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At Landerholm Immigration, we often remind our clients that applying for naturalization is a major milestone—but also a major risk. For many immigrants, it’s not just a step toward becoming a U.S. citizen—it’s the government's last chance to review your entire immigration history.
One of our clients recently learned this lesson the hard way.
From Green Card to Court
This client immigrated to the U.S. through a process that takes years for many people: his mother, a lawful permanent resident, filed an I-130 family petition for him under the F2B category (unmarried adult children of Green Card holders).
The rules of the F2B category are clear: you must remain unmarried while waiting for your visa. If you marry before receiving your immigrant visa, you’re no longer eligible, and your petition is considered automatically revoked.
He waited patiently—almost a decade—for his priority date to become current. Eventually, he received an immigrant visa from the U.S. embassy.
But just before boarding the plane to start his life in America, he made a critical mistake: he married his longtime girlfriend.
Why That Marriage Was a Problem
By getting married before entering the United States, he invalidated the very visa that brought him here.
But no one caught it at the time.
He arrived in the U.S., received his Green Card, and built a life. Years later, thinking everything was in order, he applied for U.S. citizenship.
That’s when things unraveled.
The Naturalization Interview: Where Things Came Apart
At his naturalization interview, the officer carefully reviewed his application, including the date he became a permanent resident and the date of his marriage. When they saw that he had married before entering the U.S., it raised a red flag.
Why? Because his immigration category didn’t allow for marriage. That marriage made his visa invalid and his Green Card unlawfully obtained.
The Consequences: Denial and a Notice to Appear
He passed the English and civics tests. He answered all questions honestly. But none of that mattered once the officer realized his permanent residence was based on an invalid visa.
His application for citizenship was denied.
But that’s not all.
He was also issued a Notice to Appear (NTA)—a document that places someone into removal (deportation) proceedings. The U.S. government now argues that he was never eligible for a Green Card in the first place and that he should be removed from the country.
Why This Could Happen to Others
This story is not just about one person—it’s a warning to every immigrant considering naturalization.
USCIS is now scrutinizing every naturalization applicant more carefully than ever before. That means reviewing:
- Prior visa applications
- Entry history
- Marriage timelines
- Family petitions and category requirements
The agency is looking for inconsistencies or errors—even small ones—that could justify denying citizenship or triggering deportation.
What You Can Learn from This Case
Our client made three key mistakes:
- He got married before traveling to the U.S. under a visa that required him to be unmarried.
- He didn’t consult with an immigration attorney before applying for naturalization.
- He assumed that the Green Card he received was final and unchallengeable.
Unfortunately, these are common assumptions. But in today’s immigration climate, even old errors can come back to haunt you—especially when you apply for citizenship.
Our Advice: Proceed with Caution
At Landerholm Immigration, we’ve seen firsthand how USCIS is increasingly working hand-in-hand with immigration enforcement. Applying for a benefit like citizenship can trigger a deeper review of your file—and, in some cases, lead to removal proceedings.
Before you file for naturalization or any immigration benefit, we urge you to:
- 📂 Review your immigration history carefully
- ⚖️ Consult with a qualified immigration attorney
- 🚫 Avoid making assumptions based on old approvals
- 🛑 Delay filing if there are any issues in your past that might raise red flags
Don’t Let a Mistake Put Your Future at Risk
This client’s story is a painful reminder that even a small decision—like getting married too soon—can have major consequences years later. He thought he was getting ready for a citizenship oath ceremony. Instead, he now has to fight to stay in the country.
If you’re thinking of applying for naturalization or worried about your immigration past, don’t go it alone.
📞 Contact us today at Landerholm Immigration.
Let’s review your case and make sure you’re not walking into a trap.
We fight for your American Dream.
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.