Effects of Bankruptcy for Naturalization applicants
While bankruptcy is a viable option for consideration by many, some might want to hesitate before taking this path based on their circumstances regardless of the severity of their financial situation. In particular, non-citizens seeking citizenship would not want a bankruptcy filing to result in a denial of their application for naturalization. I have aided an acquaintance in such a situation by negotiating repayment terms with creditors short of filing for bankruptcy. Thankfully, this individual also had the fortune of beginning new employment after a period of being out of work and unable to even make rent payments. While not everyone may have such opportunities, careful consideration of bankruptcy alternatives, already required by law for bankruptcy filers, might be a good way to leave the path to citizenship open. It is extremely important for people seeking citizenship to consult first with an experienced U.S. immigration attorney about the consequences of a bankruptcy filing on their application for naturalization. The immigration attorney might themselves direct their client to a bankruptcy attorney in the client’s jurisdiction for further information about bankruptcy.
