What options are available to someone with a criminal record who wants to become a US citizen?

In Massachusetts, a person with a criminal record who wants to become a US citizen has several potential options. First, it depends on the type and severity of the criminal record. If the criminal record was for a minor offense, such as a misdemeanor, then the individual may still be eligible for naturalization, as long as they can demonstrate good moral character. If the criminal record is for a more serious offense, such as a felony, the individual can still apply for citizenship, but they will need to receive a waiver of inadmissibility due to the criminal record from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To qualify for this waiver, the individual must show that they are no longer a danger to society and that being a US citizen would be in the "public interest" of the US. Finally, individuals who have a family member who is a US citizen, such as a spouse, parent, or adult child, may apply for citizenship under certain family immigration laws. The individual may still need to receive a waiver from the USCIS depending on the type and severity of the criminal record, but this waiver may be easier to obtain under family immigration law. Ultimately, a person with a criminal record who wants to become a US citizen needs to research all of their options in order to determine the best course of action. It is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer who is experienced in criminal immigration law in order to ensure that all of the necessary steps are taken for the individual to become a US citizen.

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Las opciones para alguien con un historial criminal que quiera convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos dependerán de la ley de inmigración de Massachusetts. Si alguien con un historial criminal ha residido legalmente en los Estados Unidos durante los dos años anteriores a la solicitud, entonces es posible presentar una solicitud de ciudadanía. Sin embargo, hay algunas excepciones a esta regla para personas con ciertas condenas. Los delitos violentos, como asesinatos, violación o agresión sexual, entre otros, siempre tienen un impacto negativo en una solicitud de naturalización. En caso de poseer estas convicciones, el solicitante tendrá que someterse al proceso de exoneración para poder ser aceptado y convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos. Este proceso permite al gobierno evaluar la situación del solicitante y determinar si se le puede permitir la naturalización. Otra opción que un solicitante con un historial criminal puede considerar es intentar una "excepción humanitaria". Esta excepción permite a alguien solicitar la naturalización a pesar de una condena criminal. Esto debe hacerse por escrito y la persona debe argumentar en su favor. Algo a considerar es que esto solo puede ser aplicado a casos específicos como el de las condenas por delitos menores. En cualquier caso, cualquier persona con un historial criminal que desee convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos debe buscar asesoría legal para entender mejor sus opciones. Esto le ayudará a garantizar que esté al tanto de los requisitos y directivas de la ley de inmigración de Massachusetts.

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