In a presidential election year, it’s crucial for permanent residents to be aware of how seemingly small mistakes—like unknowingly registering to vote—can impact their future U.S. citizenship. This blog explains a USCIS policy update/alert to ensure you avoid issues during your naturalization journey.
Key Takeaways from USCIS Policy Alert
- Naturalization and Good Moral Character (GMC): To become a U.S. citizen,
- How Mistakes Happen: The National Voter Registration Act requires state DMVs to offer voter registration. During driver’s license renewals, many applicants accidentally register by misunderstanding the form’s questions.
- Unlawful Registration Penalties:
- Falsely Claiming U.S. Citizenship: If a non-citizen knowingly registers by marking “Yes” to being a U.S. citizen, it may constitute an unlawful act, impacting their GMC.
- Unintentional Registration: USCIS clarifies that if you did not sign or complete the voter section, or if the registration was processed without your knowledge, you won’t be penalized.
- Preserving Good Moral Character: The burden of proof lies with the applicant to show they didn’t knowingly register. This includes demonstrating that the DMV form didn’t ask about citizenship or that they never confirmed U.S. citizenship.
How to Avoid DMV Voter Registration Issues
- Check Forms Carefully: When renewing licenses or applying for state benefits, double-check whether the form asks about citizenship or voter registration.
- Don’t Assume It’s Optional: DMV agents may automatically offer voter registration—politely decline if you are not yet a U.S. citizen.
- Review Your Voter Status: If you believe you were registered by mistake, contact your state’s election board and request removal. This prevents accidental voting, which could have legal consequences.
Why This Matters More in an Election Year
Increased voter registration campaigns during election years mean higher chances of these mistakes. As immigration attorneys, we want to ensure that lawful permanent residents remain protected and eligible for citizenship by avoiding preventable errors.
Contact Us for Help
If you’re unsure about your voter status or need guidance on your path to U.S. citizenship, Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. is here to assist. Reach out for a consultation to protect your eligibility and ensure your naturalization process goes smoothly.