There are a great many reasons why the USCIS might deny your application for citizenship -- conviction of a crime, overdue taxes, delinquent child support payments, being a “habitual drunkard”, adultery and even criminal acts that were never prosecuted can all justify a rejection. Nevertheless, there are ways to fight back if you are not ready to give up.
To obtain citizenship, the USCIS must determine that you are a person of “good moral character” after examining your background. Good moral character is a formal requirement with a very specific legal meaning. Unpaid taxes and delinquent child support obligations can definitely affect your chances of being granted US citizenship.
If you are a permanent resident seeking US citizenship, your N-400 citizenship application will require you to reveal whether you have ever been arrested for, charged with or convicted of a crime. It’s obviously not good news if you have been convicted of a crime.
