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Naturalization Approval for Former Indian National in in Cleveland Ohio, with Rebuttable Presumption and Continuity of Residence Issues

by JP Sarmiento on July 25, 2012

CASE: N-400 Citizenship / Naturalization
APPLICANT: Indian
LOCATION: Cleveland, Ohio
ISSUEs: Rebuttable Presumption / Continuous Residence

Our client contacted us in late April of 2012. He came to the United States from India as a derivative beneficiary of his father’s immigrant visa in 2007 and became a permanent resident. He retained our office for his naturalization application on May 3, 2012. The main issue of his naturalization case was the two long, over six-month trips that he had within the past four years.

According to INA §316(b) and 8 C.F.R. §316.5.(c)(1)(i), an absence between 6 months and 1 year from the United States raises a rebuttable presumption that continuity of residence has been interrupted. That would be an issue in naturalization cases, where continuity of residence is essential. Applicants with this issue should rebut that presumption should they wish to apply.

Our client was out of the United States for almost a year in two consecutive years. Our client was in India during those times to completion his undergraduate studies. In our brief, we cited Li v. Chertoff, 490 F.Supp.2d 130 (D. Mass. 2007), which held that in cases where an applicant left the country to study abroad after they became a permanent resident, the courts have ruled that such study does not result in abandonment of residency. We asked the CIS to also apply this to our client’s case since the facts in the Li case is very analogous to our client’s.

The brief and his N-400 application were filed on May 14, 2012 with all necessary supporting documents. Our office prepared him for his interview, and also accompanied him on July 24, 2012 at the Cleveland CIS office. Our client answered all questions correctly and passed his citizenship interview. We emphasized the brief as well and her reasons for his long trips to India. His N-400 was approved after the interview. His oath taking is scheduled soon where he will become a U.S. Citizen.