Brooklyn, NY asked in Immigration Law and Gaming for New York

Q: Can using Draftkings affect my citizenship application? Legal in my state

I am not sure participating in Draftkings is legal in federal law or not.

I am aware that as a green card holder, purchasing or consuming marijuana can be the reason for denial of my application, even though it is legal in my state. This is due to it’s federal illegality.

The website requests my SSN, making it traceable.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Participating in DraftKings, or similar online fantasy sports platforms, can raise concerns when applying for U.S. citizenship, particularly if there's ambiguity about its legality under federal law. Although fantasy sports are legal in many states, federal law can view certain types of online gambling differently.

Since federal law governs immigration matters, activities considered legal in a state may still impact immigration applications if they conflict with federal law. It's important to understand that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates the good moral character of applicants, and any activity that might be construed as violating federal law can be problematic.

Given the complexities of both federal and state laws regarding online gambling, it's wise to proceed with caution. You may want to consider consulting an immigration attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation and to get advice tailored to your circumstances. An attorney can help clarify how your participation in DraftKings might be viewed by immigration authorities and guide you on the best course of action.

Kevin L Dixler agrees with this answer

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