Do felons lose their citizenship?

Asked by: Emil Russel  |  Last update: June 10, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)

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 a felony affect your 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 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 can cause you to lose U.S. 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.

What crime can cause a citizen to lose citizenship?

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.

How does the Trump administration plan on fighting birthright citizenship?

25 related questions found

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.

Can a felon renounce US 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.

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 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.

Why do people get 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.

How does a felony affect your life?

Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors and can have significant consequences, including loss of voting rights (while in prison), professional licenses, and the ability to own firearms.

Can a felon go away on its own?

A felon finger cannot heal properly on its own and therefore requires adequate evaluation and treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the finger and cause several complications.

Is being a felon permanent?

In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.

Who is permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship?

A person permanently barred from obtaining US citizenship is inadmissible. This category of people primarily includes people who got out of military service based on their alienage, and people who left the US to avoid the draft.

Why can't felons get a passport?

Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support. Being subject to sex offender registration requirements.

Do prisoners lose their citizenship?

A felony conviction can affect citizenship in two ways. 1) A naturalized US citizen can lose their citizenship if they concealed this criminal history during the naturalization process. 2) A citizen who is convicted of a felony may lose some of their rights while incarcerated as well as after their release.

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.

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 get your citizenship if you have a felony?

Permanent Bars Based on Criminal Convictions

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.

How does a 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 I lose my citizenship if I commit a crime?

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.

Can a felon come back to the US?

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.

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.

How long can a US citizen stay out of the country?

A common concern is the duration of time a U.S. citizen can spend abroad without jeopardizing their citizenship status. While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities.