Most Common Reasons Immigrants are Denied Citizenship

Prior to filling out an Application for Naturalization, or form N-400, it’s important to make sure you have all the citizenship requirements to ensure you can become a citizen of the United States. As a U.S. citizen, you receive more government benefits, are protected from deportation, can claim the rights and responsibilities of native-born citizens, and more. However, what was once a four-page document has now grown to be 21 pages long. If you attempt to fill out form N-400 by yourself, it can deem quite complicated to fill out – which in consequence, may cause you to be denied of citizenship. US Immigration Bonds and Insurance shares a few of the most common reasons as to why those with a green card citizenship may be denied U.S. citizenship.

Failure to Register for Selective Service

If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26 years old, you are required to register for Selective Service. In order to be eligible to become a citizen of the United States, those who hold a green card citizenship must be willing to support and defend their country and the Constitution. Registering for Selective Service adds your name to a list use in a national emergency. Many people are denied citizenship due because they fail to register.

Failure to Meet the Standards for Good Moral Character

Evidence of good moral character must be provided by those with a green card citizenship in order to take the next step. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, refers to the applicant’s conduct during the five years before applying for citizenship. To determine whether an applicant has GMC, the USCIS runs a criminal background check to see if they’ve lied during the naturalization process. Even innocent mistakes on your form can cause delay and a denied citizenship if they’re found to be untrue. The following issues are some which may cause denial:

• Fraudulent green card history
• Failure to pay taxes
• Failure to pay child support
• Criminal record
• Lying on your citizenship application

Proficiency in English

To become a U.S. citizen, you must have some level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English. Only applicants over the age of 55 with 15 years as a lawful permanent resident can take a civics and history test with a translator. USCIS rules allow applicants a second chance on each of these tests 60-90 days after the initial testing, if needed. Applicants who don’t pass either, or both of these tests after their second try have to start over and file a new application.

US Immigration Bonds and Services knows that becoming an American citizen is not the easiest task. It’s important to keep the above reasons for citizenship denial in mind to avoid the possible pitfalls. We also suggest seeking expert guidance in taking the next step of your application process.