Before You Get Started

Before you get started there are some things you should know about that could prevent you from becoming a U.S. Citizen. If any of the following MAY apply to you, be sure to speak with an immigration attorney.

● One of your parents became a U.S. citizen before you turned 18 years old. You may already be a U.S. citizen.

● You made trips out of the United States for more than six months

● You moved to another country since getting your green card

● You are in deportation or removal proceedings—or—you have been deported

● You haven’t filed your federal income taxes

● You haven’t supported your children

● You are male and did not register for the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 26

● You are on probation or parole for a criminal conviction

● You have contradictory information on your application

● You lied or committed fraud to get your Green Card or you weren’t originally eligible for your

Green Card when you got it

● You have been arrested or convicted of a crime or you have committed a crime

● You lied or committed fraud to receive or to continue to receive public benefits

● You helped someone enter the United States illegally, even if it was a relative

● You claimed to be a U.S. citizen but you weren’t

● You have been charged with committing domestic violence, child abuse, or child neglect

● You have voted illegally in the United States

● You have made a living by illegal gambling

● You have been involved in prostitution

● You have been a habitually drunk, a drug abuser, or a drug addict