Who Cannot become a U.S. citizen?

You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for serious crimes (murder, aggravated felonies), failing to show "good moral character" (dishonesty, drug use, certain criminal acts), not meeting residency/physical presence, failing English/civics tests (unless medically exempt), not registering for selective service (if applicable), or misrepresenting information on applications. Major disqualifiers include convictions for murder or aggravated felonies, while lesser offenses require a waiting period to prove good moral character, notes this article from Rivas & Associates.

What disqualifies you from becoming a U.S. citizen?

In addition to obvious crimes of violence, such as homicide or aggravated assault, this category may include more minor crimes like resisting arrest or DUI in some cases.

Who can be denied citizenship?

The most common reasons for citizenship denial include criminal record issues affecting good moral character, continuous residence breaks from long trips abroad, physical presence shortfalls, unpaid taxes or child support, selective service non-registration, and misrepresentation on naturalization applications.

Who is permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship?

Yes, you can be permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship due to severe offenses like genocide, Nazi persecution, or murder, or for specific actions like requesting exemption from military service based on alienage, but for many issues (criminal history, unlawful presence), ineligibility is temporary, requiring a waiting period before reapplication, while some issues, like fraud in obtaining LPR status, can permanently bar you, so it depends heavily on the specific reason. 

Can a person with dementia become a U.S. citizen?

If you have a disability or impairment that makes you unable to learn or remember new information, you can apply for a disability waiver for the application test part of the citizenship process using Form N-648.

Every Way To Become A United States Citizen

What is the disability exception for citizenship?

USCIS offers an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization because of physical, developmental disability or mental impairment with documented medical disability.

What are the disqualifying medical conditions for a US visa?

US visa disqualifying medical conditions primarily involve communicable diseases of public health significance (like active TB, syphilis, cholera), physical/mental disorders with harmful behavior, or drug abuse/addiction, but recent policy expands scrutiny to common chronic illnesses (diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart/respiratory/mental health issues) under the "public charge" rule, where officers assess if care costs would burden the U.S., potentially leading to denial for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. 

Who is exempt from the citizenship test in the USA?

You can get a U.S. citizenship test exemption through age/residency requirements (like 50+ with 20+ years as a PR, or 55+ with 15 years), medical disabilities by filing Form N-648 certified by a doctor, or for active military service, which offers potential waivers for English/civics tests, with the main pathways being through USCIS for age/medical, and specific forms/proof for military service. 

How far back does a background check go for citizenship?

Usually this is the five years before you applied, or three years if you're applying for citizenship on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen. You will also need to give a statement under oath about any criminal background you have in the period of good moral character.

Why would people be rejected for citizenship in the United States?

You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for serious crimes (murder, aggravated felonies), failing to show "good moral character" (dishonesty, drug use, certain criminal acts), not meeting residency/physical presence, failing English/civics tests (unless medically exempt), not registering for selective service (if applicable), or misrepresenting information on applications. Major disqualifiers include convictions for murder or aggravated felonies, while lesser offenses require a waiting period to prove good moral character, notes this article from Rivas & Associates. 

Who can and cannot be a citizen of the United States?

Fourteenth Amendment, Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

How many people get denied U.S. citizenship?

On average, around 10% to 12% of naturalization applications are denied annually by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For example, in recent years, out of approximately 850,000 to 900,000 applications received each year, about 80,000 to 100,000 applicants have been denied.

Why do people fail citizenship interviews?

Failing the English and Civics Tests

One of the most common reasons for Form N-400 denial is failing the required English language and U.S. civics tests. These tests assess your ability to read, write, and speak basic English, as well as your knowledge of U.S. history and government.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for citizenship?

Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for the entire three years leading up to your application. Even if you were married, time before they became a citizen doesn't count toward the three years. You must have your permanent resident status for three years before you can apply for citizenship through marriage.

On what grounds can citizenship be denied?

Some common reasons for denial include failing the English or Civcis Test, lack of good moral character, or other ineligibility, such as failure to pay taxes or support dependent. We've outlined a few common examples below: Physical Presence and Long Absences.

What is the new law for citizenship 2025?

While no sweeping "new law for citizenship 2025" has passed, significant proposed legislation (like the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 and Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025) and major regulatory changes by USCIS (new civics test, stricter character review) are dominating discussions and affecting the citizenship process, with legal challenges to executive actions on birthright citizenship underway.
 

Can a person with a felony become a U.S. citizen?

Some crimes prevent you from becoming a U.S. citizen. If you were convicted of an “aggravated felony” any time after November 29, 1990, you are not eligible to become a citizen. Other crimes that may make you ineligible are crimes of domestic violence or violation of a restraining order. What is an aggravated felony?

What are red flags in a background check?

Red flags in a background check include criminal records, resume inconsistencies (like fake degrees or jobs), unexplained employment gaps, frequent job hopping, negative references, poor credit history (for finance roles), and inappropriate social media activity, all signaling issues with honesty, reliability, or suitability for the role, requiring further employer review. 

What shows up on the USCIS background check?

Green Card background checks primarily focus on an applicant's criminal history and compliance with immigration law rather than financial history. They are conducted to ensure the applicant poses no security threat and has adhered to U.S. laws.

What is permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship?

What are common reasons for being ineligible for citizenship? Common reasons include criminal convictions, failure to meet residency requirements, and prior deportation orders.

What are the five-five requirements to become a US citizen?

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, the five main requirements are being at least 18, having permanent residency for 3-5 years, demonstrating good moral character, passing English and U.S. civics tests, and taking the Oath of Allegiance, with other rules like continuous residency and physical presence also applying. 

What is a medical excuse for citizenship test?

A disability exception, which can only be requested by submitting Form N-648, requires an applicant to show that the applicant's physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents the applicant from complying with the English or civics requirements or both, even with reasonable accommodations.

What are the three reasons for visa rejection?

Common Visa Rejection Reasons and Ways to Avoid Them

• Incomplete Application. ...
• Violation of Rules. ...
• Incomplete Travel Details. ...
• Insufficient Travel Insurance. ...
• Unclear Purpose of Travel. ...
• Invalid or Expired Passport. ...
• Visa Interview Gone Wrong. ...
• Insufficient Funds.

What may cause you to fail an immigration medical exam?

The main health-related reasons why a person might be denied a green card include the following: Communicable diseases: If you have active, untreated, and infectious gonorrhea, leprosy, syphilis, or tuberculosis, you will be unable to get a green card until the disease has been treated and/or cured.