One method Permanent Residents can use to strengthen their rights and their influence in the U.S. is to become a citizen.  There is no question that all the protections in the Constitution then apply to the individual, and he or she can vote in national elections.  However, there are many requirements and a high level of scrutiny in citizenship cases, and green-card holders may wonder if they are putting themselves at risk.  

It is possible to lose your green card/residency as a result of the research USCIS does into the records of citizenship applicants. However, it is important to understand two points:

• The government will do an in-depth background check when you apply, and if certain crimes or offenses turn up, this will make you “deportable.”
• If you have none of these in your record, your case may still be denied – for example, because you fail the test -- but the government will not try to take away your green card.

Criminal convictions factors that make you deportable (or “removable”) include murder or drug trafficking, and there are many others.  However, the picture is not always black-and-white and not all offenses will be a barrier -- so someone with a criminal history may be able to secure citizenship.

Immigration offenses that may result in loss of your permanent residency include voting in national elections, having lied on your application, or having taken certain public benefits (for example Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance) in the first five years you had your green card.

If you have legal convictions or immigration complications in your record, you may still be able to secure citizenship.  But be sure to consult an immigration attorney first.