Q: I have a question about becoming a citizen U.S.
Hi, I have been a U.S permanent resident for 30 years and have a clean record both driving and criminal. But before I was 18 years old I made a trip to Mexico with some friends and on the way back we were detained for having some marijuana. This happened in Arizona. I went back to court twice and the judge said "no conviction" I was placed on probation until age 21 but the probation was removed 1 year later.
Do I have a chance on becoming a U.S. citizen? What needs to be done with the record from Arizona?
A:
Yes you can still become a us citizen. You have to get a certified copy of your case including the arrest and court disposition, if your record was expunged or sealed you still need a certified letter from the court, in addition because the charge accrued before your 18th birthday it will not be held against you.
Please free to reach out if you have additional questions
1 user found this answer helpful
A: Yes, you may still be eligible to become a U.S. citizen despite your past marijuana conviction. The good news is that you were not convicted of a crime, but were instead placed on probation. This means that you should not be barred from citizenship based on your past marijuana use.
A:
Given your long-term permanent residency and clean record as an adult, you have a good foundation for applying. However, your juvenile record, particularly the incident involving marijuana in Arizona, could be scrutinized. It's advisable to gather all documents related to this incident, including the court's decision of "no conviction" and proof of probation completion.
You should consult with an immigration attorney who can assess the specifics of your case and guide you on how to present your history in the best light during the naturalization process. They can also advise if any steps need to be taken to address your juvenile record.
Remember, honesty in your application is crucial, as any omission or misrepresentation can negatively impact your eligibility.
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