Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship If I Have Criminal History?

If you have been a green card holder for many years but have been holding back on applying for citizenship because you are worried about a past criminal issue, you are not alone. Many permanent residents hesitate to apply because they fear a criminal record automatically disqualifies them, or worse, that applying could put them at risk of detention or deportation.

The truth is, not every criminal record prevents you from becoming a U.S. citizen. With the right legal guidance, many longtime green card holders with past convictions are still eligible for naturalization. Our team has represented many successful naturalization applications and we want to help you too.

Not All Criminal Convictions Make You Ineligible for Citizenship

While certain crimes, like aggravated felonies or serious moral turpitude offenses, can affect eligibility, many other offenses do not.

Your specific situation depends on factors such as:

The type and severity of the offense
When the incident occurred
Whether you’ve shown rehabilitation or good moral character since the incident

Even if you were told years ago not to apply, it may be worth revisiting your case. An experienced immigration attorney can help determine whether it’s now safe, and smart, to move forward.

Why Becoming a U.S. Citizen Matters More Than Ever

Many green card holders are hesitant to apply for citizenship for various reasons including, fear, uncertainty, or confusion about eligibility. But citizenship provides the highest level of protection and peace of mind under U.S. law, and we encourage anyone who is eligible to take the important step of becoming a U.S. citizen.

When you become a U.S. citizen, you are afforded more rights than a legal permanent resident, including:

Protection from deportation
Voting in elections
Sponsoring family members more quickly
Traveling freely without worrying about reentry

In short, citizenship protects your future and your family’s stability in the U.S.

Talk to an Immigration Attorney Before You Apply

If you’ve avoided applying for citizenship because of a past arrest or conviction, don’t assume you’re ineligible. The only way to know for sure is to have your record reviewed by both a knowledgeable immigration and criminal law attorney.

At Cambridge Immigration Law, we’ve helped many longtime green card holders with complex criminal records successfully become U.S. citizens. We’ll review your history, explain your risks, and help you make an informed decision about your next steps.