QUESTION
Does an aggravated felony affect citizenship?
Asked on Jun 20th, 2015 on Immigration - Illinois
More details to this question:
I came to the U.S. on asylum from Iran in 1989 when I was 16. I was arrested in 1996 for commercial burglary then in 1997 for financial fraud (both together considered aggravated felony by immigration law and both well under $10,000). Green card was taken away. Time was served in 2000 and deportation proceeding in 2004 and got my green card back. I've been married to a U.S. citizen for 14 years and have not had any other issues since Never left the country, file taxes every year and registered for Selective Services in collage. Would like to finally become a citizen. Travel outside of the country, I do not have an Iranian passport. Do I really need to obtain a lawyer to file the paper work?
1 ANSWER
If an aggravated felony was committed after a date specific in 1996, then you are statutorily barred from showing good moral character for naturalization purposes. That means your application can be denied. I strongly recommend an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration attorney. You may want to know whether it's wise to spend the $680 filing fee, let alone, the attorney fee.*
Answered on Jun 23rd, 2015 at 2:54 AM