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Applying for Citizenship? Stay Away From Marijuana
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Marijuana does not carry the stigma it used to. With states like Colorado and Washington legalizing marijuana in many different forms, and states like Illinois decriminalizing marijuana, people found in simple possession are no longer considered criminals. In fact, people across the country are even beginning to work in the marijuana industry and place their money in marijuana stocks. However, those applying for citizenship must understand the negative impact any activity related to marijuana can have on their application.
USCIS Requirement for Good Moral Character
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has many regulations for granting citizenship and helping immigrants with naturalization. One of these requirements pertains to good moral character. Citizen applicants must show that they have good moral character before they are granted citizenship.
For someone to have good moral character means that they will act within the expectations of a law-abiding society and that they will contribute to that society. Generally, the law identifies those with good moral character as honest and respectable people who follow state and federal law.
When it comes to marijuana, the good moral character requirement is a real problem for many applying for citizenship. This is true regardless of the status of marijuana in the state the applicant lives.
Marijuana and the Federal Controlled Substances Act
Although it is true that many states are legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, it remains an illegal substance under federal law. It is considered a Schedule I drug under The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and thus, is not considered to have any medical use.
Possessing, manufacturing, producing, distributing, or dispensing marijuana are all considered federal offenses. The USCIS will not consider anyone who breaks federal law to have good moral character. Committing an offense pertaining to marijuana under federal law can bar someone from being granted citizenship.
It is important to understand that the law does not require a criminal conviction in order to bar someone citizenship based on marijuana offenses. In some instances, citizenship is barred when a person admits to a marijuana offense. Anyone who benefits financially from a spouse’s or parent’s trafficking of marijuana could also be barred from citizenship. This holds true even if the spouse or child did not personally participate in the act of trafficking.
Need Help with Your Citizenship? Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney
Applying for citizenship is an extremely exciting time. As a citizen, you will enjoy the same protection and rights as all other American citizens. However, this is not a process you should go through alone. An Illinois immigration attorney can give you the best chance of success with your application.
If you are applying for citizenship to the United States, call Kriezelman, Burton, & Associates at (312) 332-2550. We know how exciting this time is, and we want to help ensure the celebration continues. Call us today or fill out our online form if you have questions about your immigration status, or need help with your eligibility for naturalization. One of our attorneys will discuss your case with you in complete confidentiality, and advise on the next steps to take on your way to becoming an American citizen.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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