Legal Question in Immigration Law in Illinois

Re: citizenship

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Although it is minor, shoplifting is deemed to be a crime of "moral turpitude" which is a basis for denying admissibility. When applying for citizenship it is necessary to show that one has been a person of "good moral character" for the past five years (three years for certain persons married to U.S. citizens). If there was any criminal conviction during that period, however minor, the application will likely be denied. Was there a conviction ever entered? There are several factors that must be considered before determining the possible immigration consequences. Were you convicted for immigration purposes? According judge or jury has found the alien guilty or the alien has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and judge has ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien's liberty to be imposed.