Will a Dimissed Misdemeanor Charge Affect a Citizenship Application
A friend of mine received his permanent resident status in 90's. In 1999 while living in Texas, he made a mistake for hitting his wife and was arrested. The charge was class A misdemeanor. After completion of a family violence course, evaluation by a psychiatrist, and a marriage counseling course, his case was dismissed.
He has clean record before and stay clean after the incident. He is an ordinary law complying person, except that one incident. Now he is planning to apply for citizenship, but was advised that he may lose his PR status and could be deported. Is that always true? How risky is it if he does apply for citizenship?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Re: Will a Dimissed Misdemeanor Charge Affect a Citizenship Application
Re: Will a Dimissed Misdemeanor Charge Affect a Citizenship Application
Thanks Mr. Knowitall.
Not very risky means some potential risks. Is there anything that he should do before applying for citizenship to prevent loss of PR or possible deportation? His concerns is that dismiss of his charge was with conditions, i.e., taking course, and counseling, etc. Some websites indicated that these conditions are considered as plea of guilty.
On the other hand, would request of expunge of his arrest record help?
Thanks
Re: Will a Dimissed Misdemeanor Charge Affect a Citizenship Application
The risk is small, but he can't undo the past.
Expungement won't make a lick of difference.
I expect he'll get through the process, but I don't have the full facts and I won't be the person making the decision.