Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, it’s crucial to understand that having a criminal record can drastically impact your ability to seek citizenship in the United States. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to continue reading to learn the crimes that can impact your eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship and how a knowledgeable Middlesex County, New Jersey Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer can assist you in exploring your legal options to fight for the best possible outcome given your circumstances.
Will I Be Denied U.S. Citizenship if I Have a Criminal Record?
Pursuing U.S. citizenship with a criminal record is no easy task. Unfortunately, certain criminal convictions can disqualify you from applying for citizenship. It’s important to understand that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background checks on all applicants for naturalization.
Depending on the crime you commit, you may face a temporary bar to citizenship which you may be able to overcome. However, if the crime committed is more severe, you may face a permanent bar that prevents you from ever obtaining U.S. citizenship. Essentially, your eligibility hinges upon the type of crime you have committed. If you have ever been convicted of murder or an aggravated felony, these crimes can prevent you from becoming a U.S. citizen.
In some cases, you may still be eligible to apply for citizenship if you have a misdemeanor on your criminal record. However, this depends on the nature of the offense and whether it falls under the “good moral character” requirement for naturalization. USCIS will examine whether or not an applicant has good moral standing. Essentially, this means if you have committed crimes of “moral turpitude,” which are crimes involving dishonesty, like fraud or identity theft, it can ruin your chances of attaining U.S. permanent resident status.
It’s important to note that there are waiting periods for applying for U.S. citizenship after a criminal conviction. How long after a criminal conviction you can apply will depend on the crime you committed. For instance, you may need to wait five years to demonstrate your “good moral character” to qualify.
What Are My Legal Options?
If you have a criminal record and want to apply for U.S. citizenship, the single most important thing you can do is seek the guidance of a seasoned New Jersey immigration lawyer. USCIS will scrutinize your criminal history to determine whether or not you meet the “good moral character” requirement. Therefore, a lawyer can help you demonstrate how you have reformed and contributed positively to society since you committed the offense.
As you can see, any criminal history can have a significant impact on your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. At the Law Offices of Aditya Surtu, LLC, we are prepared to guide you through this complex process. Our legal team can help examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action to help you achieve your dreams. Connect with our firm today for more information.
