Seek Legal Help Before Applying for Citizenship
by: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
We recommend that you have your naturalization application reviewed for possible eligibility problems before you submit it to CIS (formerly called INS). If any of the following things are true for you, you will need legal advice before applying for citizenship. These things don't necessarily mean that you cannot apply for naturalization, but you should talk with the person who is helping you with your application, so you can be referred to an immigration attorney if necessary, and so you can best explain your situation to the CIS.
Check the box next to whichever of the following is true for you:
q You have been out of the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time since getting your green card.
q You have moved to another country since getting your green card.
q You have been arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or have admitted committing a crime.
q CIS may have reason to believe you are a drug trafficker.
q You are in deportation or removal proceedings, or have a deportation order against you - past or present.
q You have been involved in prostitution or commercialized vice.
q You have failed to pay taxes, or paid as a non-resident.
q You haven't supported your children.
q You are a male and did not register for the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 26.
q You have engaged in or are engaging in activity CIS calls "terrorist activity".
q You have helped someone come to the U.S. illegally, even if the person is your child or spouse.
q You are what CIS calls a habitual drunkard.
q You have made false statements to retain or obtain an immigration benefit, including your green card.
q You have been involved with illegal gambling.
q You came to the U.S. to practice polygamy.
q You are on probation or parole from a criminal conviction.
q The information on your citizenship application differs from or contradicts the information you gave to get your green card or another immigration status.
q You have voted or registered to vote in any election in the U.S.
q You claimed to be a U.S. citizen but weren't.
q You have been or are a drug abuser or addict.
q A court has determined that you violated a protection order.
This material provides general information only and is current only as of the date it is written. To receive information on how this material may apply to a specific situation, you may wish to consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project can provide naturalization information and legal assistance to persons of low income. For more information, call Kristen Kussmann at (206) 587 4009, or (800) 445 5771.
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