Can felons become US citizens?
Asked by: Yasmine Lehner | Last update: February 8, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (21 votes)
Yes, you can become a U.S. citizen with a felony, but it depends heavily on the type of crime and when it occurred, as certain offenses like murder or aggravated felonies (drug trafficking, violent crimes, etc.) result in permanent bars to citizenship, while other crimes create temporary bars requiring you to demonstrate "good moral character" for a period (usually 5 years) after your sentence. Serious crimes can even trigger removal proceedings, so legal advice is crucial.
Can you get US citizenship if you have a felony?
An applicant will be automatically barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship and likely placed in removal proceedings if they have been convicted of murder or an aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990.
Can a U.S. citizen who is a felon get a passport?
Most felons are eligible to get a US passport once they have completed their sentence and have no outstanding warrants. Certain felony convictions, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child support arrears, can disqualify you from obtaining a passport.
What disqualifies you from being a U.S. citizen?
You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for lacking "good moral character," often due to criminal history (especially violent crimes, drug trafficking, or aggravated felonies), serious financial issues (unpaid taxes/support), lying on applications, failing to register for Selective Service, or long absences from the U.S., all of which break residency requirements. Specific offenses like murder, sexual abuse of a minor, or drug trafficking can lead to permanent bars, while other offenses create temporary bars, requiring a waiting period to prove character.
Can felons immigrate to the USA?
Immigrating to the U.S. with a criminal record is difficult but not impossible. Following the appropriate legal steps, seeking expert guidance, and proving your rehabilitation, you may still be eligible to make the U.S. your home.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
Does USA jobs hire felons?
False: People with criminal records are eligible to compete for the vast majority of federal jobs. During the hiring process, Federal agencies are generally required to consider people with criminal records IF they are among the highest rated candidates and can comply with the job requirements.
What criminal convictions stop you from getting into America?
In most cases, you will be denied a waiver where you have been convicted of what is deemed a serious offence. These are commonly referred to as crimes involving moral turpitude, (CIMTs), such as rape, kidnap, manslaughter, murder or forgery.
Who is permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship?
An applicant who requested, applied for, and obtained a discharge or exemption from military service from the U.S. armed forces on the ground that he or she is an alien (“alienage discharge”) is permanently ineligible for naturalization unless he or she qualifies for an exception (discussed below).
Can an Indian get U.S. citizenship?
The minimum age to apply for US citizenship for Indians is 18 years. Unmarried applicants should have a green or permanent resident card for five years. And if the applicant is married to a US citizen, three years of residence is compulsory.
What are 7 ways you can lose your U.S. citizenship?
You may lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:
- Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
- Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
- Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.
How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?
A felony conviction typically stays on your U.S. criminal record indefinitely, creating a permanent history, but specific states offer remedies like expungement or sealing after waiting periods (often 7+ years) and meeting strict criteria, though serious or violent felonies are often ineligible. Options depend heavily on your state, the crime's severity, and your behavior since, with some "Clean Slate" laws automatically sealing records.
What felony stops you from getting a passport?
Felonies that often disqualify you from getting a passport involve drug trafficking, terrorism, treason, kidnapping, human trafficking, child sexual abuse material, or certain federal crimes related to fraud or espionage, especially if you are a fugitive or on probation/parole with travel restrictions, but most other felonies don't automatically prevent issuance; other disqualifiers include major child support arrears ($2,500+) or outstanding federal warrants, notes the U.S. Department of State.
Can you leave the country as a felon?
Yes, felons can often leave the U.S. and get a passport, but travel is restricted if you're on probation/parole, have pending charges, owe significant child support, or were convicted of certain crimes like drug trafficking; you must also check the entry laws of the destination country, as many deny entry based on criminal records, especially for serious offenses like crimes involving "moral turpitude".
What crimes does immigration not forgive?
Examples of such crimes are:
- Convictions for murder or criminal acts involving torture.
- A conviction for an “aggravated felony” is a special category of grave crimes defined by immigration law.
- Any offense related to drug trafficking, including a reason to believe you were a trafficker, even without a conviction.
Can you get a passport if you have a felony in the US?
Yes, most felons can get a U.S. passport, as a felony conviction doesn't automatically bar you unless it involves specific crimes like international drug trafficking, treason, or you're under a court order restricting travel, on parole/probation with travel bans, or owe significant child support. Eligibility depends on the nature of the crime, completion of the sentence, and current legal status; check with Travel.State.gov for details, especially if on probation or parole.
Can a felon sponsor citizenship?
Generally speaking, the more serious the crime, the less likely you are to be approved as a sponsor. If you have been convicted of a felony, for example, it may be more difficult to get USCIS to approve your I-130 petition than it would be if you were convicted of a misdemeanor (or not convicted of any crimes at all).
Is Isha Ambani a U.S. citizen?
In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that Isha Ambani and her twin brother Akash Ambani hold U.S. citizenship, and continuing the lineage, Isha's children Aadiya and Krishna are also American citizens like their mother.
Can a baby born in the USA get Indian citizenship?
Entitlement by birth or descent
Since then, citizenship by birth is granted only if both parents are Indian citizens, or if one parent is a citizen and the other is not considered an illegal migrant. Children born overseas are eligible to become Indian citizens by descent if at least one parent is a citizen.
What is the fastest way to get USA citizenship?
The fastest ways to get U.S. citizenship involve expedited naturalization through marriage to a U.S. citizen or U.S. military service, with military service generally considered the quickest path, potentially allowing applications after just one day of service, while marriage allows application after three years as a green card holder (instead of the usual five). Other routes require a standard five years as a permanent resident.
Can I become a U.S. citizen if I have a felony?
Aggravated Felony. In 1996, Congress expanded the definition and type of offense considered an “aggravated felony” in the immigration context. An applicant who has been convicted of an “aggravated felony” on or after November 29, 1990, is permanently barred from establishing GMC for naturalization.
What are the five-five requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you generally need to be at least 18, a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to a citizen), demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests on U.S. history/government, and take the Oath of Allegiance, along with meeting continuous residence and physical presence rules, and filing Form N-400.
What crimes can revoke U.S. citizenship?
U.S. citizenship can be revoked (denaturalization) primarily through illegal procurement by lying or concealing material facts during naturalization (like criminal history, terrorism ties) or for treason, espionage, war crimes, human rights violations, or membership in terrorist/criminal groups, often involving serious felonies or fraud that would have barred citizenship if known, with recent efforts prioritizing national security and severe criminal acts.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
No, scanning your passport doesn't instantly display your full criminal record, but it does allow border officials to access linked law enforcement databases (like the NCIC for the U.S.) where criminal history, warrants, and watchlists are stored; a flag or alert can trigger deeper checks, potentially revealing offenses like DUIs or security threats, leading to further questioning or denial of entry, especially for non-citizens.
Can a convicted felon enter the US?
For example, if you were convicted of a drug crime years ago, you may be able to obtain a waiver in order to be granted permission into the country. Finally, the United States will also typically deny entry to any persons who have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.
Can you immigrate to the USA if you have a criminal record?
In cases where an arrest resulted in a conviction, you may be permanently ineligible to receive a visa and will require a waiver ineligibility to travel to the United States. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to United States visa law.