Citizenship

[kteacher]

I am a permanent residen who has lived in U.S. since 1981. I am married to a U.S. citizen. I have wanted to apply for citizenship for many years. I have not done so because I am afraid of denial based on criminal record (if it exists). When I was in college(1991) I was arrested and convicted for forgery of a check of less than 1000. I got 5 years of, I believe the correct term is adjudicated probation. 2 years later in 1993 I got a misdemeanor conviction also for forgery at my job. I got community service and 2 years probation. I have not had any problems since then and don't ever plan to again. I was under the understanding that after a certain # of years the first conviction (in TX) would not appear on my record. I'm not sure on the 2nd one (in California). I am currently a teacher in Tx and have passed all the background checks the state does to certify. I'm concerned because I have heard of instances in which people who have lived here all their lives are deported upon applying for citizensip and disclosing criminal backgrounds.
What shoul I do? Am I better off just keeping my permanent resident status? By the way, I did complete all my probation requirements and fines.

 

[usdeeper]

I am a permanent residen who has lived in U.S. since 1981. I am married to a U.S. citizen. I have wanted to apply for citizenship for many years. I have not done so because I am afraid of denial based on criminal record (if it exists). When I was in college(1991) I was arrested and convicted for forgery of a check of less than 1000. I got 5 years of, I believe the correct term is adjudicated probation. 2 years later in 1993 I got a misdemeanor conviction also for forgery at my job. I got community service and 2 years probation. I have not had any problems since then and don't ever plan to again. I was under the understanding that after a certain # of years the first conviction (in TX) would not appear on my record. I'm not sure on the 2nd one (in California). I am currently a teacher in Tx and have passed all the background checks the state does to certify. I'm concerned because I have heard of instances in which people who have lived here all their lives are deported upon applying for citizensip and disclosing criminal backgrounds.
What shoul I do? Am I better off just keeping my permanent resident status? By the way, I did complete all my probation requirements and fines.

Does not matter if it is on your record or not. The INS will ask you to list your crimes.. and you do not lie to the INS.. Your best bet is to see an immigration attorney. Take any papers you have regarding the crimes and have him look them over..

 

[kteacher]

I never intended to withhold any information from the INS. My question is not wheter to be honest or not, it's whether anyone has ideas on how the INS treats applicants with my situation. Is my application likely to be denied?