Top 5 Immigration Questions People Asked Online This Week [June 13, 2025]

When people ask immigration questions online, it’s not just curiosity; it’s usually because something big is happening in their lives. A parent just got a green card. A job opportunity opened up across borders. A loved one wants to feel safe traveling again. These moments are filled with excitement, but also anxiety. And the answers are not always easy to find from trusted sources.

We’ve gathered five of the most urgent, detailed questions people asked this week, not just to help the people asking them, but to build a resource that lives on. Because chances are, if someone’s asking it today, thousands more will need the answer tomorrow.

So whether you’re facing the issue now or just want to be ready for the road ahead, these answers are here for you. Clear, fact-checked, and grounded in real-life concerns.

Here are this week’s top five immigration-related questions.

#1. If I became a U.S. citizen through my parents as a minor and have a U.S. passport but never received a Certificate of Naturalization, should I get one now and is it necessary?

If you became a U.S. citizen automatically through your parents; say when they naturalized while you were under 18 and living with them as a green card holder, then yes, you’re already a citizen. Your U.S. passport proves that.

But here’s the kicker: you wouldn’t have received a Certificate of Naturalization because you didn’t go through the naturalization process yourself. What you can apply for is a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600.

It’s not absolutely required though. But it can be incredibly useful, especially when dealing with agencies that may not accept a passport alone (like some state DMVs, or when applying for certain federal benefits or jobs). If you ever lose your passport or face a legal question about your citizenship status, that certificate becomes a solid backup.

So, while not urgent, it’s smart to have for clarity, protection, and peace of mind.

#2. As a long-term employee in an operations-heavy finance role considering an internal transfer to a different function in the U.S., am I better suited for an L-1B or L-1A visa?

This depends on the nature of both your current and future roles. The L-1A visa is for executives and managers: people who supervise teams or oversee key departments. The L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge, meaning deep expertise about your company’s tools, processes, or services that would be tough to replace.

If your current role is mostly operational without direct management responsibility, the L-1A might not work for you, unless your U.S. role involves real authority over teams or business functions. If the U.S. role relies on your deep knowledge of your company’s internal systems, tools, or workflows, the L-1B might be a better fit.

Please note that USCIS scrutinizes these applications closely. The best thing you can do is work with your employer to build a strong case that connects your current experience to the future role. And before any paperwork is filed, talk to an immigration attorney to avoid delays or rejections.

#3. How should I handle U.S. tax filing for my newly resident father-in-law who has no U.S. income but receives about $20–25K in foreign pension and investments, and can I claim him and my mother-in-law as dependents?

Once someone becomes a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), they’re taxed as a U.S. resident; which means they have to report all income, even from foreign sources. That includes your father-in-law’s pension and investment income from abroad.

Even though his income is foreign and he may not owe U.S. taxes (especially if it’s below the standard deduction), he may still need to file a return, at least for reporting purposes. And depending on how much he has in overseas accounts, he might also need to file an FBAR or Form 8938.

As for claiming him (and your mother-in-law) as dependents: it’s possible, but there are rules. They must have lived with you for more than half the year, had gross income below the IRS limit, and you must have provided more than half of their support. Keep receipts and records in case IRS asks.

Consider speaking to a tax professional who understands immigrant households and dual-income sources abroad.

#4. What U.S. immigration options are available for a Canadian citizen and military veteran with a high school diploma who wants to move to a low-density state like North Dakota for work?

You’ve got a solid background, but unfortunately, U.S. immigration is mostly employer-driven, especially if you don’t have close U.S. relatives or a job lined up.

The TN visa under the USMCA is a great option for Canadians, but it only covers specific professional jobs, like engineers, teachers, and accountants, and they usually require a degree or license.

You might look into the EB-3 green card for unskilled or low-skilled workers, but that also requires a willing U.S. employer to sponsor you and go through the labor certification process. That can take time and effort.

Some rural or low-density states like North Dakota may have employers more open to sponsorship due to labor shortages, especially in agriculture, skilled trades, or healthcare support.

Start by targeting industries with labor shortages; agriculture, meat processing, manufacturing, elder care, and see if you can get a job offer first. From there, immigration options can follow.

#5. Can my 61-year-old mother, a lifelong U.S. lawful permanent resident whose father was a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, become a naturalized citizen through her father’s status, and would that help ease her fears about international travel and permanent resident vulnerability?

Your mom may not be able to claim automatic citizenship through her father at this stage. The laws around derivative citizenship depend on when and where she was born, whether she lived in the U.S. as a child, and whether her father met certain residency requirements.

However, she can naturalize now on her own. As a permanent resident who’s lived in the U.S. for at least five years and is over 18, she probably qualifies to apply using Form N-400.

And yes, it’s a good idea. As a green card holder, she’s still technically deportable, can be delayed or denied reentry after international travel, and has more limited rights than a U.S. citizen. Naturalization would give her the protection and peace of mind she desires.

Final Thoughts

The questions may differ, but the underlying theme remains the same: people are looking for safety, stability, and clarity. Whether it’s a tax dilemma, visa confusion, or a path to citizenship, the right information at the right time can make all the difference.

Got your own question? Ask it now at Immigration Question, and get answers fast from attorneys who care and know how to help.