FALSE CLAIM TO U. S. CITIZENSHIP
A false claim to U.S. citizenship by a non-citizen has severe consequences. One is a finding that the person lacks Good Moral Character and, therefore, is denied naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.
Many Green Card holders fall into a “trap” when they apply for a Driver’s License or an ID card. The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) includes an automatic request for Voter Registration – which is legally available only to U.S. citizens.
Now comes the USCIS and clarifies that they would not penalize an applicant for naturalization who have unknowingly or have unintentionally registered to vote.
CITIZENSHIP AND LYING
Some LPRs (Legal Permanent Residents) are eligible for naturalization but include some incorrect answers in the long (20 pages) and difficult application (Form N-400).
In most cases, the USCIS would give them an opportunity to correct the “mistake”. But if they don’t, or if they are caught with any other lie at the interview, the application would be denied on the grounds that the applicant lacks Good Moral Character. What then?
The applicant keeps the Green Card and remains a Legal Permanent Resident. After a required waiting period, sometimes 5 years and sometimes 3 years, from the date of the failed interview, the failed applicant may file a new application for naturalization (with a new Filing Fee). This time, hopefully, without any mistakes.
CITIZENSHIP AND SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION
There is no compulsory military services in the U.S. But there is an obligation to REGISTER FOR SELECTIVE SERVICE. This obligation falls on every male resident (legal or not) between the ages of 18 and 26. (At this moment, the Supreme Court is reviewing the issue whether females should be required to register, too.)