We serve immigration clients nationwide. Contact Us to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers today.

citizenship faqs what happens during the background check | godoy law office immigration lawyers

Citizenship FAQs: What Happens During the Background Check?

Naturalization is the most common way for foreigners to become a U.S. citizen. It is a process where a person who is not born a U.S. citizen voluntarily applies for citizenship and completes specific requirements, like passing certain tests and taking the oath of allegiance. Part of the naturalization process is a biometrics background check to ensure the applicant is eligible for U.S. citizenship. After naturalization is granted and the applicant becomes a new citizen of the United States, the new U.S. citizen will receive a certificate of nationalization, which should be kept in a safe place.

The Citizenship Background Check

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) conducts an extensive background check as part of the citizenship application process. This review includes

  • Verifying biographic and biometric data, including fingerprints, photographs, and signatures.
  • Additionally, the USCIS conducts an extensive check of the applicant’s criminal history, including verifying any past arrests, charges or convictions.
  • They also review the individual’s immigration history, which includes information about visas, legal status, and any deportation or removal proceedings.
  • Finally, the USCIS considers an applicant’s financial history, including tax filings or child support, to ensure they meet the citizenship requirements.

The background review is intended to ensure that applicants for citizenship meet the eligibility requirements and do not pose a security risk to the United States.

What Happens If An Applicant Fails the Citizenship Background Check? 

If a citizenship applicant fails the USCIS background check, their application may be denied. The reasons for denial could be because the applicant has a criminal record or because they have committed immigration fraud in the past. The USCIS also denies applicants who fail to disclose important information during the application process. Certain criminal convictions may even result in you being placed in removal proceedings. 

If an application is denied, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision. They may also be able to file a motion to reopen the case or a motion to reconsider the decision. In some cases, it may also be possible for an applicant to seek a waiver of the grounds for inadmissibility.

It’s important to note that the USCIS takes the background check process very seriously, and any misrepresentation or fraud in the application process can lead to serious consequences, including being stripped of your legal permanent residence and being barred from entering the United States in the future.

Benefits Of Naturalization

Naturalization can bring many rights and privileges, such as voting in elections and become eligible for certain government jobs. There are also financial benefits associated with becoming a United States citizen. It is important to understand all the rights and responsibilities associated with becoming a United States citizen before applying for naturalization.

10 Benefits of Becoming A US Citizen

Download Our Free Guide: 10 Benefits Of Becoming A U.S. Citizen: Free Guide

Do You Want to Become a U.S. Citizen? Talk To A Citizenship Lawyer

The 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.

Mario Godoy
Mario Godoy
Immigration Lawyer and Illinois Crimmigration Attorney

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.

Lead Counsel Rated
expertise
Illinois State Bar Association
American Immigration Lawyers Association
ASLA
DCBA