QUESTION
Can you apply for citizenship with a juvenile record?
Asked on Feb 05th, 2014 on Immigration - California
More details to this question:
When I was 14, I had ran with a unsavory group of kids which lead to me having a juvenile record for pilfering a cd from a retail store and failed to attend school, It is now 10 years later and I have been in the US for 20 years, completed college, entered into medical research at a major hospital, I am a volunteer for local organizations, and have started my family here. Certainly changed my life around since that time. I am concerned I could be deport-able for what I did as a teenager. What can I expect the outlook to be like if I file? I am due for visa renewal soon, and don't know what to expect.
3 ANSWERS
Civil Litigation Attorney serving New York, NY
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Havens & Lichtenberg PLLC
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Under the circumstances you described, it is not likely that USCIS will try to deport you. Your crime falls under the exceptions in INA Section 212(a)(2)(A)(ii), so, even if they do, they should not succeed. Nevertheless, it might be better if you have an immigration attorney on the case: the law might be on your side, but you need someone to tell that to the court.
Answered on Feb 07th, 2014 at 10:45 PM
Immigration and Naturalization Services Attorney serving Houston, TX
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Nossa Law Office, P.C.
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Your juvenile record will have no impact on your naturalization. Take your criminal disposition to an experienced immigration attorney to be certain that you were not charged as an adult.
Answered on Feb 07th, 2014 at 10:44 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Your juvenile record should not have any effect on your present immigration status and your petition for citizenship.
Answered on Feb 07th, 2014 at 9:38 PM