will controlled substance arrest affect naturalizaiton application?

I was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while in college (got caught smoking marijuana in the dorms with friends) and am wondering if this will affect my ability to apply for citizenship?
This occurred about 7 years ago and is my only arrest. The charges were deferred and i completed my community service and probation period without issue.

Any input or past personal experiences with similar issues would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

review it with immigration counsel--depending how it was classified it may be a non-issue after a certain number of years --5 or 10--or it may be an item you have to explain

--you will likely need the actual records of the conviction to review properly

One has to establish “good moral character” before obtaining citizenship.



If you’ve committed a felony, you will not get citizenship



If you’ve committed a minor misdemeanor, only once, a long time ago (for instance 5 years), then United States Citizenship and Immigration Service may grant citizenship, at their discretion, on a case by case basis. Multiple misdemeanors may be a bar.

Originally Posted by Unregistered I was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while in college (got caught smoking marijuana in the dorms with friends) and am wondering if this will affect my ability to apply for citizenship? This occurred about 7 years ago and is my only arrest. The charges were deferred and i completed my community service and probation period without issue. Any input or past personal experiences with similar issues would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I am a legal Permanent Resident. I was arrested in 1995 for Poss. of cocaine with intenet to sell.
Friend sold drugs from my house while I was away butI came home and got the search warrant served.
I was advised by the Public defender to plea guilty. Probabtion completed and all. No deportation. New laws now have changed. I filed for Naturalization and was denied. My arrest is now classified deportable. ( Unfair ). So I say go and see a lawyer first or you will be having stressed out, sleepless nights such as myself.

thanks for your input, but i believe possession of cocaine with intent to sell is a felony, so that is quite a bit different to my circumstance where i committed one misdemeanor.