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ImmigrationNaturalization

DUI 4 years ago — will it block naturalization?

CAanon_naturalize1 month ago

One DUI four years ago, no jail. Otherwise clean record. Will USCIS deny on good moral character?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Linh Nguyen avatarLinh NguyenVerified Attorney1 month ago

Probably not, with caveats. The statutory 'good moral character' (GMC) period for naturalization is the 5 years (3 if married to USC) preceding the application. A DUI 4 years ago is within that window for most applicants — but a single misdemeanor DUI, fully resolved, with no aggravating factors (no injury, no high BAC, no minors in the car, no probation violation) and no subsequent issues, is not an automatic GMC bar. USCIS interviews with full disclosure go fine. Don't hide it — they pull the record. Bring the certified disposition, proof of completion of any program, and a brief written statement. Multiple DUIs in the GMC period or a recent one is much harder.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.