A DUI, or driving under the influence, does not automatically prevent you from becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, it can hurt your chances of being approved if you are found to lack “good moral character.”
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines good moral character as “a person who respects the law and order of the United States and who adheres to the principles of self-reliance and personal responsibility.” DUIs can be considered by an officer in his or her decision to grant you U.S. citizenship.
If you have had DUI convictions, it is possible to still become a U.S. citizen by presenting positive evidence in other areas of your life. This evidence could include things like:
If you have two or more DUI convictions, it will be more difficult to become a U.S. citizen. However, it is still possible with strong evidence of good moral character and rehabilitation.
If you are considering applying for citizenship with a DUI on your record, it is important to speak with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your individual case.
An attorney who has experience in both criminal defense and immigration law, called a crimmigration attorney, can help you understand the law and develop a strong application that will increase your chances of approval.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you have a DUI and are considering applying for citizenship:
If you have a DUI and are interested in applying for citizenship, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. With strong evidence of good moral character and the help of an experienced crimmigration attorney, you may be able to overcome the presumption of bad moral character and achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.
If your citizenship application is denied, we can help you figure out the next steps. Naturalization to become a U.S. Citizen can bring many rights and privileges, such as voting in elections and becoming eligible for certain government jobs. There are also financial benefits associated with becoming a United States citizen. Understanding all the rights and responsibilities associated with becoming a United States citizen is important before applying for naturalization.
Download Our Free Guide: 10 Benefits Of Becoming A U.S. Citizen: Free Guide
The crimmigration and immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-912-0322.
We help clients in all 50 states.
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
