Solicitando ciudadanía con antecedentes Penales, ¿Se puede?

¿Puedo solicitar la ciudadanía con antecedentes penales?

Solicitando la ciudadanía de EE.UU. con antecedentes penales

Esta es sin duda una pregunta que una persona que tiene antecedentes penales debe pensar antes de solicitar la ciudadanía. Revisemos algunas de estas circunstancias y de cómo puede afectar a su decisión.

Si una persona ha sido detenida por cualquier razón, es importante consultar con un abogado de inmigración antes de tratar de solicitar la ciudadanía. La razón por la que es importante consultar es que no sólo podría USCIS rechazar su solicitud de ciudadanía; el solicitante puede ponerse en riesgo de deportación al traer sus antecedentes penales a la atención del USCIS. Hay una lista de delitos a ser considerados delitos con agravante de que USCIS definitivamente deniega su solicitud por haber cometido esos delitos, pero también, hay algunos que se consideran de carácter moral. Vamos a revisar esos crímenes en una discusión posterior. Por ahora, vamos a centrarnos en la aplicación y el proceso de la entrevista.


La aplicación y el proceso de la entrevista


La solicitud de naturalización se hace en el Formulario N-400, que se puede obtener desde el sitio web de USCIS, www.uscis.gov. Es importante revisar los requisitos y ponerse en contacto con Affordablelegalpapers.com para ayudarle a llenar la solicitud que debe ser completado correctamente y presentado a la dirección que corresponda con el pago de la colegiatura. Si la solicitud N-400 no se hace bien, el USCIS la rechazará. El formulario N-400 es de 10 páginas y pide información detallada sobre su inmigración, la estancia, el empleo, y la historia criminal. Deje que affordablelegalpapers.com le ayude con este importante documento para su tranquilidad.

La N-400 también pide detalles acerca de sus relaciones familiares y su historial de matrimonial. Esto es utilizado por el USCIS para ayudar a determinar si usted o alguno de sus familiares obtuvo la residencia manera inadecuada o por fraude.

Al final del formulario, hay una página de la firma en la que declara bajo pena de ley que usted ha proporcionado información veraz y correcta en la aplicación. Mentir intencionalmente en la solicitud puede dar lugar a la denegación de la solicitud y posible procesamiento criminal.

Una vez presentada la solicitud, USCIS le enviará un acuse de recibo, por lo general dentro de los 30 días. USCIS le enviará una carta de instrucciones de biometría para que usted se presente en un centro de asistencia técnica local para las huellas dactilares y fotografías. USCIS usa esta información para obtener su prontuario criminal para ver si usted ha tenido cualquier violaciónes penal o de inmigración anteriores.

La entrevista será programada normalmente aproximadamente 5 meses después de que se haya recibido la solicitud.


La Entrevista


Es en la entrevista de naturalización donde USCIS va a revisar la información proporcionada en el formulario N-400, y administrar el examen de criterio cívico de Estados Unidos y la historia oficial.  Se le  harán preguntas acerca de la historia criminal y de inmigración del solicitante, con base en el formulario de solicitud y el USCIS la propia verificación de antecedentes del FBI.

A veces, el oficial puede darle una decisión ese mismo día en la aceptación de la solicitud, sino que con frecuencia dicen que se necesita más tiempo para revisar la aplicación, incluso en los casos sencillos. Una vez que se concede la solicitud, usted recibirá un aviso por correo a aparecer para su ceremonia de juramento de ciudadanía-in. Ahí es donde usted recibe formalmente su ciudadanía de EE.UU. y un certificado de naturalización, y puede registrarse para votar y solicitar un pasaporte de EE.UU..


Requisitos para la Naturalización


En general, usted puede calificar para la naturalización si antes de la presentación de la solicitud N-400 que ha sido un residente permanente de los anteriores cinco años, con 30 de los 60 meses presencia continua en los EE.UU., sin interrupciones de residencia más allá de los 6 meses, el buen carácter moral durante el período de 5 años, haber residido en el distrito de USCIS para los últimos 90 días, y puede mostrar un conocimiento suficiente de la historia y la educación cívica EE.UU.. Usted también puede calificar para la naturalización si antes de presentar la solicitud de ciudadanía que ha tenido su tarjeta verde durante al menos tres años, después de haber estado casada con un ciudadano de los Estados Unidos  durante al menos 3 años, puede mostrar 15 de los 30 meses presencia en los EE.UU. , sin interrupciones de residencia más allá de 6 meses, un buen carácter moral, y haber residido en el distrito de USCIS para los últimos 90 días, y pueden demostrar un conocimiento suficiente de la historia y la educación cívica EE.UU.. Hay requisitos más fáciles si usted ha servido en las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos. Usted debe consultar con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia para asegurarse de que estos requisitos se aplican a usted.


