Bellevue, WA asked in DUI / DWI and Immigration Law for Washington

Q: Can I apply for citizenship even though I have a DUI on my background?

I have my green card residency for more than 20 years and I want to apply for my citizenship but I don't know if I can because I have a DUI on my background. What can I do and what is the process like?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Hector E. Quiroga
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Hector E. Quiroga
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Licensed in Washington

A: It seems unlikely that a single DUI would negatively impact your application for citizenship. Applicants for citizenship must show 5 years of good moral character, so if the DUI was in the last five years you might want to wait until more than five years have passed. You will also want to make sure that the case has been closed and all obligations associated with it satisfied.

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