Citizenship with expunged record. Input appreciated

[Flash31]

Hello all, I am posting this with hope that someone can shed some light on my possible future. I fell very ashamed and regretful of my past.

Background: I am a 22 year old (soon to be 23), permanent resident residing in KS. Both my parents became US citizens last year. I have a MS in accounting and will be attending law school next fall.

Unfortunately, when I was 19, I was arrested for the following (in Pennsylvania):
1. Attempted criminal burglary
2. Attempted criminal trespassing
3. Loitering at night
4. Possession of instrument of crime (screwdriver)

I am very ashamed of this, so I won't get into any detail.

Charges were originally dismissed by the municipal magistrate, however, the cop filed for rearrest under PA law.

I was represented by an attorney throughout the process and all the charges were nolle prossed. I was on a ARD (basically diversion) program, served 9 months of probation, and my record was expunged after completing it.

I would like to become an US citizen. I have been told that there is no chance and I am basically going to be deported once my green card expires.

I was raised in the US, and have a bright future ahead of me. I have a Masters in Accounting, (CPA bound), and will be attending law school next fall. I plan to be a productive member of the society.

I would appreciate any input you guys have on my situation.

 

[AOS_GUY]

You should wait 2 more years before applying and hire a good immigration lawyer. My cousin had a couple of 7 year old misdeamenors when he applied and he had no issues. Since all of your charges are related to the same incident immigration might be a bit more lineant.

 

[Jackolantern]

You might have a chance, because you weren't actually found guilty. However, depending on whether immigration sees it as a conviction (you don't need an actual guilty verdict to be guilty in USCIS's eyes; probation and diversionary programs may be interpreted as guilt), you could be deported right after the interview. Make sure you check with more than one immigration lawyer before applying, showing them all the relevant court records so they can look at the specifics of your case and figure out the expected immigration consequences.

 

[SFCitizen]

I would wait a few more years before applying since the charges were felonies. I was convicted prior to my 18th birthday for charges similar to yours and subsequently had my records expunged. I've since graduated university and I have qualified for CPA license. I had been under the impression that one has to wait 6 years before applying for citizenship. As such, I applied and didn't have any problems.




Disclaimer:Everything posted above is strictly my personal opinion.