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ARTICLE · 13 JANUARY 2020

New Policy Guidance On Good Moral Character Determinations

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
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Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

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A U.S. immigrant may feel that receiving a green card (permanent residence) is the end goal of their immigration journey.

United StatesImmigration
Lindsey H. Steinberg
Lindsey H. Steinberg
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A U.S. immigrant may feel that receiving a green card (permanent residence) is the end goal of their immigration journey. However, if a permanent resident plans to become a U.S. citizen, he or she should be aware that certain behaviors could adversely affect their ability to become a citizen.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) lists Establishing Good Moral Character (GMC) as a requirement for naturalization. There are some crimes which, if a person has been convicted of at any time during his or her life, disqualifies him or her from becoming a U.S. Citizen. These convictions are permanent bars to naturalization. These tend to be serious crimes (e.g. murder and drug trafficking).

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