Will my drug conviction have any affect on my naturalization application?

I am a permanent resident and I was convicted of a drug offense many years ago. I have traveled in and out of the U.S. many times without a problem since then. Now that I am married and have kids, I want to become a U.S. citizen. Should my drug conviction have any affect on my naturalization application?

There is no general response to this question. Whenever a lawful permanent resident has a criminal conviction, especially a drug-related one, it is critical to have an evaluation of the conviction details and a discussion regarding the results of that legal evaluation before proceeding. If this situation applies to you, we can help and we ask you to contact our office to schedule a meeting and to provide us with a copy of your record of conviction for analysis, whether you are in Frisco or Dallas, Texas, or via Skype anywhere in the U.S.

More Naturalization FAQs

• Can I file for naturalization before conditions on my residence are removed?
• Can not paying child support affect my application to become a U.S. citizen?
• Does the eligibility time period that I have to be a permanent resident for naturalization purposes change if I am married?
• How long do I have to wait after becoming a permanent resident until I can file for U.S. citizenship?
• I am a permanent resident who just moved to a different state in the U.S. How long do I have to wait before I can file for naturalization?
• I have heard that I can be exempt from the U.S. civics test if I have a disability? Is that true?
• I never registered with the Selective Service System after age 18. Can my failure to register affect my application for naturalization?
• Is there any chance that I am already a U.S. citizen because my grandfather was a citizen when my mother was born?
• Is there any chance that I can become a U.S. citizen despite a felony conviction?
• My fingerprints are difficult to take. If USCIS cannot read them, how will they process my application to naturalize?
• My green card expired after I applied to naturalize. Must I file to replace it if I have already applied to become a U.S. citizen?
• Will my drug conviction have any affect on my naturalization application?
• Will the USCIS ask me why I want to become a U.S. citizen? What are acceptable reasons that I can provide to USCIS?

The information appearing in these FAQ responses is not legal advice and is provided for general information purposes only. You should seek professional advice from an experienced immigration attorney regarding your specific inquiry and case before changing position.