Legal Question in Immigration Law in Maryland

Credit card fraud

I was arrested in1995, for credi card but beign my first offence, i was put in docket file, the case was expunge from my file, i filed for naturlization, and i told them the truth, will this affect me to become a citizen.


Asked on 12/27/07, 10:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Brown Law Office of Thomas K. Brown, LLC

Re: Credit card fraud

The rule is that an applicant for naturalization must demonstrate good moral character for the 5 year period immediately preceding application (3 years if permanent residency was granted due to marriage to a US citizen). Although USCIS can look at all criminal offenses, even those outside the 5 year period, they should only deny naturalization if old acts have some bearing on good moral character within the 5 year period.

Unless you've committed some crime (or admitted to activity which constitutes a crime) within the last 5 years that relates to similar fraudulent behavior, I would think the 1995 arrest will not affect your naturalization case.

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Answered on 12/28/07, 8:54 am


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