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  1. #1

    Default Petty Shoplifting Misdemeanor and Citizenship

    Hi,
    I am a green card holder for past 2 years and will be eligible for naturalization in 3 years. Unfortunately, I got convicted of petty larceny in VA (shoplifting worth $42, stupid mistake!) which is a class 1 misdemeanor, max poss sentence not more than 12 months, and i got 5 months 29 days jail time all suspended for 3 years. I have never been in trouble before and I am sure this is my first and last brush with the law.

    1.If after completing 3 years without any problem with the law, I apply for citizenship, what are my chances of getting the citizenship?

    2.Should I wait for 5 more years (as opposed to 3 years from now)?

    3.Can I travel abroad and come back to US with shoplifting conviction? I heard they are fingerprinting green card holders also on port of entry and can deport people with prior convictions??

    Any advise or personal experiences in similar situations will be highly appreciated.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Petty Shoplifting Misdemeanor and Citizenship

    I have never been in trouble before and I am sure this is my first and last brush with the law.
    If you want citizenship, you need to be more than sure. Don't. Shoplift. Ever. Just don't. You only get one Petty Theft exception, and you've used it up.

    Your criminal record is going to get you extra scrutiny when you apply for citizenship. It shouldn't torpedo you entirely, but you're going to be looked at in much more detail than someone with a shiny record.

    Should I wait for 5 more years (as opposed to 3 years from now)?
    It won't make a difference. The record doesn't go away.

    Can I travel abroad and come back to US with shoplifting conviction?
    Yes. However...

    I heard they are fingerprinting green card holders also on port of entry and can deport people with prior convictions??
    ...you can be denied entry into the US because the sky is blue, and the border agent would prefer it to be red.

    A single petty theft isn't usually an issue, but you never know what tinpot dictator is playing border agent on any given day.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Petty Shoplifting Misdemeanor and Citizenship

    Thanks lawresearchmissy!!
    I never knew the stupid greedy cheapness will cost me so much!!! It was more like a temptation gone wrong than a crime. I guess too much "sex and the city" and "confession of a shopaholic" influence!! I wanted something for nothing, being cheap I guess! I will never ever do that again.
    My only concern right now is traveling to my home country as ALL my family is back there except for my husband. I love America and the reason I want to be a citizen is same from which I am suffering --- It is a country where people play by the rule- and you get what you deserve! I never knew that shoplifting is such a big crime, otherwise would have never done it! Anyways, thanks for your input.
    I would appreciate if someone has been in a situation like mine and got their citizenship successfully!
    Thanks

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