Securing U.S. Citizenship - Overcoming a Prior Conviction – Matter of M.G.

M.G., a lawful permanent resident, faced significant challenges when seeking U.S. citizenship due to a past legal issue involving a conviction. After being charged with inadmissibility due to a conviction for possession of cannabis under Utah law, M.G. was initially served with a Notice to Appear by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection. With the expert guidance of the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail, M.G. was able to overcome this obstacle and successfully achieve naturalization, securing U.S. citizenship within just nine months. This case demonstrates the importance of expert legal assistance when navigating complex immigration issues and the dedication of the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail in achieving successful outcomes for its clients.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Securing U.S. Citizenship - Overcoming a Prior Conviction Matter of M.G. (2025)

M.G. is a lawful permanent resident who retained Alex to help with naturalization because of a thorny immigration issue that had arisen when he returned from a trip abroad years before. Because of a conviction for possession of cannabis in violation of Utah law that M.G. had sustained, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection served M.G. with a Notice to Appear, charging him with inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, when he returned from an international trip. He had retained Alex right away back then, and the agency ended up cancelling the Notice to Appear pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 239.2(6). 

When consulting with Alex about pursuing naturalization, M.G. was concerned that filing the Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) would cause the agency to file the Notice to Appear this time around, which would initiate removal proceedings and place M.G. at risk of deportation. Alex went over the risks with M.G., ensuring that M.G. had a grasp of all the potential scenarios that could play out so that M.G. could make an informed decision. Having the peace of mind knowing that he would be eligible for relief from removal even if the worst-case scenario came to pass, M.G. decided to pursue naturalization. Within nine months of filing the Form N-400, M.G. had his application approved, took the oath of allegiance, and can proudly say that he is now U.S citizen.

If you are facing challenges in your naturalization process or have concerns about your immigration status, contact the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail today. Our experienced immigration attorneys can guide you through the complexities of the immigration system and help you secure the best possible outcome. Call us at (725) 221-5998, or complete the contact form, for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your immigration challenges with confidence and expertise.