USCIS Denies Citizenship Based on Tax Payment Plans and Extensions
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified scrutiny of immigrants' tax records, leading to citizenship denials for applicants on IRS payment plans or who requested filing extensions. This marks a significant shift from previous practices where such actions were viewed positively. A policy memorandum issued last year mandated a holistic evaluation of applicants' moral character, now including tax compliance as a critical factor. Recent denials have cited failure to pay taxes on time as an 'unlawful act,' impacting individuals without any criminal history. Attorneys argue that this approach contradicts previous USCIS guidelines and could lead to successful appeals. The USCIS maintains that ensuring tax compliance is a legal requirement that will not be overlooked.
Published 2 days ago • 05 Nov 2026, 09:38 PM IST