Marijuana and Naturalization

On November 30, 2020, Arizona became the 13th state to legalize marijuana, despite the fact that marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law. The immigration law is clear that a violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) within five years of the naturalization application prohibits applicant from proving the good moral character necessary for the naturalization. An employment at a legal marijuana enterprise gave rise to an admission of a CSA violation.

On April 19, 2019, the USCIS issued its Marijuana Policy clarifying that violation of federal controlled substance law, remains a bar to establishing good moral character for naturalization. The implementation of the USCIS Marijuana Policy can result in other serious immigration consequences, including deportation and a bar from re-entering the US after traveling abroad.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  If you would like help with applying for US citizenship, call our experienced immigration lawyer in Phoenix at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.