Can you lose your US citizenship if you commit a felony?

Asked by: Eldora Gleichner  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (63 votes)

In general, a person will not lose their citizenship if convicted of a crime after they are naturalized. But it is possible to face civil “denaturalization” and removal from the country if the government can prove you lied about a crime committed before you became a citizen.

Do felons lose their citizenship?

People who are US citizens do not lose their citizenship upon being convicted of a felony. They may lose some of the rights that come with citizenship (such as the right to vote), but the citizenship itself remains.

Does committing a felony affect your citizenship if so how?

Permanent Bars to US Citizenship

While there are temporary bars to US citizenship, there are also permanent bars that would prevent you from gaining US citizenship entirely. For example, if you were convicted of murder or an aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990, you are not eligible to become a US citizen.

What crime can cause a citizen to lose citizenship?

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. Commit an act of treason against the United States.

Does felony affect immigration status?

A conviction for an aggravated felony can lead to deportation without the possibility of multiple forms of relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal. Controlled Substance Violations: Any conviction related to illegal drugs can have a direct impact on immigration status.

Can the Government Take Away Your Citizenship?

44 related questions found

Can you lose your green card if you have a felony?

Immigration officials may deport you or downgrade your status because of a felony. They even may do so for a non-felony conviction. But this can depend on your current status, the type of offense, and the specific facts surrounding your case. Crimes involving "moral turpitude" carry harsh consequences for non-citizens.

Can a naturalized citizen be deported for a felony?

Can Naturalized US Citizens Be Deported for a Felony? A naturalized US citizen cannot be deported for breaking the law unless they break the law to become a US citizen or get convicted of treason. However, permanent residents of the US can get deported for committing certain crimes and felonies.

What disqualifies you from U.S. citizenship?

You have been convicted of or admitted to a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), such as fraud. You spent 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime. You committed any crime related to illegal drugs other than a single offense involving 30 grams or less of marijuana.

What is the most serious way to lose your citizenship in America?

Renunciation is the most unequivocal way in which a person can manifest an intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship. The loss of nationality is a serious and irrevocable act.

Can a felon renounce U.S. citizenship?

If you are wanted for a crime, you can still renounce, though, walking into the US Embassy may result in local authorities being notified of your location, but you can still renounce.

What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?

What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport: Cybercrime. Human trafficking. Federal drug charges, including trafficking, manufacturing, and selling drugs.

What makes you permanently ineligible for US citizenship?

INA 315 states that “any alien who applies or has applied for exemption or discharge from training or service in the Armed Forces or in the National Security Training Corps of the United States on the ground that he is an alien and is or was relieved or discharged from such training or service on such ground, shall be ...

Can you go out of country with a felony?

Most convicted felons can easily get a passport without any issues, but visiting some countries may not be as simple due to restrictions and limitations set by those countries' governments.

What are the cons of being a felon?

One Felony, Five Huge Repercussions
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. As a convicted felon, you may have trouble obtaining a US passport. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

How can a person lose his citizenship?

There are three ways in which a person can lose citizenship of a country. These are renunciation, deprivation and termination.

What rights do I lose as a felon?

Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction in California

From the loss of voting rights and firearm ownership to employment challenges and parental custody issues, the ramifications of a felony can be both profound and long-lasting.

What are 3 ways a citizen can lose their citizenship?

Becoming a naturalized citizen of another country after age 18. Formally declaring allegiance to a foreign government after age 18. Accepting a position in the government of another country after age 18, if one has citizenship in, or declared allegiance to, that country.

Can US cancel citizenship?

Under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the government cannot revoke the citizenship of a natural-born U.S. citizen (U.S.C). However, renouncing citizenship is an option for those born in the United States. Denaturalized U.S. citizens are subject to removal (deportation) from the United States.

Which citizenship is the hardest to obtain?

Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship in the World
  • Qatar. Qatar, nestled in the Persian Gulf and known for its immense wealth driven by the natural gas industry, is renowned for the stringent requirements for obtaining citizenship. ...
  • Vatican City. ...
  • Liechtenstein. ...
  • Bhutan. ...
  • Saudi Arabia. ...
  • Kuwait. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • China.

Can you still become a U.S. citizen with a felony?

You will be permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have been convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony if the conviction was issued on or after November 29, 1990.

What is the 10 year rule for immigration?

What is the 10 Year Law? A person cannot apply for a Green Card if they have unlawfully been in the U.S. for over 10 years, however, there are exceptions. The 10-year law can be used as a defense to stop deportation and possibly grant a person permanent resident status if they met certain qualifications.

Who gets denied U.S. citizenship?

Criminal History and Good Moral Character

USCIS requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character (GMC) during the statutory period—generally five years before filing (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Certain criminal offenses can lead to a determination of poor moral character, resulting in denial.

Can I lose my citizenship if I commit a crime?

Crimes related to terrorism and treason are among the most serious offenses that can result in the loss of citizenship. These acts are viewed as direct threats to national security and the nation's integrity. 8 U.S.C. § 1481(a)(7) outlines the loss of nationality by committing acts of treason or terrorism.

What is the most common cause of deportation?

Some of the most common reasons for deportation are: An individual violates the terms of their immigration status (green card, nonimmigrant visa, etc.) An individual was inadmissible at the time where they entered the country or adjusted their status.

Can a person with a felony and deported come back to the USA?

If you were deported because of an aggravated felony, most likely, you will be barred from entering the U.S. for 20 years. If you were removed for a lesser charge, you need only wait for five or ten years before applying for a waiver.