By Michael H. Markovitch, Esq on July, 21, 2017
More and more clients have been coming to my office lately disclosing to me, at the initial consultation for filing for U.S. citizenship, how their application for naturalization has been denied based on a review on their green card applications which in several cases were filed many years ago. One recent case dealt with the review, re-opening and possible revocation of a green card case which was approved more than 20 years ago! One often believes that filing for U.S. citizenship and naturalization is relatively simple when compared to applying for a green card. Becoming a U.S. citizen is generally recommended: you get to vote for elected officials, obtain federal jobs, sponsor immediate relatives for green cards, travel freely with a U.S. passport, and gain immunity from deportation or removal.
But the naturalization process opens you up to further scrutiny by the U.S. Government. By filing for U.S. citizenship, you are inviting U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to review your entire immigration record. So beware of any possible issues before filing your naturalization application.
Fraud, lies and misleading statements that were previously overlooked could come to USCIS’ attention when you file for naturalization. In some cases, the misrepresentation is innocent, unintentional, or purely overlooked. In others, a finding of misrepresentation is based on USCIS’ erroneous reasoning or misguided assumptions. Either way, you need to be very careful.
If USCIS finds that you previously committed fraud, lied, or made misleading statements to the U.S. government or to gain immigration benefits, it may deny your application. Even worse, you could be placed in removal proceedings and risk losing your permanent resident status. I am seeing this happen more and more lately.
For further information on how to fill out U.S. citizenship applications, or questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch.
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