Immigration & Naturalization Law
There are several reasons why your application for citizenship in the United States may be denied. Therefore, it is important that those who seek to become citizens know about them to be prepared.
If the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) discovers that the applicant owes taxes, their application will most likely be denied.
However, if you show that you are making an effort to pay what you owe, this will be a point in your favor.
If you owe taxes and want to apply for citizenship, it is best to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and make a payment plan to pay off your debt.
If you are the parent of a minor and do not live with your child, you will need to send proof that you are paying for child support along with your U.S. citizenship application.
If there is a written agreement or court order stating how much you must pay, send a copy of the agreement or order.
Also, send evidence of checks or deposits to the account of the parent who has custody of your child.
If you pay in cash, have the other parent sign a receipt. The important thing is to have proof that you are up to date with your child support obligations.
If you are behind in paying child support, naturalization may be denied. However, if you show that you are making efforts to catch up on your payments, your application may be granted.
Males between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with the Selective Service System if they were a permanent resident of the country between those ages. When submitting your application, you will be asked for your Selective Service number.
The consequences of not registering depend on the age of the applicant:
Applicants for citizenship must demonstrate that they are of good moral character.
The general rule of thumb is that USCIS will look at the person's actions five years before the application. However, when the lack of morals is severe, USCIS may consider past conduct, such as:
The term "good moral character" is broad, and USCIS believes that the following behaviors also demonstrate a lack of good moral character:
If you think you might need additional help because of any of the above information, working with an immigration attorney can make all the difference.