Naturalization Interview Concern

[Zamerica 0]

Hi- New to the forum. I am going in for my naturalization interview next week and I am nervous about one of the questions which I assume is asked for everyone. During my green card interview, I was asked if I had ever claimed to be a US citizen and I admitted that I had for employment purposes with a private company. The officer castigated me but approved the application. Now, if the question comes up again during the naturalization interview, will it complicate my application if I once again inform a different officer of the same information? I am assuming they have my answer recorded from the prior interview and perhaps that means that the issue is behind me but since I'll be under oath I do intend to tell the truth and hope that there are no consequences. I am curious if anyone in the forum has any experience or information on this. I seem to have read some horror stories on some other forums about this and it's making me a little nervous. Thanks!

[sciencenerd 56]

Hi- New to the forum. I am going in for my naturalization interview next week and I am nervous about one of the questions which I assume is asked for everyone. During my green card interview, I was asked if I had ever claimed to be a US citizen and I admitted that I had for employment purposes with a private company. The officer castigated me but approved the application. Now, if the question comes up again during the naturalization interview, will it complicate my application if I once again inform a different officer of the same information? I am assuming they have my answer recorded from the prior interview and perhaps that means that the issue is behind me but since I'll be under oath I do intend to tell the truth and hope that there are no consequences. I am curious if anyone in the forum has any experience or information on this. I seem to have read some horror stories on some other forums about this and it's making me a little nervous. Thanks!

I'm honestly shocked that it wasn't an issue for your green card interview. It can be a huge issue for your naturalization interview and one that may not be able to be overcome. I would definitely talk to a lawyer ASAP. You must be truthful, especially given that you've already informed them of the fact you've claimed to be a US citizen. Did you answer the question on the N-400 application truthfully?

[Zamerica 0]

I'm honestly shocked that it wasn't an issue for your green card interview. It can be a huge issue for your naturalization interview and one that may not be able to be overcome. I would definitely talk to a lawyer ASAP. You must be truthful, especially given that you've already informed them of the fact you've claimed to be a US citizen. Did you answer the question on the N-400 application truthfully?

Thanks for the response. I will definitely consult an attorney before going in. I answered No on the application with the intent of explaining it further during the interview if asked about it and referencing the fact that I disclosed it during the AOS interview and that I had not made that claim ever again. I'll updated once I have more information from an attorney.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

So you lied on your application? Yes, perhaps consult an attorney.

Good luck, honesty is of course ALWAYS the best policy.

[Zamerica 0]

Hi Udella- That was definitely a mistake on my part. My take when I was preparing the application was that the slate was wiped clean after the AOS interview but as I was looking over the application this week I saw the "ever" part and figured I had not answered truthfully. I'll be answering the question honestly so hopefully the consequences are not severe.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

WHEN did that happen (the year), and did you fill out an I-9 form back then?

[Zamerica 0]

WHEN did that happen (the year), and did you fill out an I-9 form back then?

It was in 2005 and yes I did fill out the old I-9 form which had citizen/national together. My understanding is employers are only required to keep the forms for 3 years? Please let me know if that makes a difference or not based on what you know.

[Heliosphan 1]

You'll have to answer honestly if asked but its probably best to see a lawyer about this, especially since you've already admitted it.

[warlord 72]

First declaring you were a US citizen is a huge issue to begin with and can cause serious issues. Secondly lying on your interview about it is another huge issue. So now they are aware of it, I'd think you could be facing some serious issues during the interview. Talk to that lawyer for sure...

[NickD 202]

Voting is the key issue with the USCIS, several came on this board that were mistakenly issued a voters registration card when applying for a drivers' license. Most got that resolved. Recently a woman was here, but in her case, thought she checked that US citizen box when applying for a job, but came back after doing research, that she didn't.

USCIS seems to be a lot stricter, least in our experience in the naturalization process, difficult to say what your IO will do about it. Did you actually get that job by claiming to be a US citizen, was the company involved with military contracts? Still a lot of ifs.

[NickD 202]

Here is another if, when Bush made an issue out of immigration, primarily to get our minds off of Iraq, State of Wisconsin passed a law where all employers were responsible for verifying your citizenship or other immigration status. Just seems like if that company that may have hired you didn't check your immigration status, they are really the ones at fault, or at least equally at fault.

Was ironic, high school never wanted proof my stepdaughter was an LPR, they collect more money from the city and state with more students. College was a different story, even with high tuition rates, they definitely wanted to see proof she was here legally.

[nwctzn 55]

Hi- New to the forum. I am going in for my naturalization interview next week and I am nervous about one of the questions which I assume is asked for everyone. During my green card interview, I was asked if I had ever claimed to be a US citizen and I admitted that I had for employment purposes with a private company. The officer castigated me but approved the application. Now, if the question comes up again during the naturalization interview, will it complicate my application if I once again inform a different officer of the same information? I am assuming they have my answer recorded from the prior interview and perhaps that means that the issue is behind me but since I'll be under oath I do intend to tell the truth and hope that there are no consequences. I am curious if anyone in the forum has any experience or information on this. I seem to have read some horror stories on some other forums about this and it's making me a little nervous. Thanks!

Things to do:

1. Speak to a lawyer.

2. Correct that answer on your N-400 form during your interview even if the officer does not bring it up.

Since you were approved for the greencard, that fact is working for you. What was your excuse when you told this at your greencard interview?

[EspoMan 4]

Just out of curiosity, if he would have never mentioned that he did at one point claim to be a USC at his previous job, or where ever else, would USCIS have ever found out? Do employers forward the I-90s to them? Unless someone admits to it, how does USCIS know if anyone that files for USC has ever claimed anywhere to have been a USC?

[Sandra G. 5,026]

Oh man... Making a false claim of U.S. citizenship to any person, whether a government official or private employer is against the law. Section 212(a)(6)©(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the 1996 Immigration Act, The section 212(a)(6)©(ii) states inadmissible any alien who falsely claims to be a U.S. citizen for any purpose or benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act or any other federal or state law. If the person made this claim before September 1996 waiver are available. Your case was in 2005 then there are absolutely NO waivers for your case.You will face harsh consequences. Find a good lawyer asap.Good luck.

Edited March 8, 2012 by sandranj

[NevisianDiamond 2]

You will be asked that but just be honest. In the meantime stop worrying. You would only be penalized if you lie. Everything will be okay. Just make a check list of everything that you should take with you and know the answers to the one hundred questions although you will only be asked 10. Once you get 6 right though, that's it. The officers are really nice and respectful. Try not to worry so much. All the best.