- Aggravated felonies
- Conviction of one or more crimes of moral turpitude
- Conviction of two or more crimes with a combined sentence of at least five years
- Controlled substance violation, except for 30g or less of marijuana
- Being incarcerated for 180 days or more
- Prostitution offenses
How The Process Works
First, you will have to complete the N-400 form. This form is the application used to apply for citizenship. The form itself costs $640.00. However, the biometrics exam is always included in the filing fee, totaling $725.00.
The following are some of the documents to send with the form N-400:
- Passport style photos
- Copy of marriage certificate (if applying on the basis of marriage)
- Copy of divorce decrees or Death Certificates of previous marriage (if applicable)
- Copy of front and back of green card
- Certified court documents (if arrested or charged with a crime, or had a crime expunged)
- Evidence of registration with Selective Service (if a male who lived in the U.S. between age 18 and 26
After approximately one month after submitting the application, the applicant will receive an appointment letter from USCIS. On the date and time indicated on the letter, the individual must go the location indicated and get his or her fingerprints taken.
About two months after completing the biometrics, the applicant will receive a letter with the appointment for the interview. At the specified time, go to the local office to answer questions about the application, take the English and civics test, and receive a decision.
There are certain exceptions to the reading, writing, and speaking English requirement. The applicant must either be at least 50 years of age and a LPR for at least 20 years, at least 50 years of age and a LPR for at least 15 years, at least 65 years of age and a LPR for at least 20 years. If the applicant is over the age of 65 and has been a LPR for 20 years or over, they will be given a short version of the history and government tests that are twenty questions long. These individuals do not have to take the English language test but have to the take the civics test in the language of their choice.
Here’s what you will need to bring to the interview:
- Green card
- Valid state issued identification
- Passports and travel documents
- Birth certificates of children (if children are indicated on application)
- Tax returns
- Certified court documents (if there is a criminal history)
Now the only step left is to take the Oath! If approved, the final step is to take the oath of allegiance. The USCIS will notify the applicant by mail of the time and date of the ceremony. When the date arrives, the individual should arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and return his or her green card. If more than a day has passed since the interview, the applicant may be asked several questions. Once the ceremony is complete and the oath has been recited, the applicant is now a citizen. The certificate of naturalization will be issued and be used as proof of citizenship.