Help - Need some advice – Applying for US Citizenship

[igogreen]

I need some advice on my situation. I’ll be eligible to apply for US Citizenship this coming December (3years). I got married with a US Citizen. Before I got married I was in deportation proceedings for overstaying and was detained. I left the country and my wife applied for hardship was fortunate that our application was approved. I am here now back for almost 3 years and eligible for US Citizenship. My wife and I are happily living together living normal life.

There’s a question on the application that I am not sure what to answer?
On the application it asked: Have you ever arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement (including USCIS or former INS and military officers) for any reason? Does this question only applies for the 3 years I live here or does this includes also years I live from previous years?

Do I need to hire a lawyer with my situation? Need your advice. Or can we do this on our own? What do I need to do?

 

[sanjoseaug20]

The form is clear - the question is "EVER", and not in the past 3 years. Also, do not assume they will not have your old records. They may not be able to find a traffic ticket here and there, but I am sure they will have deportation records available since it is the same agency.

The positive aspect is that USCIS did grant you permission to re-enter based on hardship, which indicates they were willing to forgive this mistake.

Please note that I am not making any recommendation, which is due to the very borderline nature of your case.

 

[Bobsmyth]

I need some advice on my situation. I’ll be eligible to apply for US Citizenship this coming December (3years). I got married with a US Citizen. Before I got married I was in deportation proceedings for overstaying and was detained. I left the country and my wife applied for hardship was fortunate that our application was approved. I am here now back for almost 3 years and eligible for US Citizenship. My wife and I are happily living together living normal life.

There’s a question on the application that I am not sure what to answer?
On the application it asked: Have you ever arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement (including USCIS or former INS and military officers) for any reason? Does this question only applies for the 3 years I live here or does this includes also years I live from previous years?

Do I need to hire a lawyer with my situation? Need your advice. Or can we do this on our own? What do I need to do?

The question about being detained refers to ever, not just the last 3 years. Having been in deportation proceeding, being detained, and successfully being granted relief outside statutory period does not make you ineligible for naturalization. If this is your only detention, you can easily apply on your own. Just expect to provide the court documentation to your immigration hearing and to be questioned about the incident at the interview.