Citizenship Approval after RFE for Ecuadorian National
We recently had an approval for citizenship (naturalization) for an Ecuadorian national at the Queens Field Office. Congratulations to our client!
Our client initially applied for naturalization on his own. At his interview, the officer had questions about a conviction which he had more than two decades prior, and issued a request for evidence (RFE) which requested a very long list of documents related to his conviction, including arrest records, sentencing minutes, court transcripts, and much more. At this point, he retained our services. We responded solely with his certificate of disposition and none of the other documents, highlighting that he had previously testified to this incident when he obtained his lawful permanent residence in Immigration Court and it was already determined by an Immigration Judge that this arrest did not find him lacking in good moral character. We also highlighted that, during the five year period prior to him applying for naturalization, he had no arrests or other conduct which could prevent him from establishing good moral character. His application was approved and he was sworn in as a U.S. citizen!
If you are seeking an immigration benefit and you have a prior arrest or criminal conviction, it is important to determine what impact, if any, that may have on the benefit you seek. A prior arrest or conviction does not necessarily mean you won’t qualify for the benefit that you seek. It is best practice to seek advice from an immigration attorney prior to applying for the benefit to best protect yourself.