I’m seeking advice as I’m scheduled for my N-400 citizenship interview in a month. I’ve been a 10-year green card holder through marriage, but I have a concern that might impact my application.
About 14 years ago, I was arrested for "failure to stop after an accident involving property damage (no injury)." At the time, I provided a different name and date of birth. I was released the same night and a few weeks later I moved out of the state. i didn't know there was a court date later and 14 years later after I run my own FBI finger prints and saw it shows dismissed—I’m assuming because it was a misdemeanor from over 10 years ago. It was not mentioned by the immigration officer (IO) during my I-485 interview. I reached out to USCIS to report the mistake, and they instructed me to wait until the interview to rectify it. I also went ahead and uploaded the court dismissed disposition in my n-400 document tab.
Now, here’s the twist: I’ve actually mentioned the name I used during the arrest as the new name I’d like to adopt during my naturalization swearing-in ceremony.
I’m unsure how to proceed. What are the possible consequences of not disclosing this earlier? Unfortunately, I don’t have the funds to hire a lawyer at the moment..I'm not looking for judgment or criticism, but rather constructive advice on how to navigate this situation. I've grown and learned from my mistakes, and I'm committed to being a responsible citizen."
