Common Reasons Why Citizenship Applications Are Denied

Applying for US citizenship can be nerve-wracking for many reasons. For starters, the application and approval process can be extremely tedious and complicated, with much room for mistakes. Secondly, the US immigration office may reject your application for the most minute errors, such as putting the wrong name or date. 

Since there are so many reasons your application could get rejected, it is always better to be safe and let a U.S Citizen Lawyer handle the paperwork and legalities. If your application has already been denied once, an attorney can tell you why that happened and help prevent errors that lead to rejection. Meanwhile, here are some common reasons why that may happen. 

Common reasons why citizenship applications are denied 

1. Having a criminal record. 

Having a criminal record is a big deal, especially when you commit a crime in another country. The USCIS reviews your criminal history to determine your overall moral character and whether you are a threat to the country or its people. In some extreme cases, the USCIS may deport the individual when they apply for citizenship. Serious crimes like murder or aggravated felony result in permanent denial of citizenship, meaning you can never be eligible. 

2. Failure to meet financial obligations. 

Many people in America suffer from financial problems resulting in bankruptcy, foreclosure, and unpaid debts. While financial instability alone is not a bar for citizenship, it is used to determine your moral character and could ruin your chances of getting citizenship. For example, the USCIS will reject your application if you fail to pay taxes. If the applicant does not financially support dependants, that could also be a reason for a denied application. 

3. Not meeting physical presence requirement. 

The applicant must reside continuously in the US to be eligible for citizenship. While the applicant can travel outside the US, it is recommended not to remain outside the country for a long time (more than six months). You should have been residing in the US continuously for five years immediately before applying. 

4. Committing fraud on the citizenship application. 

It is essential for every piece of information on your citizenship application forms to be factually correct and accurate. Minor and genuine mistakes can happen, but committing fraud can give you a one-way ticket back to your country. If you are unsure about the process or have a certain question, speak with your immigration attorney rather than taking a guess. Take your time to understand the process and provide the USCIS with accurate details.