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Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges

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  • 02-08-2017, 04:18 PM
    Jim Dandy
    Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges
    Hello folks, let me first say thank you for reading this.

    I've been in the U.S. for 33 years, have a permanent resident card, both my parents are now citizens as of 10 years ago, my sister was born here, and I am married to a natural born citizen for 5 years now and have a good, stable career.

    However... Almost 8 years ago I was arrested twice in the scope of one month for simple marijuana possession. Both times less than 30 grams. Way less. The judge was kind enough to roll both cases into one judgement and give me one year probation, which I passed, and eventually got the record "sealed", but not expunged. It must have worked because I was able to land a job that does extensive screening.

    I have never gotten in trouble before, and don't even have as much as a speeding ticket since then.

    How would you say my chances are to get naturalization approved? I wouldn't know the first thing about my native country, and all my family and of course, my wife, are here and citizens.

    Would you recommend I hire a lawyer before filing for naturalization, or is there no need? Just file normally?

    I really appreciate your time. Thanks a million, folks.
  • 02-08-2017, 07:21 PM
    flyingron
    Re: Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges
    If you disclose it, and you must disclose it, you'll probably be grilled about it at the interview, but it isn't an outright bar to naturalization.
  • 02-09-2017, 11:30 AM
    Jim Dandy
    Re: Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges
    So, I called a lawyer today. He actually recommended that I not file for naturalization. Seriously. What kind of lawyer say that? So basically he says just keep my Iranian passport... What use is that document? Not planning on ever visiting there! Lol.

    Don't mean to bump the thread, but really wondering if anyone else has any real words of encouragement? Should I just go for it? With my current situation, do you think they would really just pack me on a plane and send me to a country I left when I was just 18 months old, leaving my parents and wife behind because of two small marijuana cases 8 years ago which have been time served thru probation?

    Thanks to all who have read and replied!
  • 02-09-2017, 03:17 PM
    llworking
    Re: Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges
    Quote:

    Quoting Jim Dandy
    View Post
    So, I called a lawyer today. He actually recommended that I not file for naturalization. Seriously. What kind of lawyer say that? So basically he says just keep my Iranian passport... What use is that document? Not planning on ever visiting there! Lol.

    Don't mean to bump the thread, but really wondering if anyone else has any real words of encouragement? Should I just go for it? With my current situation, do you think they would really just pack me on a plane and send me to a country I left when I was just 18 months old, leaving my parents and wife behind because of two small marijuana cases 8 years ago which have been time served thru probation?

    Thanks to all who have read and replied!

    I would actually consider waiting until Trump is out of office. I suspect the attorney you spoke to was thinking along the same lines.
  • 02-09-2017, 04:04 PM
    flyingron
    Re: Will You Be Denied Citizenship Over Marijuana Possession Charges
    Quote:

    Quoting llworking
    View Post
    I would actually consider waiting until Trump is out of office. I suspect the attorney you spoke to was thinking along the same lines.

    I wouldn't. He'd be better off with a naturalization certificate which can NOT be removed short of federal court removing it than holding on to an Iranian passport (albeit with a green card) in today's climate.

    As I said, as long as he discloses it (barring some drastic change in policy), an ancient possession charge isn't going to mean much.
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