¿Cuáles son los delitos contra la buena moral y carácter?


Para naturalizarse, usted debe demostrar buen carácter moral por el período de 3 o 5 años (dependiendo de si casada con un ciudadano de los EE.UU.) antes de la aplicación para la naturalización y jurando a esto se le llama el "plazo legal".

La responsabilidad recae sobre usted que sea honesto y demostrar buen carácter moral. Muchos clientes preguntan "¿cómo van a saber si yo no les digo?" Créeme, gracias a sus amplias bases de datos informatizadas, el DHS es casi seguro que saben, y si no lo saben, el ICE debe eventualmente resolverlo. Además, en ser veraz, es su obligación de presentar todos los expedientes de condenas con la solicitud de ciudadanía. Al presentar estos documentos absolutamente se debe hacer con la ayuda de un abogado de inmigración con experiencia, que puede obtener los registros de la corte tipo correcto y la evidencia dañina puede ser presentada en la mejor luz posible.

¿Qué conducta durante el período estatutario mantendrá un solicitante de demostrar buen carácter moral?

En primer lugar, los "delitos de vileza moral", que son delitos que implican dañar a otras personas o daños a la propiedad, el robo y el fraude de los delitos, así como el abuso sexual a otros o a  la familia, Esos son los crímenes cometidos durante el plazo reglamentario.

En segundo lugar, violaciónes de sustancias controladas cometidos durante el plazo reglamentario.

En tercer lugar, haber cumplido pena en prisión por 180 días o más durante el plazo reglamentario.

En cuarto lugar, haber proporcionado un falso testimonio durante el período estatutario para obtener un beneficio de inmigración.

En quinto lugar, la participación durante el período legal de prostitución.

En sexto lugar, graves delitos de juego ilegales cometidos durante el plazo reglamentario.

Tenga en cuenta que el USCIS no podrá aprobar su caso la ciudadanía si se ha presentado la solicitud de naturalización durante su libertad condicional o bajo palabra.

Por otra parte, el USCIS puede negar el buen carácter moral para los malos actos durante el plazo legal que no figuran en esta lista. Esta conducta puede incluir falta de manutención alimenticia de los hijos y la falta de pago de impuestos. Si ha divorciado durante el plazo legal o tienen un acuerdo formal o informal custodia de los hijos, es posible que se vea afectado por estos problemas. Si es así, tendrá que aclarar esto, antes de solicitar la naturalización. En general, cada caso es diferente, por lo tanto, es importante consultar con un abogado primero. Después de obtener aclaraciones sobre los mismos asuntos, puede comunicarse a nuestra oficina al 954-254-5883 en affordablelegalpapers.com para ayudarle con todas las aplicaciones y traducción de documentos.

Applying for Citizenship with a Criminal Record

Can I apply for Citizenship with a Criminal Record?

Applying for US citizenship with a criminal record

This is definitely one question that a person who has a criminal record must think before applying for Citizenship.  Let’s review some of these circumstances and how it can affect your decision.

If a person has ever been arrested for any reason, it is important to consult with an Immigration lawyer before seeking to apply for citizenship.  The reason why it is important to consult is that not only could USCIS turn down your citizenship application; the applicant can put himself at risk of deportation by bringing your criminal history to USCIS’s attention.  There is a list of crimes to be considered aggravated felonies that USCIS would definitely denied your application for having committed such crimes, but also, there are some to be considered of moral character.  We will review those crimes at a later discussion.  For now, let’s just focus on the application and the interview process.

The application and the Interview Process

An application for naturalization is made on the Form N-400, which can be obtained from the USCIS website, www.uscis.gov. It is important to review the requirements and contact Affordablelegalpapers.com to help you fill out the application which must be completed properly and submitted to the appropriate address with the correct fee.   If the N-400 application is not done right, USCIS will reject it. The Form N-400 itself is 10 pages long and asks for detailed information about your immigration, residence, employment, and criminal history.  Let affordablelegalpapers.com help you with this important document for peace of mind.

