Many long-time permanent residents are now seriously considering applying for U.S. citizenship. While in the past they may not have felt the urgency, today—due to increased enforcement and uncertainty under recent administrations—more and more immigrants are taking action.
In fact, some have lived in the U.S. for decades without taking the final step toward naturalization. Others have been discouraged from applying due to language barriers, especially those who feel they can’t speak English well enough to pass the citizenship exam.
The good news? There are specific cases where you can take the citizenship interview and exam entirely in Spanish. If you've been a permanent resident for many years and are older, you may qualify. Below are the three main situations where applying in Spanish is allowed:
1. 55 Years Old + 15 Years as a Permanent Resident
If you're at least 55 years old and have had your green card for 15 years or more, you're eligible to take the entire citizenship test and interview in Spanish. This is a huge relief for many who have struggled with English.
2. 50 Years Old + 20 Years as a Permanent Resident
If you’re at least 50 years old and have been a green card holder for 20 years, you also qualify to do everything in Spanish. This is a great option for many who came during the 1986 amnesty and have maintained their lawful permanent residence since then.
3. 65 Years Old + 20 Years as a Permanent Resident
If you’re 65 or older and have been a resident for 20 years, not only can you take the test in Spanish—you also qualify for a simplified version of the civics exam. Instead of studying over 100 questions, you'll only need to study around 20 to 25.
Don’t Risk Your Green Card—Apply Carefully
It’s extremely important to approach the citizenship process with care, especially under current immigration policies. Even a small mistake or a past issue in your green card process could trigger a denial—or worse, put you at risk of deportation.
This is why it’s strongly recommended to not go through the process alone, even if you think your record is clean. Having the support of a knowledgeable immigration attorney can help ensure your application is strong and that you avoid any red flags.
What If You Have a Disability?
Some people may qualify for citizenship without having to take the test at all, including those who’ve had strokes or cognitive impairments. In these cases, a doctor can complete a medical certification (Form N-648) explaining why the applicant cannot study for or take the exam. These cases are challenging, but they are possible with proper documentation and legal help.
Can U.S. Citizens Be Deported?
In general, no—U.S. citizens cannot be deported for committing a crime like shoplifting. However, if someone lied during the citizenship process (for example, hiding a criminal history or gang involvement), the government can try to strip them of their citizenship through a process called denaturalization. These cases are rare and usually involve serious crimes or fraud.
What If You Were Caught at the Border Years Ago?
If you were caught at the border and returned to Mexico the same day 20 years ago, it was likely a voluntary return, not a formal deportation. But don’t assume. It's important to get a full background check through your immigration attorney to confirm whether a deportation was ever issued, especially if you're planning to apply for naturalization.
What If You’re Older but Don’t Meet the Residency Requirement?
To take the citizenship test in Spanish, you must meet both the age and residency duration requirements mentioned earlier. So, if you're 68 but only got your green card 3 years ago, you’ll need to wait until you hit 15 or 20 years of residency, depending on your age.
Final Thoughts
The citizenship process is absolutely worth pursuing, but you need to go in prepared and with qualified legal help.