Possible N400 denial for misinforming under oath about applying for work at Federal Agency 9 years ago.

[Mal86 0]

Hi all. Here's my story in short: I applied for naturalization. Did well on the interview, but the IO said that a decision cannot be made. Today, I went in for a sworn statement. At first I was worried that it had something to do with my remarriage (see my original post at this link. (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/343171-decision-cant-be-made-and-they-want-a-sworn-statement/page__gopid__5065047#entry5065047).

But nope. Turned out that I misinformed the IO during the interview about applying for work at a federal agency. Back in 2002 (or 2003 I'm not sure), I came across a job position from the FBI asking for interpreters in my native language (which was in extremely high demand at the time). I applied. They called me and asked if I was a citizen, I said NOPE. They said I was disqualified, have a nice day and that was the end of it. Never EVER posed as a citizen and I wouldn't have applied if I knew that this would create a problem. I really just thought I'd put forward a skill that might be of use to the agency. Also, this job was posted at a public job site, so it's not like I went into the FBI's career page searching for this specific sort of job.

Now, I had completely forgotten about this and only remembered when the IO specifically stated "a job with the FBI"-- which she wasn't specific about during the first interview, where I answered her initially with a NO, but during the sworn statement, I told her everything I mentioned above. Now I'm just waiting for them to give me the approval/denial.

But is this grounds for denial?? I'm going to consult an attorney tomorrow but thought I'd see if anyone else is familiar with this (I checked the N-400, and it doesn't say anything about applying for work at a federal agency. I've never even heard that you could get in trouble for applying! I figured you'd just get rejected and move on thoughts, anyone?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

But is this grounds for denial?? I'm going to consult an attorney tomorrow but thought I'd see if anyone else is familiar with this (I checked the N-400, and it doesn't say anything about applying for work at a federal agency. I've never even heard that you could get in trouble for applying! I figured you'd just get rejected and move on thoughts, anyone?

If the job ad specified citizen they could claim that by applying you claimed to be a USC but as you said in the interview that you weren't you would hope they wrote that you were rejected for that reason.. that's IF they kept that file. You should take this seriously though because if they feel that you claimed to be a USC, at any time, you would be denied and deported with a lifetime ban.

[nwctzn 55]

Looks like you clarified things when you gave your sworn statement. At this stage you just need to wait and see what the decision will be. If you get approved, great! If not, then you can talk to an attorney and check what your options are.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

As long as you didn't intentionally misrepresent yourself, I don't see any problem. It's much better knowing what's coming, than being ambushed.

[Mal86 0]

hope they wrote that you were rejected for that reason.. that's IF they kept that file.

I'm certain that that was the reason why I was disqualified. They (the HR) called and I believe that the first question they asked was if I was a citizen. When I said no, they said I wasn't eligible. It was a very short conversation... We never went beyond that first telephone conversation. That's why I didn't even remember I applied almost a decade ago. It wouldn't make sense that they'd solicit more info or take additional steps if they knew from the start that I wasn't a USC.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

The only deal breaker would be if you submitted your job application and -- knowing or not -- somehow marked that you are a U.S. citizen. It's not really a secret that you can't work for the FBI as a foreigner, unless you have the means to take out some Ayatollah in Iran. I'm thus pretty sure that the job description would have included that.

All that said, you were immediately forthcoming when questioned, and I don't think they will hold this against you.

Still, a great example how easily one can step into a huge pile of problems, just for nothing.