Americans do not take liars and losers: 5 reasons why you may be denied naturalization

US citizenship is perhaps the biggest benefit any immigrant can receive. Often this is the pinnacle of a long journey, stretching for many years and many kilometers. Over the past three years, more than 2,2 million permanent residents have naturalized as US citizens. CitizenPath.

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However, during the same period, more than 240 permanent residents were denied the N-000 Application for Naturalization. In fact, the number of waivers has increased with every quarter of FY 400. The bounce rate remained stable; USCIS rejects approximately 2021% of all applications. There are many reasons for this. We have compiled a list of five common reasons for rejecting an N-9,5 application.

It is important to understand that by submitting Form N-400, the applicant is inviting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to carefully review the entire immigrant's file once again. There may be risks associated with this. USCIS can discover things it hasn't found before. Therefore, it is worth figuring out where other applicants have run into trouble. If you think one of the following scenarios might affect you, talk to an immigration attorney before you file your N-400.

On the subject: Seven pitfalls when applying for a green card based on marriage

Five common reasons for continuing or denying a Form N-400 Application for Naturalization include:

Reason 1: Failing English and/or Civics Tests

If you fail an English and/or Civics test at your first interview, USCIS will schedule a re-interview within 60-90 days of your first interview. USCIS will only retest you on the part of the test that you failed. However, USCIS will reject your N-400 if you fail the test(s) a second time.

Most people get tested. If your English is not very strong, use flashcards and study guides on how to prepare for the citizenship test and interview. It is also helpful to carefully review your own Application for Naturalization (N-400). The USCIS officer will most likely ask you about your answers. Feel free to explain your answers. So practice with a friend or family member if your English skills need some improvement.

The law also provides for three exceptions to the English part of the naturalization test for applicants who:

• over 50 years of age and have lived permanently for at least 20 years;
• aged 55+ with at least 15 years of permanent residence; or
• have mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from learning English.

If you wish to apply for a disability exemption, you will need to complete USCIS Form N-648"Disability Exception Medical Certificate” along with form N-400. The certificate must be signed by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist.

Reason 2. Crime story

When you apply for naturalization, USCIS will collect your biometrics and perform a background check. But USCIS also wants to know if you have committed a crime in other countries. These factors contribute to satisfying the requirements of good moral conduct. Some crimes permanently deprive a permanent resident of U.S. citizenship, while other crimes create a temporary injunction.

If you have ever been convicted of murder or an aggravated crime, you will most likely be permanently denied US citizenship. These are automatic bans, meaning that the USCIS officer has no right to review the matter. Aggravated crimes in immigration law may be defined somewhat differently than in state courts. The immigration definition of an aggravated felony can include crimes that might surprise you, including those that other courts might classify as misdemeanors. For example, any violent crime, theft or burglary that results in a prison sentence of one year or more would be considered a felony. In volume 12, chapter 4 The USCIS policy manual describes persistent obstacles to meeting the requirement of good moral character.

On the other hand, some crimes deprive the applicant of the right to obtain US citizenship for some time. In most cases, an applicant can wait the required number of years—usually five years, or three years for applicants who are married and living with a US citizen—before reapplying for naturalization. However, the offense will still be reviewed by a USCIS officer, and the officer has discretion to make a decision if the applicant meets the requirements of good moral character. Volume 12 Chapter 5 The USCIS Policy Manual describes these conditional barriers to the requirement of good moral character.

If you have ever been arrested, speak with an experienced immigration attorney before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Reason 3: Failure to meet the requirements for permanent residence and physical presence

As a permanent resident, you are free to travel outside the United States and visit family in your home country. If your goal is to become a US citizen, it is important to understand the requirements for permanent residence and physical presence.

Continuous residence means that the applicant resides in the United States for a specified period of time. Travel outside the United States may disrupt your permanent residence. You must avoid any travel abroad for six months or longer.

Physical presence means that the applicant has been physically present in the United States for a specified period of time during the previous five years. As a general rule, you must have 30 months of physical presence in the US before applying for naturalized citizenship. There are exceptions for applicants who are married to US citizens and those who work for the US government abroad.

Reason 4. Non-fulfillment of financial obligations

Many Americans, including permanent residents, are experiencing financial problems that have led to foreclosures, bankruptcy, and unpaid debts. The good news is that debt by itself is not a barrier to naturalization. However, there are some financial issues that affect morale requirements and may prevent you from naturalizing as a US citizen.

Tax evasion is a common reason why Form N-400s are denied. If USCIS finds this problem, you will most likely be denied citizenship. Contact an immigration attorney and tax advisor who can help you develop a tax plan and demonstrate to USCIS that you are solving the problem. By resolving this issue, most people will be able to continue with the naturalization process and avoid being denied an N-400.

Another common issue for N-400 applicants is the willful denial of dependent support. If the naturalization applicant has a minor child or children who do not live with the applicant, it must be shown that the applicant provides adequate financial support. If there is a support order, it is important to have proof that the order was followed. An applicant who is unable to pay child support on time may be denied a Form N-400.

Reason 5 USCIS Fraud and Lies

If USCIS believes that your answer to a question is misleading or untrue, your application for naturalization will be delayed and may be denied. It doesn't matter if the mistake was innocent. You must ensure that your application for naturalization is true and accurate when you submit it. If the information is difficult to obtain and you cannot obtain it (for example, travel history), you must make reasonable efforts to find the answer.

During the naturalization process, USCIS will verify your history. If the officer determines that the green card was issued (even many years ago) fraudulently, citizenship may be denied. Similarly, other situations (new or old) that call into question the good moral character of the applicant will delay the process.

Be honest in your answers. If you feel that an honest answer could create problems with naturalization, this is a good indicator that you need to speak with an attorney before filing an N-400.

Form N-400 rejected based on Selective Service System

Male applicants may be surprised to learn that refusing to register for service can create a significant problem when filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Males between the ages of 18 and 26 are expected to register with the Selection Service and provide evidence for the purposes of naturalization as a US citizen. Lack of registration may be grounds for rejecting an application for naturalization.

The Selective Service System is a US government agency responsible for information about those people who may be potential subjects for a military subscription. Under US law, all male citizens, even non-US citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and illegal aliens aged 18-26 must be registered one month after they turn 18. Women do not have to go through this procedure, while men aged 17 years and 3 months have the opportunity to pre-register to automatically add information to the system, reports USAimmigration.

There is a list of federal programs that require selective enrollment of services, so you will definitely need it if you want to naturalize, get a student loan, get a federal job, etc. Moreover, if you cannot do this, you can get waiver when you apply for US citizenship.

All males between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register with the service and provide proof of this. Those over 26 but under 31 must provide proof that they registered when they should have done so. In the event that you were unable to register, you must provide an explanation as to why you did not. In addition, you will also need a letter from Selective Service indicating your status.

It should be emphasized that the fact that you are registered with the service does not necessarily mean that you are required to join the armed forces. While not registering for any reason may affect your permanent resident application for U.S. citizenship in a not so good way.

Hearing request after N-400 denial

If the USCIS determines that you need to provide additional documents or evidence, you may be issued Form N-14, Request for Additional Information, Documents, or Forms. You will need to provide additional documentation required to continue with the naturalization process.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York.

If you were denied an N-400 and you believe USCIS was wrong to deny you citizenship, you may request a hearing with a USCIS officer. Your denial letter will tell you how to ask for a hearing and will include the form you need. The Appeal Form is N-336, Petition for a Hearing on a Naturalization Decision. You must file the form with USCIS, including the correct fee, within 30 days of receiving the denial letter.

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