Applying for Citizenship? Stay Away From Marijuana
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
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.
Related Posts:
Co Mówią Nasi Klienci
Ocena 5 gwiazdek | Na podstawie 200+ pozytywnych opinii na Google
Exceptional Legal Representation I want to sincerely thank Kevin Raica for handling my case so efficiently. From our very first meeting, he demonstrated confidence and a clear plan for moving forward, which put us at ease right away. He kept the process moving and resolved our case in a timely manner. His professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I have already recommended his services to…
Kriezelman Burton & Associate are Excellent immigration law firm that understands and guide one through any immigration cases. Attorney Khiabett is one of their best attorneys you can trust, she understands, patient, attentive, and gives honest advice about any immigration case her client has. I HIGHLY recommend the law firm to anyone having immigration concerns. Thank you for all you do.
Outstanding experience and successful Green Card approval with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC! The immigration process can often be stressful and overwhelming, but working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC in Chicago made the entire journey smooth, transparent, and successful from start to finish. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Justin Burton for his exceptional professionalism, strategic guidance, and confidence from day one. Knowing my case was in…
Great lawyer, helped us to get a green card in few months, so thanks a lot. Recommended
Kevin Raica literally saved my life. He helped me out of a dangerous situation that my previous attorney had put me in. After 17 years without status and 6.5 years of working with my previous attorney, I had experienced so many denials that I had completely lost hope. When I met Kevin, everything changed. He genuinely cared about my situation and gave me hope when I couldn’t see any for…
We sincerely thank the entire team for the professionalism, responsiveness, patience, and dedication shown throughout our case. From our very first visit, Justin reassured us that everything would be all right. Thank you, Khiabett, for your expertise, professionalism, and calm guidance before and during the interview, which greatly reduced our stress and gave us confidence. We also deeply appreciate Kamila's hard work, patience, and responsiveness throughout the process. For sorting…
I would like to sincerely thank Attorney Justin Burton and PL Kamila Lada for support with my adjustment of status case. I have been working with the firm for over a year now, and I have received nothing short of exceptional services and support throughout various cases for myself and family members. Highly recommend consulting and retaining this firm.
We have been in the dark with our case for over 2 decades, while working with other big firms who just kept me in the dark and sat on our case without making any effort to move it forward until I met the wonderful team at Kriezelman & Burton. AO and JP are truly God-sent angels who with their knowledge, collaboration, sense of direction and outside the box thinking, managed…
Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
Schedule a consultation!:
Umów się na konsultację!
Libertyville
Reklama prawnika. Informacje te mają wyłącznie charakter ogólny. Przedstawionych informacji nie należy interpretować jako formalnej porady prawnej ani tworzenia relacji prawnik/klient. Wcześniejsze wyniki i referencje nie stanowią gwarancji, rękojmi ani przewidywania wyniku Twojej sprawy i nie powinny być w ten sposób interpretowane. Wyniki z przeszłości nie mogą zagwarantować przyszłych wyników. Jakikolwiek wynik w pojedynczej sprawie nie ma na celu stworzenia oczekiwań podobnych wyników w przyszłych sprawach, ponieważ każdy przypadek wiąże się z wieloma różnymi czynnikami, dlatego też wyniki będą się różnić w każdym przypadku. Podając dane kontaktowe, użytkownicy potwierdzają i wyrażają wyraźną zgodę na kontakt za pośrednictwem udostępnionych metod komunikacji, w tym wiadomości SMS. Mogą obowiązywać stawki za wiadomości i transmisję danych. Częstotliwość wiadomości może się różnić. Odpowiedz STOP, aby zrezygnować.
NUVEW | Prawo autorskie 2026 Wszelkie prawa zastrzeżone | Informacja o dostępności | polityka prywatności