Articles Posted in Continuous Residence

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If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship in 2026 or beyond, pay close attention. Every year, hundreds of applicants are denied citizenship because of three common mistakes—and they have nothing to do with failing the civics test.

In this video, I’ll explain exactly what those three mistakes are. These are serious issues that can cause a USCIS officer to stop your interview, close your case, and ultimately deny your citizenship application.

What are the requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship?

Generally, a green-card holder must meet these requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400.
  2. Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years. There is a separate 3-year rule for certain applicants who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. Citizen
  3. Maintain continuous residence in the United States during the required 5-year or 3-year period. Long trips outside the U.S., especially trips of 6 months or longer, can create problems.
  4. Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of the previous 5 years. Under the 3-year marriage rule, the requirement is generally at least 18 months.
  5. Demonstrate good moral character. USCIS generally examines at least the statutory 5-year or 3-year period, although conduct from earlier periods can also be taken into account
  6. Demonstrate basic English ability by speaking, reading, and writing English, unless you qualify for an age/residency or disability exception.
  7. Pass the U.S. civics test, unless an exception applies. For N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the 2025 naturalization civics test.

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Have you ever wondered what to do if you are detained at a U.S. airport or port of entry while traveling as a green card holder?

In this video, you will learn about your rights as a green card holder and under what circumstances you can be detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when re-entering from a trip overseas.

For more information, please continue watching this video.

Overview

What happens when a Green Card holder is detained at an airport or U.S. port of entry after returning from a trip overseas?

In recent months, green card holders have reported being detained at U.S. ports of entry after returning from overseas travel. Viral social media posts have told cautionary tales of individuals being taken to secondary inspection when passing through customs.

All travelers arriving at U.S. ports of entry are subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

Unlike tourists and temporary visa holders, permanent residents (green card holders) are entitled to certain rights that others do not have. This includes the right to:

  • Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
  • Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions

When being questioned or detained by a CBP officer, permanent residents may:

  • Report the incident to their embassy or consulate
  • Request to speak with an attorney to discuss the legal consequences of detainment and/or green card revocation

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