Factors That Prevent You from Getting U.S. Citizenship

For some, the U.S. citizenship requirements are a milestone that will begin a new chapter in their lives. For others, there are obstacles that prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship. US Immigration Bonds understands that the honor of becoming a citizen is life changing for everyone. We have helped immigrants get their lives back on track while reuniting families for over a decade.

Before you can discuss factors that may prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship, do you meet the U.S. citizenship requirements?

Are You Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?

• Have you had a Green Card and resided in the United States for the past 5 years consecutively?
• If you are married to a U.S. citizen, have you resided in the United States for the past 3 years consecutively?
• Have you spent at least 1 year in the U.S. Armed Forces?
• Do you have a good moral character, an understanding of the English language, and an attachment to the constitution of the United States? (Required for everyone).

All eligible immigrants must answer affirmatively to at least one of the first three points above, and all immigrants must answers affirmative to the last point. If you can, then you have met the U.S. citizenship requirements.

Now the question becomes, what will prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship?

Factors That Prevent U.S. Citizenship

• If you have a felony, it will prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship. There are exceptions, and it is up to the courts to determine if the crime was heinous enough to bar the immigrant from becoming a U.S. citizenship.
• Some misdemeanors are overlooked, but you may need to contact an immigration attorney and you must meet all the other U.S. citizenship requirements.
• Any grievous mistakes made during the application process may ruin your chance of becoming a U.S. citizen, so be sure to play close attention to all details in the application process.
• Lying or falsely represent any facts during the application process.

Applying for U.S. citizenship is a complicated and time consuming task. As with any complex legal action, mistakes can be costly. For most immigrants, it is wise to contact a lawyer. US Immigration Bonds has an immigration attorney referral service that may interest immigrants who are considering applying for U.S. citizenship.

The DAPA and DACA programs also provide exceptions for parents who are illegal immigrants and have children who are natural U.S. citizens. After meeting the requirements of these programs, immigrants must still meet the U.S. citizenship requirements mentioned for consideration for naturalization.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website has a table that discusses factors that prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship, as well as more information.