Have you ever wondered if a past visa overstay could stop you from becoming a U.S. citizen?
For one of our clients, a Nigerian national born in Benin, the answer was no—thanks to perseverance, a valid path to adjustment, and the right legal support.
Her journey began over a decade ago after overstaying her visa.
She later adjusted her status through marriage to a U.S. citizen she met at church, and they married in 2011.
She received a 2-year conditional green card, then secured her 10-year permanent resident card after proving the marriage was genuine.
Although her marriage ended in divorce in 2018, the couple had lived together for years—helping to further demonstrate the bona fide nature of their relationship.
In August 2024, she came to our firm for a consultation and retained us that same day.
After confirming her eligibility for naturalization and reviewing her record of compliance, we filed her N-400 naturalization application in October 2024.
Just five months later, she was scheduled for her interview in New York City—and she passed with flying colors!
In March 2025, she took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became a U.S. citizen.
Despite limited international travel in recent years—just a month in Nigeria in 2021 and six weeks in 2023—her filings were thorough and accurate, including details about her children, travel history, and marriage.
Now, as a proud U.S. citizen, she’s ready to file a petition for her married adult daughter who remains in Nigeria.
Green card holders are not permitted to apply for married children.
Thus, her new citizenship status opens the door for her daughter’s petition process.
Her story is one of resilience and hope—from a visa overstay to the ultimate milestone of U.S. citizenship.
Need help on your path to citizenship? Call us today at (914) 898-9488 or click here to book a consultation with one of our skilled immigration lawyers.
P.S. Every case is unique. Past successes do not guarantee similar future results. Consult a licensed immigration lawyer to discuss your specific situation.
