Naturalization Complications: How to Plan Ahead
Becoming a naturalized citizen in the current political climate is not easy. The Trump Administration has taken various steps to make it harder to receive citizenship, including changing the civics test. Anyone who dreams of becoming a naturalized citizen should engage in strategic planning with an immigration issues attorney. At The Law Offices of Jason M. Sullivan, our team is dedicated to streamlining the naturalization process, which means identifying any complicating factors ahead of time and crafting a response. Call us for an individualized consultation.
3 Key Complications and How We Respond
The naturalization process is smooth for some people, but anyone seeking citizenship should work with an attorney to identify possible complications which could throw a wrench into the process. Some complications include the following.
Prolonged Absences from the U.S.
To be eligible for citizenship, an applicant must prove continuous presence in the U.S. However, some people run into complications due to extended time abroad. Any trip lasting more than six months can raise eyebrows, as will briefer absences that total more than one year.
Our firm can work to help document continuous presence. Some people leave the U.S. to visit family or to attend to business abroad. We can provide context for why you were outside the U.S. for any extended period.
Immigration Violations in the Past
This is a serious complication. Some applicants have violated immigration laws in the past, and these violations surface when you apply for citizenship. Applicants must tread carefully here. Some people vaguely know they have broken the law but aren’t entirely sure of the extent of their violation. Contact our office for a full review.
Some violations include:
- Working in the U.S. without permission.
- Voting unlawfully in elections.
- Submitting false information when applying for a visa or green card.
- Overstaying a visa.
Our firm can develop an explanation for these violations and provide mitigating evidence. Some violations of immigration law are also criminal violations, which can raise other concerns regarding your integrity.
Questions about Your Moral Character
Applicants must show good moral character to receive citizenship. Moral character has many dimensions, including proving you are law abiding and meet other obligations, including family law obligations like child support. Questions regarding your moral character can arise in the following situations:
- Failing to timely pay child support or alimony. Are you in arrears? This is a reason to deny a citizenship application. You need to come up with a gameplan for getting current on your obligations.
- Committing tax evasion. Not paying taxes fully and on time can raise red flags in the process. This is also a felony.
- Breaking the law. Any criminal violation is serious and can show bad moral character. And some serious convictions will automatically disqualify you from citizenship.
- Making false statements in the application process or when applying for public benefits. These false statements show dishonesty, which is directly relevant for moral character.
Any questions about moral character require an immediate, detailed response.
Speak with a Lawyer Today
The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, is one of the premiere immigration law firms in the country. Our firm does more than put out fires. We proactively help our clients address problems with their application head on. Call us to speak with a naturalization lawyer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Miami, Florida.