for the required period of time shown above.

Extended absences outside of the U.S. may disrupt an applicant’s continuous residence.

Absences of more than six months but less than one year may disrupt an applicant’s continuous residence unless the applicant can prove otherwise.
Absences in excess of one year or more may disrupt an applicant’s continuous residence

Physical Presence

Applicants are required to show that they were:

Physically present in the U.S. for thirty months within the five year period before applying, or (see legal basis)
Physically present in the U.S. for eighteen months within the three year period before applying in the case of qualified spouses of U.S. citizens (see legal basis)

In addition, applicants are required to show they have resided for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of Form N-400 in the USCIS district or state where the applicant claims to have residency (See 8 CFR§316.2(a)(5) & §319.1(a)(5)).

Exceptions

Section 316 paragraphs (b), (c), and (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for certain exceptions to the continuous residence requirement for those applicants working abroad for:

The United States government, including the Military
Contractors of the United States government
A recognized American institution of research
A public international organization
An organization designated under the International Immunities Act

If you seek to preserve your continuous residence for naturalization purposes while employed abroad by one of these recognized institutions you must file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes with USCIS.

An organization may obtain USCIS recognition as an American institution of research for the purpose of preserving the continuous residence stay