Q: I’ve been a green card holder since 2007. My green card expires in less than 3 years. I’m married to a US citizen.
I’ve been a legal resident since 2007. My green card expires in 3 years. I’m married to a US citizen for 5 years. We have a child who’s 10 months old. I was arrested for child abuse in Dec of 2017. However the state attorney in FL didn’t file formal charges as long as I complete my civil court requirements. I’ve completed them already and I’ve been reunified. Case is closing in Dec of this year.
Should I apply for citizenship or renew my green card right away or should I wait? Should I get my arrest records expunged or sealed as well? I was also honorable discharged from the service as a result of my legal situation. What’s my best course of action. Thanks.
A: We strongly suggest you seek an attorney’s counsel in your case. Depending on the statute, under which you were charged/pled, you could have some serious issues regarding your ability to remain in the United States. Getting your records expunged or sealed would do you no good, because the government considers any type of restraint on someone’s liberty as a conviction for immigration purposes. For example if your case was dismissed subsequent to fulfilling court-ordered actions, that is a conviction for immigration purposes.
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