Individuals who are looking to become permanent residents in the United States may need to provide evidence that they have a good moral character. The application process may include a court deposition or another statement given directly to an immigration official. If an individual looking to live in New York or any other state refuses to provide additional evidence, it may influence an immigration official’s ruling. However, refusal to give a statement or submit to a court deposition in itself would not disqualify someone from obtaining legal residency.
Immigration officials are required to take a person’s education and other factors into account when soliciting testimony. For instance, it may be necessary to ask simpler questions of someone who doesn’t have a high level of education. Questions may also be rephrased if an individual doesn’t have a good grasp of the English language. This is done to ensure that an applicant has a solid understanding of the proceeding that is taking place.
Court depositions or other sworn statements must be taken if the applicant has committed certain types of crimes. This may be true even in cases when the individual has not been formally charged with a crime. Ultimately, authorities want to determine if the applicant has a good moral character.
Those who are going through the naturalization process may want or need legal assistance. Legal guidance can help a client obtain or provide evidence to the proper authorities. An attorney could also help a foreign national understand any questions that he or she is being asked. Ultimately, this may help the applicant obtain legal status in a shorter period of time and with less drama.
