If you want to become naturalized, you must have good moral character. This means that when you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you need to report your criminal record to the government.

You are required to list all your:

• Arrests,
• Police stops or detentions,
• Prosecutions, and
• Convictions.

You will also be required to provide court records for all of your arrests, fines, and imprisonment. This is why lawyers will usually advise you to wait to expunge your criminal records until after you become a citizen. 

During the process, you will go through a background and fingerprint check. You have to show good moral character for 5 years before you apply. However, USCIS may look back through your whole record and review the crimes that happened more than 5 years ago.

Certain crimes disqualify you

You can not become a citizen if you have been convicted for certain crimes. Crimes, such as murder, create a permanent block to good moral character. If you have a permanent block to good moral character, you will never be able to become a U.S. Citizen until that law changes. These kinds of crimes may lead to the government placing you into removal (deportation) proceedings. In these proceedings, the government may seek to take away your green card and deport you. If you are in this situation, talk to an experienced immigration attorney.

Tell the truth

If you do not tell the truth on your application, you could be convicted of perjury. The government may try to take back your naturalization. Once your citizenship is revoked, the government may try to place you in removal (deportation) proceedings.

Before applying for citizenship, you should talk to a lawyer if you have any criminal record.