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Can a Criminal Record Prevent You From Becoming a United States Citizen?
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Are you a green card holder who is ready to apply for United States Citizenship? If so, you need to fill out and submit application form N-400 (the official application for U.S. naturalization) and eventually go before immigration officers for a naturalization interview. United States immigration officials will take a very close look at your history and general character, including any history of arrests or criminal convictions.
Under United States immigration law, you are legally obligated to answer a wide array of questions regarding your criminal history on form N-400. Indeed, you will be required to disclose any arrests or convictions. To be clear, a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from becoming an American citizen. However, it will make things far more challenging, and certain crimes could make you ineligible to apply. Here, our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys explain the impact that certain crimes will have on the naturalization process.
The Crimes That Will Permanently Ban You From Obtaining United States Citizenship
Under U.S. immigration law, a criminal conviction for any of the following will permanently bar you from getting American citizenship:
- Murder;
- Rape;
- Sexual assault;
- Violent sexual abuse;
- Child sex crimes;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Armed robbery; and
- Any violent crime that led to a prison sentence in excess of twelve months.
The Crimes That Will Temporarily Bar You From Applying For United States Citizenship
Under U.S. immigration law, a criminal conviction for any of the following crimes will temporarily make you ineligible to apply for American citizenship:
- Prostitution;
- Financial fraud;
- Other fraud crimes;
- Drug driving or drugged driving;
- Possession of illegal drugs;
- Certain drug trafficking crimes; and
- Certain violent crimes.
If you have been convicted of any of the crimes listed above and you wish to apply for U.S. citizenship, it is imperative that you speak to a qualified Chicago immigration attorney as soon as possible. Your Chicago immigration lawyer will be able to review the specific circumstances that you are facing, and explain when you will be able to apply and what type of supplemental documentation you will need to produce.
Consult With an Experienced Chicago Immigration Lawyer Today
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, our Illinois naturalization and citizenship lawyers have experience handling very complex immigration cases. To learn more about what we can do for you, please give us a call today at (312) 332-2550 to schedule your confidential case evaluation. From our main office in the heart of Chicago, we represent clients throughout Cook County, including in Oak Lawn, Arlington Heights, Oak Park, Palatine, Northbrook and Evanston.
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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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