Bench & Bar March/April 2026

FEATURE: POTPOURRI

continuously for five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate good moral character, and pass English language and civics tests. 10 Naturalization confers rights that are unavailable to LPRs, such as the right to vote in federal elections, to serve on juries, and to obtain certain federal jobs. Attorneys unfamiliar with immigration law should note that the timing and eligibility for naturalization can involve nuanced issues, such as periods of absence from the United States, criminal history, and main tenance of permanent residence. LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE (“GREEN CARD”) GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, have the legal right to live and work in the United States and may travel abroad with fewer restrictions than temporary visa holders. They also have limited eligibility for certain public benefits. Nonetheless, LPRs

intend to return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay, often by showing strong family, economic, or pro fessional ties. 7 IMMIGRANT VISAS (PERMANENT STATUS) By contrast, immigrant visas are intended for foreign nationals who seek to reside per manently in the United States. Individuals admitted under immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents (“LPRs”) and receive the so called “green card,” which permits them to live and work in the United States indefinitely, subject to removal for certain violations of law. 8 In fiscal year 2023, more than 1 million individuals obtained lawful permanent res ident status across all categories, including family based, employment based, humani tarian, and other programs. 9 The pathways to obtaining a green card are varied, and as later sections of this article explain, most

categories are subject to annual numerical limits and eligibility criteria. U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION Citizenship is the highest and most secure immigration status in U.S. law. Individuals may acquire citizenship in several ways: • Birth in the United States (birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment); • Birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents under statutory provisions; • Adoption by U.S. citizens in certain circumstances; and • Naturalization after a period of permanent residence. Except for birthright citizenship, most paths to citizenship require first obtaining lawful permanent residence. To naturalize, an LPR typically must reside in the United States

if you have... VOLUNTEER FOR LEGAL AID IN YOUR AREA!

To volunteer, contact your local

Legal Aid: AppalReD Legal Aid ardfky.org Kentucky Legal Aid klaid.org Legal Aid of the Bluegrass lablaw.org Legal Aid Society yourlegalaid.org

Represent a survivor at a Domestic Violence Order hearing through our Domestic Violence Advocacy Program or represent a tenant in eviction court through our Volunteer Eviction Defense Program. one hour

two hours

Join us for one of our Life Planning Clinics, Divorce Clinics, or Expungement Clinics and help low-income clients prepare to file pro se.

no time

If you are not sure which to contact, use this link to find the one for your county: https://kybar.org/For-Public/Legal-Aid

five hours

We get it. You’re busy. If you don’t have time right now to volunteer, consider making a financial donation to support your local Legal Aid.

Provide extended representation to a client and see a case through from beginning to end.

Never practiced in one of our areas? We’ve got you covered! We train, mentor, and provide extended support to our volunteers. Regardless of your experience, you can help our clients. Additionally, all volunteers are covered by our malpractice insurance.

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy

16 march/april 2026