USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Prerequisite of Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence for Purposes of Naturalization

USCIS updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify circumstances under which an applicant may be found ineligible for naturalization if the applicant was not lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in accordance with all applicable provisions under the INA. Comments are due December 18, 2020.

Policy Highlights

• Affirms that an applicant is ineligible for naturalization in cases where the applicant did not obtain LPR status lawfully (including cases where the U.S. government was unaware of disqualifying material facts and had therefore previously granted adjustment of status to that of an LPR or admitted the applicant as an LPR).

Related Resources

• USCIS Press Release: USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Naturalization Applicants Who Did Not Properly Obtain Lawful Permanent Resident Status – November 18, 2020