You may have lived in the United States for years, and coming here from another country may have been a stressful experience. Now you consider Texas your home, and you want to adjust your immigration status to become a naturalized citizen.
Pursuing citizenship can offer many benefits, but it is also a complicated process. You will need to gather the necessary information, file the proper petitions and other paperwork, take tests, and appear for any necessary interviews. In some cases, certain issues could put your citizenship application at risk of denial.
What could upset your case?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has numerous requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen. Unfortunately, missing information, the wrong information, or negative marks on your personal or criminal record could cause problems for you and your dreams. Some issues to watch out for include the following:
- Failing to register with the Selective Service, if it is a requirement for you to do so
- Not demonstrating good moral character, meaning committing certain crimes or lying on the application
- Not having paid taxes for the years you have already lived in the country
- Failing to pay child support or other court-ordered financial obligations
Though you have likely done everything you can to ensure that you acted in an upstanding manner while you have lived in the United States, it does not guarantee that USCIS will approve your application. Understandably, you may feel apprehensive that an issue from your past may come back to haunt you as you try to achieve your goal of obtaining citizenship.
Putting your best foot forward
Luckily, you can do your part to put your best foot forward when trying to complete the naturalization process. You can review your tax information, ensure that nothing on your criminal record will cause a red flag, make sure that you have complied with any child support orders and determine whether you must register with the Selective Service.
Understandably, you may have concerns that you will miss a piece of important information that could have a significant effect on your citizenship case. Fortunately, you do not have to try to complete this process alone. You can work with an experienced immigration law attorney who can help you complete and file your paperwork as well as see you through the entirety of the process.