What Can Derail Your N-400 Naturalization Application In California?

Factors Holding You Back From Getting A US Citizenship

Getting US citizenship can be a strenuous process for applicants. You must file and fit several requirements just to get the process going.

So, what could stop you from getting approved? Here's what our best immigration lawyers in Los Angeles have to say about it:

Possible Reasons You May Be Denied Citizenship In California

Several factors can lead to the denial of citizenship (or naturalization) applications in the United States. Green card holders seeking citizenship should be aware of the following four frequent application problems and how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles them, even if the naturalization process can be drawn-out and complicated.

1. Taxes

An applicant's citizenship application will probably be rejected if USCIS finds out they owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) back taxes. Tax concerns, however, do not always exclude naturalization. Those who can demonstrate that they're attempting to address their tax problems (by signing up for an IRS payment plan, for example) may still be qualified for citizenship.

When deciding whether to approve the application, USCIS has discretion and considers whether the applicant voluntarily agreed to a payment plan and subsequently made an effort to catch up. Therefore, it's a good idea to get in touch with the IRS and attempt to fix any tax problems you may be experiencing as soon as you can.

If you're having trouble with your naturalization because of taxes, you should contact a prescreened immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, California. A California immigration attorney will know the possible options you can take to resolve specific barriers to naturalization.

2. Child Support

Parent applicants must demonstrate that they provide financially for their minor children who do not reside with them. In addition, the applicant must present proof that they comply with any child support orders issued by the court, if applicable.

Although applicants who owe back child support may have their citizenship applications rejected, this is not a requirement for naturalization. However, the applicant's request for citizenship will be rejected if they knowingly neglect to provide for any dependents. On the other hand, parents applying for naturalization may still be permitted to do so if they can offer a plausible justification for their child's support arrears.

If you're trying to resolve possible problems with child support, consult your California immigration lawyer on what you can do to address it. Again, there are always options to resolve barriers to naturalization, and having a top immigration lawyer in California can help you find those options.

3. Discretionary Service

Applicants must be prepared to support and defend the United States and the Constitution to be eligible for naturalization. If necessary, candidates can demonstrate their commitment by signing up for the Selective Service System. Males with green cards between 18 and 25 must register and include their Selective Service Number on their citizenship application.

Register at a U.S. Post Office or online at the Selective Service System website if you are obligated to do so and haven't already. If you were compelled to register but did not do so before turning 26, you must complete the Request for Status Information Letter form and submit it to the Selective Service System before sending your statutory information letter to USCIS.

4. Good Moral Character Character

Additionally, candidates for citizenship must demonstrate their moral integrity (GMC). Moral character difficulties can prevent an applicant from becoming a citizen permanently or temporarily, depending on the situation. USCIS mainly considers the applicant's behavior in the five years before applying for citizenship. However, earlier behavior or records may still be taken into account.

USCIS conducts a criminal history check on applicants to ascertain whether they have good moral character and reviews to see whether they were misled during the naturalization process.

5. Criminal History

Citizenship is prohibited (or ineligible) for applicants convicted of specific crimes, such as murder or any other aggravated felony. However, for a set amount of time following the offense, other offenses prevent the offender from being eligible for naturalization.

6. Lying

Those who lie on their application for naturalization or during the interview will not be granted citizenship (or if the applicant has already naturalized, their citizenship may be taken away).

Los Angeles immigration attorneys strongly advise that you be honest in your forms and interviews. Even if you run into a possible problem with it, there will always be other options for you to resolve. Your California immigration lawyer can also help you through these barriers.

Can Unemployment Affect N-400 Naturalization Application In California?

As you might have already noticed, unemployment isn't one of the biggest barriers to naturalization. If anything, you need to prove a good moral character that won't cause problems with the law and taxation.

If you have any concerns about your immigration, you should ask your immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, California. Even if you're facing possible barriers, they might be able to suggest alternative solutions to address them.

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