The N-400 also asks for details about your family relationships and your marital history. This is used by USCIS to help determine if you or any of your relatives obtained residency improperly or by fraud.

At the end of the form, there is a signature page where you swear under penalty of law that you have provided true and correct information in the application. Intentionally lying on the form can lead to denial of the application and possible criminal prosecution.

Once the application is filed, USCIS will send out a receipt notice, generally within 30 days. USCIS will then send out a biometrics instruction letter for you to appear at a local application support center for fingerprints and photographs. USCIS uses this information to obtain your criminal rap sheet to see if you've had any prior criminal or immigration violations.

The interview is usually scheduled approximately 5 months after the application has been received.

The Interview

It’s at the naturalization interview where USCIS will go over the information provided on the N-400 form, and administer the U.S. civics and history test.The officer will ask questions about the applicant’s criminal and immigration history, based on the application form and USCIS’s own FBI background checks.

The officer can sometimes give a decision that same day on granting the application, but will frequently say that more time is needed to review the application, even in straightforward cases. Once the Application is granted, you will receive a notice in the mail to appear for your citizenship swear-in ceremony. That is where you formally receive your US citizenship and a certificate of naturalization, and can register to vote and apply for a US passport.

Requirements for Naturalization

In general, you may qualify for naturalization if prior to filing the N-400 application you have been a permanent residents for the prior five years, with 30 out of 60 months presence in the U.S., no interruptions of residence beyond 6 months, good moral character during the 5 year period, have resided in your USCIS district for the previous 90 days, and can show sufficient knowledge of US history and civics. You may also qualify for naturalization if prior to filing the citizenship application you've had your green card for at least three years , having been married to a USC citizen for at least 3 years, can show 15 out of 30 months presence in the U.S., no interruptions of residence beyond 6 months, good moral character, and have resided in your USCIS district for the previous 90 days, and can show sufficient knowledge of US history and civics. There are easier requirements if you've served in the U.S. Armed Forces. You should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to make sure these requirements apply to you.

What are good moral and character crimes?

To naturalize, you must show good moral character for the 3 or 5 year period (depending on whether married to a US citizen) prior to application for naturalization and swearing in. This is called the “statutory period".

The burden is on you to be honest and to show good moral character. Many clients ask “how will they know if I don’t tell them?" Believe me, thanks to its extensive computerized databases, DHS will almost certainly know, and if they don’t know, ICE should eventually figure it out. Also, in being truthful, it is your obligation to submit all conviction records with the citizenship application. Submitting these documents should absolutely be done with the help of an experienced immigration lawyer, who can obtain the right kind court records and present damaging evidence in the best light possible.

What conduct during the statutory period will keep an applicant from proving good moral character?

First, “crimes involving moral turpitude", which are offenses that involve harming other people or damaging property, theft and fraud crimes, as well as sex or family crimes, committed during the statutory period.

Second, controlled substance violations committed during the statutory period.

Third, imprisonment for 180 days or more during the statutory period.

Fourth, providing false testimony during the statutory period to obtain an immigration benefit.

Fifth, involvement during the statutory period with prostitution.

Sixth, serious unlawful gambling offenses committed during the statutory period.

Please note that USCIS may not approve your citizenship case if you have filed the naturalization application while on probation or parole.

Furthermore, USCIS may also deny good moral character for bad acts during the statutory period not on this list. This conduct might include failure to provide child support and failure to pay taxes. If you have divorced during the statutory period or have a formal or informal child custody agreement, you might be affected by these issues. If so, you’ll want to clear this up before applying for naturalization.  Overall, each case is different therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney first.  After obtaining clarification of such matters, you may contact our office at 954-254-5883 at affordablelegalpapers.com to assist you with all application and translation of documents.

Understanding the Citizenship Test, Prepare for it, don’t fear it!

There are many reasons why people migrate to the United States.  Social economic reasons have always led the chart.  Many immigrants come to the US, and help support their families by sending money on weekly or monthly bases.  Some of them, are quite happy doing this being residents, while keeping in their hearts the wish that after 5 years, they will be able to apply for citizenship and many of them can apply for residency to their loved ones.

It is most important to understand what happens and what to expect during your interview.  The Immigration Officer will ask questions about the applicant.  Most questions come from the application that has been submitted.

Today, I would like to focus on the dreaded “Test” by understanding its importance, it will help us understand what the immigration officer wants to accomplish therefore helping us be more prepared.

What is the naturalization test?

