Will old arrest deny citizenship?

I have a friend (no really, it is a friend) who is 45, and just had his interview for citizenship.

he has been in the country since age 15 and has maintained a permanent resident alien status. when he was 20 years old and lived in texas (known to be tough on crime) he was arrested for burglary. the circumstances were that a friend of his had a dispute with an ex roommate who would not return items that belonged to him, and so he helped him break back into the dwelling and reclaim his items - it was a very very stupid youthful thing to do, the roommate went all the way with prosecuting the two of them, and although they returned the items/restitution they each wound up with 5 years probation (did i say texas?).

the interviewer had his dispostion, arrest record, and release from probation records which he previously sent in. she told him he passed the test, but would need the 'disposition of arrest' showing what form of the law he was prosecuted under. after reviewing those (which he really doesn't understand what more records he can possibly provide) they will determine that he is of good enough moral standard to become a citizen.

that was the first and only time he had ever been in trouble in any form of law. he is one of those guys that everyone says is 'the nicest guy anyone could know' and is by far the most moral and ethical people i have ever met. he has always held a job and everyone regards him so highly that I cannot believe this mistake could deny his citizenship.

he is really downhearted - does anyone know how this 25 year old mistake can affect his naturalization decision?

Thanks so much !

[John C]

Originally Posted by Unregistered I have a friend (no really, it is a friend) who is 45, and just had his interview for citizenship. he has been in the country since age 15 and has maintained a permanent resident alien status. when he was 20 years old and lived in texas (known to be tough on crime) he was arrested for burglary. the circumstances were that a friend of his had a dispute with an ex roommate who would not return items that belonged to him, and so he helped him break back into the dwelling and reclaim his items - it was a very very stupid youthful thing to do, the roommate went all the way with prosecuting the two of them, and although they returned the items/restitution they each wound up with 5 years probation (did i say texas?). the interviewer had his dispostion, arrest record, and release from probation records which he previously sent in. she told him he passed the test, but would need the 'disposition of arrest' showing what form of the law he was prosecuted under. after reviewing those (which he really doesn't understand what more records he can possibly provide) they will determine that he is of good enough moral standard to become a citizen. that was the first and only time he had ever been in trouble in any form of law. he is one of those guys that everyone says is 'the nicest guy anyone could know' and is by far the most moral and ethical people i have ever met. he has always held a job and everyone regards him so highly that I cannot believe this mistake could deny his citizenship. he is really downhearted - does anyone know how this 25 year old mistake can affect his naturalization decision? Thanks so much !

Wow! I know the feeling. I am facing the same situation. He is EXTREMELY lucky if they allow him to be naturalized. I was arrested in 1995 ( 19 years old ) I am now 33. I applied and they did me the same way. Find this, get these papers, etc... No decision. Usually when they give you no decision, they most likely will deny you. I was denied. The biggest thing he must face now is this, if his arrest is considered an agravated felony, he can now be deported ( removed ). It's what I currently face. He may want to talk to a lawyer at this point. ( If he is denied )