QUESTION

Can I obtain US citizenship with eight arrests?

Asked on Oct 28th, 2012 on Immigration - Texas
More details to this question:
I went to my naturalization interview on 10/12/12 and passed all my civics test, but then I got the bad news and was handed a form called n-14 because I have 8 arrests 1 dui on 1995. 1 possession of marijuana 4 sale on 1996 charges were never filed in this case and no record exists, 1 dui on 1997 charges were dismissed on appeals court but ended up serving 4 mos. For this charge.1, disorderly conduct charge on 1998 charge was dismissed. One criminal damage and disorderly conduct/fighting charge on 2004 charges dismissed as damage was less than 50.00 dollars at my siblings house. One dui, criminal deface /threat intimidate w/injury-damage property charge. On 2006, charges dismissed except the dui, 1-day jail + fines. One dui charge w/ suspended license on 2009 all charges dismissed. I had to obtain certified copies of arrest records and court dispositions on all cases. Is if I might get placed for removal proceedings or if I might get lucky and naturalize, I became a resident alien on 1985 when I was 13 years old I am 40, my mom naturalized on 1985 and my dad on 2000. Maybe I derived citizenship. I owe nothing all fines were paid and I been sober since last dui, does this make me of good moral character yet? I can obtain letters from parents stating to my rehabilitation as well from past employers stating that I was good employee. The immigration interviewer told me the only hurdle I might have to naturalize is the 2009 arrest but that he had to see all certified copies of the cases to make a decision. Thanks in advance for your advice. Ps. I have to return copies before 11/12/12 or application will be denied what should I do?
Report Abuse

5 ANSWERS

Rebecca T White
You need to consult with an attorney, and have your full arrest records AND your parents naturalization applications/certificates if available.
Answered on Nov 01st, 2012 at 1:09 AM

Report Abuse
Immigration Law Attorney serving Los Angeles, CA at Law Offices of Alan R. Diamante APLC
Update Your Profile
You are fine. A mere arrest and no conviction in 2009 should not hurt you. You could have acquired citizenship only if you were living with your single mother who had primary custody.
Answered on Oct 31st, 2012 at 11:38 PM

Report Abuse
I seriously suggest you work with a lawyer on responding to this request if you have not been working with one yet on the naturalization application. It does not seem you have a bar to establishing good moral character based on your facts but you must establish your good moral character not only through court records as requested but also by getting letters and references written by others. Feel free to contact me or another immigration attorney of your choice to set up a phone consultation for further information.
Answered on Oct 31st, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Report Abuse
Litigation Attorney serving Pearl River, NY at Law Office of Bijal Jani
Update Your Profile
You may file for naturalization, but note that USCIS may deny the application based upon absence of good moral conduct/character.
Answered on Oct 31st, 2012 at 10:57 PM

Report Abuse
Assault Attorney serving Richardson, TX
2 Awards
My suggestion is that you have an attorney help with the preparation of your application and proof of good moral character. The question of automatic citizenship depends on what and when your parents filed for their citizenship. We need to see the applications and verify if you were an underage dependent at the time.
Answered on Oct 30th, 2012 at 1:02 PM

Report Abuse

Ask a Lawyer

Consumers can use this platform to pose legal questions to real lawyers and receive free insights.

Participating legal professionals get the opportunity to speak directly with people who may need their services, as well as enhance their standing in the Lawyers.com community.

0 out of 150 characters