Becoming a USC

[Hicham♥Sara 15]

I posted this in General Immigration Related Discussion because I am not sure where else to post. My friendfrom the Netherlands has been in the US as a green card holder for 13 years now, she is fully legal , just keeps renewing her GC status , she is now thinking about becoming a USC and her only worry is when she was a teenager here living in America, she got a misdameanor charge for shoplifting. I can't answer her honestly if this is a major issue in becoming a USC , so I told her I would ask here first before she seeks legal counsel. So, is a misdemeanor such a signifigant offence that it would require some kind of waiver or anything to become a USC? Thanks so much for your help you guys

Sarasusan :) :)

[YuAndDan 153]

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/chapter3.pdf needs to be reported, however should not be an issue if fine was less than $500

And, yes, wrong forum, I will move this.

[Casprd 167]

Others can give you a more exact answer to the process needed, but shouldn't be a major impediment (or even a minor one). Just be completely honest during the process and she will be ok. Without knowing how long ago the misdemeanor occurred it is hard to say what the impact will be, but if it has been 10 years or more then just disclose it when asked (on forms or in interviews) and move on. From personal experience, I know that the more time has passed with no reoccurrence, the better off you are. Biggest emphasis is to be totally honest about it. Don't try to hide or gloss over anything or it will come back to bite her.

[HeatDeath 430]

One issue might be whether or not she has been totally honest about it so far. If she has mentioned before everywhere it was asked for, then mentioning it during the citizenship will be no problem. If she has hid it or not mentioned it before, and it comes out now, it could be construed as prior misrepresentation. That would be bad.

Edited December 15, 2010 by HeatDeath

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

A "petty" crime has zero influence on the N-thingi, but . . . if she "forgot" to list this 'til now, it might raise some eyebrow at the interview. I still thing it's a non-issue, would nonetheless list it truthfully when answering question # 16.

Edited December 15, 2010 by Just Bob

[Hicham♥Sara 15]

thanks for the replies you guys!! She of course has no intentions of lying, was just worried it might impede her from becoming a USC. THank you so much for the feedback and I will pass along the message. )