Q: I am applying for my citizenship, i have been LPR for 7 years now, divorced. i had a criminal history?
I have green card for 7 years now, I had a criminal history- Felony theft in 2011, charges that changed to a misdemeanor then setaside or expunged back in 2014. Immigration is aware of the charges since it happened before I obtained my green card-LPR. Do I need to mention the charges again on my citizenship?, will this affect my eligibility to get the citizenship. I have no charge or criminal history for the last 7 years. Do I need to get certified copies of the charges to provide with my citizenship application. please help
A: You will have to disclose the criminal history in your citizenship application. It can affect your eligibility because one of the requirements for naturalization is good moral character (GMC). An applicant for naturalization must show that he or she has been, and continues to be, a person of good moral character. In general, the applicant must show GMC during the five-year period immediately preceding his or her application for naturalization and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance. Conduct prior to the five-year period may also impact whether the applicant meets the requirement. You should engage the services of an experienced immigration attorney to assist you with obtaining citizenship. Best wishes!
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