{"id":352743,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/citizenship\/4-issues-that-will-affect-your-us-citizenship-application.html"},"modified":"2023-06-14T10:51:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T15:51:01","slug":"4-issues-that-will-affect-your-us-citizenship-application","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/4-issues-that-will-affect-your-us-citizenship-application.html","title":{"rendered":"4 Issues That Will Affect Your U.S. Citizenship Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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4 Issues That Will Affect Your U.S. Citizenship Application<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Several issues can delay or derail a U.S. citizenship application, including unpaid taxes, child support problems, Selective Service concerns, and questions about good moral character. USCIS reviews each of these areas closely to determine whether an applicant meets the legal requirements for naturalization.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The naturalization process can be confusing, and there are several reasons for denying U.S. citizenship (or naturalization) applications.\u00a0Understanding these potential hurdles early can help applicants address problems before they jeopardize their path to citizenship<\/a>. Keep reading for the four most common issues that will impact your U.S. citizenship application.<\/p>\n

Having an attorney in your corner can give you clarity and confidence as you work toward U.S. citizenship. Contact an immigration lawyer<\/a> for guidance and support through the naturalization process.<\/p>\n

Naturalization Process: Defined<\/h2>\n

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national is granted U.S. citizenship. Applicants who meet the requirements established by Congress under the Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a> (INA) may become citizens. U.S. citizen applicants must also meet specific eligibility requirements to be eligible for citizenship.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the common issues that could affect your U.S. citizenship application. This also applies to green card or permanent resident card holders looking to apply for U.S. citizenship. It is also important to remember the eligibility requirements may vary in each case.<\/p>\n

1. Taxes<\/h2>\n

If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) finds out that an applicant owes back taxes to the U.S. government, it will likely deny the citizenship application. But tax issues are not an automatic bar to naturalization. Applicants who show that they’re trying to resolve their tax issues<\/a> may still be eligible for naturalization. For example, they can prove that they enrolled in an IRS payment plan.<\/p>\n

USCIS officers exercise discretion in these decisions. They also consider whether the applicant entered a payment plan voluntarily and then made an effort to become current. As a result, it’s a good idea to contact the IRS<\/a> and work to resolve any tax issues you might have as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

2. Child Support<\/h2>\n

Parent applicants must prove they can financially support their family members, particularly their minor children who do not live with them. If a court has ordered an applicant to pay\u00a0child support<\/a>, they must provide evidence that they followed that order. Proof of child support may include payment receipts, bank statements, or documentation from a child support agency.<\/p>\n

The USCIS may deny citizenship to applicants who are delinquent with their child support payments. But owing back child support isn’t an automatic bar to naturalization. USCIS may deny the citizenship application of any applicant who willfully fails to support their dependents. But, parent applicants who can reasonably explain why they are behind on their child support payments<\/a> may still be able to naturalize.<\/p>\n

3. Selective Service<\/h2>\n

One of the naturalization requirements is the willingness to support the United States and the Constitution. The oath of allegiance formalizes this commitment during the naturalization ceremony. Another requirement for applicants is to register with the\u00a0Selective Service System<\/a>\u00a0if required, as this demonstrates their commitment to the United States.<\/p>\n

Male green card holders 18 to 25 years old must register and provide their Selective Service Number along with their citizenship application. The process is usually completed online, but the U.S. government may summon the applicant for a biometrics appointment.<\/p>\n

If you’re required to register and still need to do so, register at a U.S. Post Office or on the Selective Service System’s website. Suppose you were required to register but failed to do so before you turned 26. In that case, you must fill out and submit the Selective Service System’s\u00a0Request for Status Information Letter<\/a>\u00a0and then submit your statute information letter to USCIS.<\/p>\n

If you need help finding your Selective Service number, call 1-847-688-6888<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Good Moral Character<\/h2>\n

Applicants for naturalization must also show they are of good moral character<\/a> (GMC). Some moral character issues permanently bar the applicant from citizenship, while others serve only as temporary bars. USCIS primarily considers the applicant’s conduct over the five years preceding the citizenship application. But certain criminal acts before the defined statutory period can also affect their eligibility for citizenship.<\/p>\n

To determine whether an applicant has good moral character, USCIS runs a criminal background check and attempts to determine if the applicant has lied during the naturalization process:<\/p>\n