Citizenship Denials and Appeals

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone, but navigating the naturalization process can be fraught with obstacles. Occasionally, applications are denied, leaving applicants uncertain about their options. At Ahlgren Law, we aim to shed light on the common reasons for citizenship denials and help you understand how appeals can provide a second chance.

Common Reasons for Citizenship Application Denials

Citizenship through naturalization involves meeting several legal criteria and providing extensive documentation. Unfortunately, even small errors or oversights can result in a denial. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Incomplete Documentation: Failing to submit the necessary paperwork, such as proof of lawful permanent resident status or financial records, can derail the process.
• Failure to Meet Residency Requirements: Applicants must generally reside in the U.S. for at least five years—or three years if married to a U.S. citizen—before applying. Lengthy absences may compromise eligibility.
• Issues with English Proficiency or Civic Knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate basic English skills and pass a civics test about U.S. history and government. Failing these tests could lead to denial.
• Moral Character Concerns: Applicants must prove good moral character, which could be questioned if there are recent criminal convictions or unresolved legal issues.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application: Even honest mistakes in completing Form N-400 can result in rejection.

Receiving a denial can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. You have options to challenge the decision.

Navigating the Appeal Process

If your application is denied, you will typically receive a written notice explaining the reason behind the decision. The two main options you have are:

1. Request a Hearing on Denial (Form N-336) – Filing Form N-336 allows you to ask for a hearing with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. This process enables you to submit additional evidence, clarify misunderstandings, or address the issues outlined in the denial notice. The N-336 must be filed within 30 days of the denial decision, so acting quickly is critical.
2. Reapply for Citizenship – In some cases, reapplying with a new application may be the best course of action, especially if you’ve since corrected the issues that led to the denial. However, this approach can take longer and may not guarantee approval without adequate preparation.

How Ahlgren Law Can Help

Handling a citizenship denial or appeal can be complex and time-sensitive. At Ahlgren Law, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether it’s helping you understand the reasons for your denial, gathering supplemental evidence, or representing you at an appeal hearing, we are committed to protecting your rights and giving you the strongest chance of success.

We regularly stay informed on immigration policy changes, which allows us to provide the most up-to-date and reliable legal advice. For instance, recent adjustments to naturalization test requirements or expanded eligibility for certain applicants might impact your case—these are factors we can evaluate.

Practical Tips for Filing Appeals

• Act Quickly: Deadlines for appeals are strict, so don’t delay in seeking professional help.  
• Be Thorough: Ensure that any missing documents or errors are corrected before submission.  
• Work with an Experienced Attorney: Immigration law is intricate, and personalized legal support can make a dramatic difference.  

Schedule a Consultation

At Ahlgren Law, we have more than five decades of experience helping clients achieve their immigration goals. If you’ve faced a citizenship denial, you don’t have to handle the appeal process alone. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation. Your dreams don’t need to be put on hold—Ahlgren Law is here to help make them possible.