           It is a test, administered by the USCIS, usually starts with an interview where prospective citizens are asked a variety of questions that pertain to their background, most information has already been provided by the application. Once this has been completed, the officer will explain about the tests that will follow the interview.  In reality these tests are used to assess how competent immigrants are in various aspects that will help improve their quality of life and make them appealing to potential employers.

Looking at the English Test…

The English test is made up of three important components.  The written test, which will determine the ability to write in English, the reading test and last but not least the oral and comprehension test.  The reading test, will determine the ability to read and understand English.  In order to pass the written and the reading test, the applicant must be able to write and read aloud a given phrase error free in order to pass.  Whereas, the oral and comprehension test, it is determined by the USCIS officer to determine the applicant’s ability to communicate and understand English.

A view of the Civics Test…

           This aspect of the naturalization test measures your knowledge of U.S. history and government. There are 100 possible questions to choose from, but you'll generally be asked 10. To pass, you need to be right on six of the 10 questions asked.  To ensure your success, preparation for both test is key.  The USCIS has many tools and study resources you can take advantage to help ensure you pass the test and gain all the rights and privileges of being a U.S. citizen.  For more information and to access these tools, visit http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/study-test

- See more at: http://blog.xoom.com/2012/02/four-things-to-do-to-get-ready-for-the-naturalization-test.html#sthash.WkhqqlFU.dpuf

We at Affordable Legal Papers, are ready to help you initiate the process and help you translating all the documents that are needed to embark on this process. Give us a call at (954-254-5883 or visit our web page http://www.affordablelegalpapers.com/u.s.-citizenship.html 

Coming up next:  What happens if I failed the Naturalization Test??? 

by Dorys Martinez

affordablelegalpapers.com

 

Aventura Professional Translation Services

Citizenship: Exceptions for the English Language Tests...Do I qualify?

A lot of people feel very nervous about the Civics test and the English Language Tests. There are a lot of resources to help you prepare for both tests.  Also, the Department of  Homeland Security has made provisions giving an exemption for those who feel that can not pass the tests.  There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.    

For more information visit our A Guide to Naturalization page and the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.  Here at Afforablelegalpapers.com would like to give you some basic information that helps you to determine if you qualify for an exemption of such tests.

English Language Exemptions

You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years   (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
  OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test. 
• You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Besides your age, there are other considerations that could get you qualified for an exemption, it is important to review your case with an attorney.  But for now we at the affordablelegalpapers.com

Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics

You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.

To request this exception, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.  

Applying for Citizenship is an important step, and at affordablelegalpapers.com would like you to know that we provide U.S. Citizenship assistance , helping people apply so they can enjoy the security and benefits of United States citizenship and that is our number one priority. One of the ways we do this is by helping permanent residents apply for naturalization. We have vast experience and a great reputation for providing high-quality service to assist you, family, and friends with Translating, filling out all U.S. ImmigrationForms correctly, Notarizing and submitting with all US Government Agencies. 

The Benefits of Citizenship and Naturalization

U.S. citizens have rights that green card holders may not currently be able to enjoy. For example, citizens can vote in elections, hold public office, own firearms, apply for certain government jobs, and more easily help family members immigrate to the United States. U.S. citizens can travel abroad and live in foreign countries without risking the loss of their immigration status or being denied reentry.  Once obtained, citizenship is not something that can be taken away. U.S. citizens cannot be removed from the country or deported.

Submit a Contact Form or Call Us Now 954-254-5883!

For answers to your questions give us a call at (954) 254-5885

.

Naturalization Process, what happens next?

Once it has been determined that you may qualify to apply for Citizenship and your forms have been correctly filled out and the fee has been paid to the Government.  One common concern is the Naturalization Test.
     

It is well known that in order to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and Civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.  We will discuss the exemption later on, since this is a topic on itself. 


What it is important to know is that you are not alone during this process, there is plenty of information and materials to help you develop confidence and knowledge prior to going to your interview. For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual English and Civics Testing Guidance.

Study Materials

USCIS which is the office United States Government Immigration page offers a variety of study materials, including:

• Study Materials for the Civics Test
• Study Materials for the English Test

I am including the links of this vital information to help you find the materials that you need.  Remember, practice with plenty of time is your guarantee for success. 


In future blogs, we will review the exemption waiver, what to expect during your interview as well as what happens if don't pass the test.


Dorys Martinez
www.affordablelegalpapers.com