Miriam* came to the U.S. as a teenager with her family. As the oldest of her siblings, she was over 18 when her parents naturalized — making her the only child ineligible for automatic citizenship. She remained a Legal Permanent Resident for years, navigating marriage, raising two children, earning her degree, and eventually going through a divorce.
This past fall, Miriam decided it was time to apply for U.S. citizenship. As a single mother of two U.S. citizen children, she wanted the added security and peace of mind that citizenship could offer. Because of two traffic-related misdemeanors from several years ago, she sought legal help to ensure everything in her application was handled properly.
Although the charges had been dismissed after she completed probation — a common outcome in criminal court — immigration law views guilty pleas differently. In the immigration system, a guilty plea, even one resulting in no conviction, is still considered a conviction. This disparity highlights how immigration law can be more punitive than criminal law, placing non-citizens in uniquely vulnerable positions.
With Just Neighbors by her side, Miriam gathered the necessary court documents and received legal representation throughout the naturalization process. At her interview, she was honest and reflective, explaining how she took full accountability for her past and completed probation. She also earned a perfect score on her Civics and English tests.
While the final decision often rests with the discretion of the USCIS officer, Miriam’s officer recognized her growth and accountability. She passed her interview and proudly became a U.S. citizen in March 2025.
Now, Miriam feels more secure as she continues to build a future for herself and her children — no longer afraid but empowered.
(*Name changed to protect privacy)