Here’s a detailed table outlining the situations that can jeopardize a U.S. citizenship application (naturalization):
| Reasons for Citizenship Application Denial | Description |
|---|---|
| Failure to Meet Eligibility Requirements | – Insufficient permanent residency duration (typically 5 years, or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen). |
| – Not meeting the required physical presence (30 months out of the last 5 years). | |
| – Not residing in the USCIS district for at least 3 months prior to application. | |
| Criminal Record and Good Moral Character | – Conviction of serious crimes (murder, rape, drug trafficking, etc.). |
| – Crimes involving moral turpitude (theft, fraud, domestic violence). | |
| – Repeated minor offenses that indicate poor moral character. | |
| – False statements or misrepresentation during the application process. | |
| Unpaid Taxes or Tax Violations | – Failure to file federal or state tax returns. |
| – Accumulation of unpaid taxes during residency. | |
| Immigration and Residency Violations | – Visa overstay or violations of immigration laws. |
| – Entering the U.S. using fraudulent documents. | |
| – Long absences (over 6 months) from the U.S., disrupting continuous residency. | |
| Language and Civic Knowledge Deficiency | – Inability to demonstrate sufficient English language skills. |
| – Failure to pass the civics exam (U.S. history and government knowledge). | |
| Financial Instability | – Inability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. |
| – Dependence on government assistance programs. | |
| Violation of Immigration Laws | – Obtaining a Green Card through fraudulent marriage or documents. |
| – Prior immigration fraud or violations. | |
| Administrative and Procedural Errors | – Incomplete or incorrectly filled Form N-400. |
| – Missing or incorrect supporting documents. | |
| – Failure to pay application fees. | |
| Military Service Violations | – Desertion or draft evasion from U.S. military service. |
Additional Factors That Can Affect the Application:
- Criminal Background Checks: A criminal background check is conducted, and any undisclosed offenses can lead to rejection.
- Ties to Terrorist Organizations: Association with or support for terrorist organizations results in automatic denial.
- Lying During Interviews: Any false information provided during the naturalization interview can be grounds for disqualification.
- Failure to Register for Selective Service: Males aged 18-26 must register for Selective Service. Failure to do so may negatively affect the application.
How to Avoid Rejection:
- Ensure Accuracy in Forms: Double-check all entries in Form N-400 and attach all required documentation.
- Settle Tax Debts: Pay any outstanding taxes before applying. Submit proof of payment or a payment plan.
- Clear Criminal Record: Seek legal counsel if you have a criminal record. Some offenses may require waivers or additional documentation.
- Prepare for Language and Civics Tests: Study for the citizenship test by using official USCIS resources and language courses.
Key Notes:
- Certain waivers can apply for those who are unable to meet language requirements due to age or medical conditions.
- Continuous residency can be preserved by applying for Re-entry Permits if long-term travel is necessary.
- Legal Assistance: Hiring an immigration attorney can significantly reduce the risk of application denial.
This detailed overview highlights potential obstacles during the naturalization process and offers proactive measures to ensure a smoother application.