If you want a green card, US. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) usually ask applicants to list all of their criminal records. This includes all police work you do in your home country or the US.
Applicants will most likely need to report any arrests, convictions, or criminal records. But, one thing is a no: minor traffic violations generally aren’t reported unless they lead to a criminal conviction (i.e., driving under the influence).
It doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t qualify for a green card if you have a criminal record, but certain crimes can be problematic and sometimes denied. Infractions such as felonies or drug crimes render someone unaccredited for a green card. Other less serious offenses could also be waived or excused at a moment’s notice.
Can I Leave the U.S. With a Travel Permit? While My Marriage Green Card Application is In Process?
When your marriage-based green card petition goes through, you may wonder if you’re able to leave the US while it does. Technically, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) doesn’t directly prohibit applicants from traveling while their green card application is pending. But there are risks you should know about.
Being out of status and being away from home while your application is under review can get you into trouble. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials may deny you re-entry into the United States without a travel permit. This means even if you have a travel permit (such as advance parole), there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed back.
To reduce the chance of complications, applicants are usually recommended to hold out until they receive their green card before exiting the U.S. This is especially useful if you have no idea where your status is, or if your application is still under review.
