Do I qualify to be a US Citizen?

[collyer]

I'm a 22 year permanent resident. Been in Los Angeles since December 1990. I have 3 children born in California and a wife that is a naturalized Citizen.

Was convicted in 1998 of Possession of Drugs for Sale felony (Health and Safety Code 11351), as I did not want to go through a jury trial. There was literally less than half a gram of cocaine in my house. Disposition was 6 months jail time (actually did 4 months of house arrest and 10 total days of county jail), 5 years of formal probation, and about a year of drug diversion program. Probation was successfully completed in 2003. There has been 0 run in with the law since, besides minor traffic tickets.

Yesterday, I had a hearing with a judge and he granted dismissal of my conviction aka expungement. I last applied to renew my green card in 2002, had a year extension on my old one, received my new one in 2003. While on active probation. It is set to expire in March 2013.

Thank you for your help. It is appreciated.

[anglesey34]

You qualify based on having your Green Card over 5 years. However, the drug conviction is going to be extremely problematic. Problematic to the point where it's likely to get you put into removal proceedings.

A lot has changed since 2002 when you last renewed your Green Card.

The expungement is meaningless when it comes to your immigration record.

You REALLY need to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

http://www.ailalawyer.com

[egann]

You qualify based on having your Green Card over 5 years. However, the drug conviction is going to be extremely problematic. Problematic to the point where it's likely to get you put into removal proceedings.

A lot has changed since 2002 when you last renewed your Green Card.

The expungement is meaningless when it comes to your immigration record.

You REALLY need to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

http://www.ailalawyer.com

Unless you have taken the citizenship test and been granted citizenship then you are not a citizen

[burdett]

You can apply. But they could also deport you (see alert). You should not ask for advice here. You need an Immigration Attorney.

[jerard]

It is difficult to gave a precise answer. There are many Interim Decisions dealing with expungement and it does not always effect
deportability. You can review the decisions here:http://search.uscis.gov/search?affiliate=82601b2ec&query=expungement+of+drug+conviction&x=26&y=15

[juanito]

This requires advice from an Attorney who specializes in Immigration Law. Should have considered all the issues out first from your poor judgment before you bought the cocaine dude. With kids in the house, what were you thinking?

[sheridan93]

get an
aila lawyer ..expungement dont count with immigration