CA2 holds that 8 USC § 1429 bars adjudication of naturalization

Overview — the stages of adjudication

First, USCIS receives and processes your N-400 filing. Next, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice for fingerprinting and identity verification; meanwhile, USCIS runs background and security checks. Then, USCIS schedules an interview at the local field office where an officer reviews your application, asks questions about your background, and administers the English and civics tests (with certain exceptions). After the interview, the officer may decide to grant, continue (for additional evidence), or deny the application. Finally, if granted, the applicant attends an oath ceremony and becomes a U.S. citizen.

Before the interview — what to do

Prepare early and therefore reduce the chance of delays. First, gather original documents: your permanent resident card (green card), passport(s), state IDs, marriage/divorce certificates, USCIS notices, and any court or arrest records with dispositions. Next, assemble proof of continuous residence and physical presence (tax returns, lease agreements, pay stubs, school or medical records). Moreover, if you claim time outside the U.S. is exempted or based on special circumstances, prepare travel records and employer letters that support your timeline. Finally, if you need accommodations (language interpreter or disability accommodations), request them in advance per USCIS instructions.

Biometrics & background checks

At the biometrics appointment, USCIS collects fingerprints and a photograph. These biometric data feed national security and criminal databases for name and fingerprint checks. Consequently, any arrests or interactions with law enforcement should be documented and explained at interview; otherwise, discrepancies can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a delay in adjudication.

The naturalization interview & tests

During the in-person interview an immigration officer will review your N-400, verify identity, and ask questions about your eligibility — for example: continuous residence, physical presence, residence and employment history, and moral character issues. In addition, the officer will administer the English language test (reading, writing, and speaking) and the civics test (knowledge of U.S. history and government), unless you qualify for an exception or waiver (for example, Age 50+ with long residency, or certain disability waivers). If you do not pass a component, you typically get a second opportunity within a reasonable timeframe. Therefore, study the civics list and practice English skills ahead of the interview.

Common reasons for “continuance” or denial

USCIS may continue (postpone) the interview if crucial evidence is missing — for example, missing tax returns, unclear travel history, or lack of court dispositions. Moreover, denials commonly rest on failures to meet statutory requirements: insufficient continuous residence or physical presence, lack of good moral character (for example, certain criminal convictions), false statements on the application, or failure to show eligibility for English/civics exceptions. If the officer finds a problem, they will explain the reason and issue written instructions on next steps or appeal rights.

Decision outcomes & next steps

• Granted: USCIS will issue a notice for an oath ceremony; attend and take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.
• Continued: USCIS requests specific documents or schedules a follow-up — provide materials promptly and follow instructions carefully.
• Denied: You will receive a written denial that explains reasons and whether you may appeal (Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings) or reapply. Appeals and motions must be timely; therefore consult counsel immediately if denied.

Tips for special situations

If you have criminal history, do not assume the conduct is disqualifying — instead, obtain criminal records and dispositions and consult a qualified immigration attorney to evaluate moral-character eligibility. Likewise, if you spent long periods abroad, calculate continuous residence and physical presence precisely: certain trips over 6 months or a single trip over 1 year can break continuous residence unless you can show uninterrupted ties and specific exceptions. Furthermore, military service, marriage to a U.S. citizen, and certain employment categories create alternative eligibility paths that have their own rules — so tailor preparation accordingly.

Practical checklist — documents to bring to the interview

If you disagree with a denial — remedies

If USCIS denies naturalization, you may request a hearing before a USCIS officer using Form N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings). Alternatively, you might reapply after curing the disqualifying issue (for example, obtaining a court disposition or completing a required waiting period). Moreover, if you believe constitutional or legal errors occurred, consult counsel about litigation options, timing, and the viability of appeals.

Common FAQs