To qualify for American citizenship, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements. One of the requirements is that you should be a person of good moral character. You will not be considered to be of “good moral character” if you commit certain crimes during the five years prior to filing the citizenship form or even if you lie during their naturalization interview.

Drunk driving or being drunk most of the time, illegal gambling, prostitution, lying to gain immigration benefits, failing to pay court-ordered child support, committing terrorist acts, persecuting someone because of race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or social group are few of the behaviors that show lack of good moral character.

There are certain crimes that will bar you from becoming an American citizen and if you commit those, you will most likely be removed from the US. These crimes are commonly referred as “bars” to naturalization. Crimes that are “aggravated felonies” are murder, rape, sexual abuse of a child, violent assault, treason, and illegal trafficking in drugs, firearms, or people are some examples of permanent bars to naturalization.

Immigrants who were exempted or discharged from serving in the US Armed Forces and immigrants who deserted from the US Armed Forces are also permanently barred from American Citizenship. The chances of being denied citizenship is more if you behave in other ways that show you lack good moral character. There are other crimes that are temporary bars to naturalization. Temporary bars generally prevent you from becoming a US citizen for up to five years after you commit the crime. Continue reading →