5 Common Naturalization Interview Questions

“Naturalization” is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.  One of the most important parts of that process is the interview before an immigration officer.  In this article, we are going to discuss five of the top questions that typically are asked during a naturalization interview. 

We are Ashoori Law, led by Michael Ashoori, a U.S. immigration lawyer based in Los Angeles, California.  At our law firm we work with clients from all over the world, and we regularly post articles and videos to make sure that you are up to date with the latest immigration news.  If, after reading this article, you have more questions, then we invite you to contact us at Ashoori Law.  Feel free to call us at +1-818-741-1117 or you may schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.

Question #1 - How did you obtain your green card? 

In order to naturalize, you must have lawful permanent residence in the United States (a green card) for a certain period of time.  Usually, the required length of time to have a green card before you can naturalize is five years.  However, in certain cases, if you get your green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen and you remain married, then you may potentially be eligible to naturalize in three years instead of five years.  That is one of the main reasons why the immigration officer will ask you how you originally obtained your green card. 

Question #2 – Have you been filing your taxes, or do you owe back taxes?

An immigration officer will ask you about taxes because it is a way to find out whether you are a person of good moral character.  One of the factors that can be considered to determine whether you have good moral character is whether you have been paying your taxes, whether you have been filing your taxes, or whether you owe back taxes.  Showing that you owe back taxes can potentially be seen as a factor weighing against you in a determination of good moral character. 

Question #3 – (Typically only applies to males) Have you registered with the Selective Service?

The Selective Service is an independent agency of the United States government that maintains a list of people that can potentially be drafted to the military in the event that the United States is called to war.  Most males in the U.S. between certain age ranges must register for the Selective Service. 

If it's determined that a person refused to register for the Selective Service, or that they knowingly and willfully failed to register for the Selective Service, then USCIS will likely deny their application for naturalization. 

Question #4 - Where do you currently work, or where have you worked within the last three to five years? 

This question often comes up in an interview because it USCIS typically wants to have biographic data on applicants for naturalization.  It is also a way to determine if someone is gainfully employed.