QUESTION
I can i get US citizenship with a criminal record?
Asked on Jan 17th, 2013 on Immigration - New Jersey
More details to this question:
I was convicted of a theft in 2007 and i was serving in the military at that time, so as a result i was reduced in rank. And before that i was convicted of a underage DUI in 2006, and the judge gave me a fine of 400 some dollars and suspended my license for 30 days. Besides this there is nothing on my record, now the question is will this effect my citizenship application and what can i do.
2 ANSWERS
Immigration and Nationality Law Attorney serving New York, NY
Partner at
Alan Lee & Arthur Lee, Attorneys at Law
3 Awards
The DUI in 2006 should not pose a problem to your citizenship application. I cannot say so with reference to your theft offense in 2007 as it is not clear from your query as to the extent of the crime. If a minor theft offense, it would likely not have an effect as the requirement of good moral character is five years. If on the other hand it could be seen as a felony, a question could arise as to whether you were still deserving of your green card, and whether the agency should contest your right to it when it becomes aware of the incident upon your filing for citizenship.
Answered on Jan 26th, 2013 at 4:56 PM
2 Awards
Generally, offenses older than five years old won't directly affect the outcome of your application for citizenship; however, good moral character is always an issue, and even crimes outside that five year period can be used to assess one's character. Also, if the offense makes you removable, disclosing it now may affect your permanent resident status. The DUI should not be a problem.
Answered on Jan 18th, 2013 at 1:09 AM