In the past few years I have traveled to Tijuana to visit family. Usually for a couple of hours each time, never more than 8. I have lived here for 24 years and have never considered myself anything but a citizen, although I am a permanent resident. My problem is that when I cross the border I state that I am a citizen because I never have carried my "green card". I know that I cannot lie on the application, when it asks if you have ever claimed to be a citizen. I know that I must answer "yes", but will that disqualify me as an applicant for citizenship?

Dear Anonymous:

If you make a false claim to US citizenship to a US immigration officer, then you are committing an immigration violation that will permanently bar you from entry to the US. You could be denied citizenship, and you could be subject to removal from the US.

When you enter the US, you should state that you are a lawful permanent resident alien. Unless you are inadmissible for some other reason, you will have no problem in entering the US. Good luck.

I am on a deferred adjudication - felony. I am a permanent resident. I was told to wait until I completed my deferred adjudication which will be over in jan. 2002 and then apply for citizenship. Should or do I need to wait longer than that or can i indeed apply as soon as my probation is completed. Any other ramifications

Dear Torre:

You definitely should wait until your deferred adjudication is completed before filing, as INS will not approve your application, even if you are otherwise eligible.

As to whether you should apply after that, it all depends on what you were charged or convicted of. You should take all of your records and speak with an immigration law attorney. There are several possibilities: 1) It could be a crime that renders you removable from the US. If that is the case, you should not file. 2) It could be a crime involving moral turpitude, but for which you are not removable. In that case, you cannot file for naturalization until 5 years have passed, following commission of the crime. 3) It could be a crime that does not involve moral turpitude and would not affect your naturalization application. In that case, you should file as soon as your deferred adjudication is completed. Good luck.

I am preparing form N400 and wanted to know whether I should mention a 6-year old speeding traffic violation (4 points and $120 fine) in NYS. I understand this traffic violation should not deny me citizenship, but should I write it down on Form N400?
Thanks a lot