For example, if the applicant knows that his or her green card was
obtained through fraud or lying during an interview, then he or she
could be subject to serious penalties including deportation. If he or she
lied directly or somehow misrepresented facts during the process and
the USCIS found about it, then he or she would be subject to being
removed or deported from the United States. There are numerous ways
this could happen, such as if someone entered the United States based
on stolen documents and used them to make a new identity. If this then
came to light, the person could be deported because the USCIS should
not have issued a green card in the first place.
Another scenario to be avoided is that any permanent resident alien
who has voted in the United States should not apply for naturalization
before consulting with an immigration attorney. Voting in the
United States in an election as a permanent resident alien can have
very serious immigration consequences.
The USCIS also reviews whether you have good moral character.
Although there is no absolutely clear definition of good moral character,
the USCIS is basically checking to make sure that you have not
engaged in acts indicating bad moral character such as illegal
gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, or other similar acts.
Many people become U.S. citizens because they believe they will have
greater opportunity for themselves and their family. Just as becoming a
U.S. citizen may open some economic doors, it may also have some
costs as well. If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you must take care
of your tax issues with the U.S. government. In addition to that requirement,
you should know that U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide
income—not just money they make in the United States. This means
that your decision to become a U.S. citizen may have significant tax
implications for you. Anyone who believes they have tax issues should
consult an immigration or tax attorney familiar with these issues.
The possibility of paying U.S. taxes on worldwide income is part of
a greater issue involved in becoming a U.S. citizen – the role of dual
citizenship. For years, the U.S. government tried to discourage people
from retaining their citizenship in other countries. Now the government’s
position is less hostile. However, some countries do not allow
their citizens to be citizens of another country.
Applicants should also think about the fact that U.S. citizenship may
carry some very real risks of being a greater target in the world. After
9/11, the world has become a significantly less friendly place for U.S.
travelers. Some travelers prefer to retain or acquire dual citizenship
so they do not have to travel on their U.S. passports. This strategy
may be effective for reducing risk, but it does expose the traveler to
the possibility of greater scrutiny in entering the United States.
Certainly, the traveler will need a U.S. passport to enter the United
States. Depending on the country of dual citizenship, another country
might offer less of a risk in international travel. At the very least,
anyone traveling on a U.S. passport should be familiar with the risks
and be advised of State Department warnings relating to the country
he or she is traveling to. The U.S. Department of State issues travel
advisories for different parts of the world, and it is wise to pay attention
to them, because they can warn of political instability and the
risks of violence against Americans.
Finally, one of the duties involved in being a citizen is the duty to serve in
the armed forces during times of conflict. A male citizen of the U.S. who
has dual citizenship is potentially at risk for serving in the armed forces of
other countries, which could have serious immigration consequences.
Another point that should be emphasized again is that an application
to naturalize is based on continuous lawful permanent residence.
This means it is for permanent resident aliens in good status. Anyone
who is already in removal proceedings may not naturalize. By filing
for naturalization, you risk having the USCIS examine your entire
immigration history, as well as the five-year period immediately
before you file to become a U.S. citizen.
Source: Become a U.S. Citizen
