Naturalization Success: A Path to U.S. Citizenship for Conditional Residents
- Alexander R. Vail
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 17
For many lawful permanent residents, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen can feel like an uphill battle, especially when conditional permanent resident status is involved. However, Matter of M.B. (2025) illustrates how an experienced immigration attorney can help clients successfully navigate the complexities of this process. M.B., a lawful permanent resident, had previously sought assistance from Alex to obtain permanent residence based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. Due to the nature of the marriage being less than two years old, M.B. was granted conditional permanent resident status, which required him to file a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) within the 90-day period before his second anniversary of receiving permanent residence.
When the time came to file the I-751, M.B. once again sought Alex’s assistance. After the petition had been pending for over a year, Alex explained that M.B. was eligible to apply for naturalization under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, even though his I-751 was still being processed. Alex also advised that filing the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) would help expedite the adjudication of the I-751, which is exactly what happened. Just eight months after filing, M.B. was scheduled for an interview where both his I-751 and N-400 were approved by the immigration officer on the spot, leading to M.B. becoming a U.S. citizen.
This case highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between conditional permanent residence, naturalization eligibility, and the timing of filings. With the right legal guidance, M.B.’s path to citizenship was not only accelerated but made seamless.
CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of M.B. (2025)
M.B. is a lawful permanent resident who Alex had previously helped to obtain his permanent residence via adjustment of status on the basis of a family petition filed by M.B.’s United States citizen spouse. Because the marriage was less than two years old at the time M.B. obtained his permanent resident status, M.B. received what is known as conditional permanent resident status, which meant that within the 90-day period preceding the second anniversary of the grant of his permanent residence, M.B. had to file a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”). When the time came, M.B. again used Alex’s assistance with the preparation and filing of the Form I-751.
Once the Form I-751 had been pending for over a year, Alex explained to M.B. that he was eligible to pursue naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act even though the Form I-751 was still pending. Moreover, Alex explained that the filing of the Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) tended to speed up adjudication of the Form I-751. That is precisely what happened. Within eight months of filing the Form N-400, M.B. was scheduled for an interview to go over both the Form I-751 and Form N-400. The immigration officer approved both that same day. M.B. is now a United States citizen.
If you're ready to take the next step in your journey toward U.S. citizenship or need guidance navigating the naturalization process, call us today at (725) 221-5998 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail guide you every step of the way!