Immigration Help: False Statement at Naturalization Interview

A false statement during a naturalization interview is serious business. Knowingly and intentionally providing U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services (USCIS) with false information during the naturalization interview is, under the law, a sign of bad moral character. Thus, it will result in a denial of the naturalization application.

Or, if USCIS later finds out about the false information, it can revoke the immigrant's grant of citizenship at any time. The person might then be at risk for deportation back to their former country of residence, depending on the subject of the lie.

The Meaning of Being Placed Under Oath

During the naturalization interview, an applicant for U.S. citizenship will be placed under oath by the USCIS representative. That's where you raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth. It's meant to hold people to a higher standard than in everyday conversation -- though any lie told at any point during the immigration process can be held against you.

For example, if USCIS discovers, during a citizenship interview, that the applicant lied in order to get a green card -- for example entered into a false marriage, or concealed a marriage in order to enter as the "unmarried" child of a lawful permanent resident -- it can both deny naturalization and send the person into immigration court proceedings for possible removal from the United States.

Questions to Expect at the Naturalization Interview

In order to assure that you don't make any incorrect or false statements during the naturalization interview, it is best to carefully review your N-400 Form, “Application for Naturalization,” ahead of time. During the interview, the USCIS officer may ask you about anything on the form. If you see any errors that were already made, bring these to the attention of the USCIS officer -- and bring proof of the truth, if need be, such as a certificate showing someone's actual name.

Many people lie about having any past criminal arrests or detainments. This can be a huge mistake, as the fingerprints that you've provided are likely to reveal any contacts with the police.

Getting Legal Help

If you have been scheduled for a naturalization interview and are aware of elements concerning your background or immigration history that you fear may be troublesome if questioned about them, then talk to an immigration lawyer before appearing at the interview. The same is true if you made lies on any previous applications, such as for asylum or a green card. In the latter case, it may be safest not to apply for naturalization at all.