I've been in the US for 30 years and want to apply for citizenship now. I was arrested for a misdemeanor 24 years ago and got 6 month probation and a fine! Will I have to get a immigration lawyer for this naturalization process now?
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I've been in the US for 30 years and want to apply for citizenship now. I was arrested for a misdemeanor 24 years ago and got 6 month probation and a fine! Will I have to get a immigration lawyer for this naturalization process now?
What was the charge?
There is no misdemeanor that will automatically bar you, If your record has been clean for the last 23 years then USCIS probably won't care. If it is something that indicates a questionable character, like prostitution, fraud, theft, gambling (illegally), or drugs etc. then they may want more info to ensure you have truly changed your ways, in these situations a lawyer can really help the process.
Whenever you have a concern about an immigration filing, it is in your best interest (and for your peace of mind) to take a consultation with an immigration attorney. You do not have to engage the attorney to do the filing just to answer your questions and make suggestions on your best course of action.
T53147 is right. One strategy is to consult with an attorney (just in case), then apply on your own, and THEN, if USCIS notifies you of its intent to deny your application, be ready to get back to the attorney for more active assistance. That way you only spend the maximum only when you really need to.