What affects "Good Moral Character" when applying for United States of America Naturalization?

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U.S. Citizen wants to naturalize parent. Here are a few things that I can recall (one parent I am applying for had these situations happen): parental argument which ended in one parent being held in jail for a few hours(2002 in NJ), 2 occasions when this parent was placed in a mental institution for a few weeks and released both times(last time was 2011 in FL). (I don't know how long: used a fake ID no longer used, 2005. As far as I know my one parent's family entered the country illegally but all aunts and uncles now have papers except my parent and an older aunt/uncle. First my grandparents got their papers then they sponsored my aunts/uncles but my parent and older siblings were excluded because at that point they were over 18 years (my parent was 19). Parent has been in U.S. 20+ years. Questions: will the fact that my parent entered illegally with the family affect how they are eligible to be naturalized & how will the three occasions of situations I explained above affect their screening as "good moral conduct"; are those situations enough to bar my parent completely; essentially what are my options based on these circumstances: as I am a citizen but my parent is not?

Attorney Answers

3
Samuel Polozola ·
I am confused by your question as you cannot naturalize your parents. So I am guessing what you mean is you want to apply for a green card for them. The possibility of the criminal activity causing problems is real. For example using a fake ID could lead to a bar for life. I highly suggest you visit with a local immigration attorney ASAP.
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Shobhana Kasturi ·
I am a bit confused with your questions here. Are you referring to your petitioning for your parents permanent residency? Only once they are residents (and after meeting other requirements) can they consider naturalizing. The situations you have mentioned could have a bearing on one seeking permanent residency. I would suggest doing a search on avvo or ailalawyers,com among other resources to talk with an experienced immigration attorney who can go over the options, challenges, and timelines for any relief that your parents may be eligible for. Good luck here. For reference see also http://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartF.html
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Adan Vega ·
You first will need to file the FORM I-130 on behalf of each of your parents. You also will need to explore if 245i applies allowing your parents to adjust status with USCIS. Finally, an experienced immigration attorney will to need to complete the analysis and determine if your parents are admissible.
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