An extensive check of your background in and out of the U.S. is conducted during both processes. If you have an arrest or conviction the best strategy is to be completely honest with your lawyer, obtain certified copies fo the documents relating to the incident and then you can be properly advised on how to proceed. The government's databases on all criminal records is getting more sophisticated all the time and embodies many crosslinks between agencies.
Lynne R. Feldman, Attorney at Law
Concentrating in Immigration and Nationality Law
2221 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92108
phone: (619) 299-9600, facsimile: (619) 923-3277
email:
[email protected]
website: www.immigrateme.com
Formerly Adjunct Professor -- Immigration law
University of Illinois College of Law