Three couples are fighting a new law, which came into force in the UK last year in November, which requires immigrants to be able to speak English if they wish to join their spouses in this country.

The couples are requesting a judicial review, claiming that the new law breaches the human right to a family life and that it is discriminatory.

Question: My wife is an American citizen interested in obtaining British citizenship. How does she go about being naturalised? Is it easier to obtain citizenship as the spouse of a British citizen?

Discussion: Yes, it is slightly easier to obtain citizenship as the spouse of a British citizen because the qualifying period of residency is shorter (i.e., 3 years rather than the standard 5 years for a non-spouse). Read about the requirements for naturalisation here: applying for British citizenship (FindLaw UK).