Thread: Judge revokes mans US citizenship criminal history lying cit

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3483253

Judge revokes man's U.S. citizenship; criminal history, lying cited

By Pamela Manson
The Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake Tribune

A federal judge has revoked the American citizenship of a Layton man who lied about his criminal history, ordering him to turn in his naturalization papers.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball "is entered forever restraining and enjoining" Martin Treto from claiming any rights he obtained as a result of his Dec. 19, 1996, swearing in as a U.S. citizen. The order, handed down last week, told the 33-year-old to also surrender any passport or voter registration card.

The loss of his citizenship reverts Treto to being a permanent resident alien. He now could face deportation to his native Mexico.

First, though, Treto must deal with federal charges in Salt Lake City of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is being detained pending resolution of the case.

A lawsuit filed last summer by the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that the immigrant should have been barred from taking the oath of citizenship for his lack of good moral character.

The legal action contends Treto testified under oath during interviews with immigration officials that he had been convicted of marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license and shoplifting.

However, he allegedly left out convictions for distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine.

Good moral character is a requirement to become a citizen.

Determinations of whether applicants meet that standard are made by balancing all factors, meaning immigrants with criminal histories can sometimes become citizens if their positive attributes outweigh the negative.

However, Treto forfeited his right to be a citizen not only by his unlawful acts involving drugs, but also by concealing the offense with a lie, Kimball said in granting the government's request to revoke the naturalization.
pmanson@sltrib.com

First, though, Treto must deal with federal charges in Salt Lake City of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is being detained pending resolution of the case.

A lawsuit filed last summer by the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that the immigrant should have been barred from taking the oath of citizenship for his lack of good moral character.

The legal action contends Treto testified under oath during interviews with immigration officials that he had been convicted of marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license and shoplifting.

However, he allegedly left out convictions for distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine.

Jobs Americans won't do, heh Mr Bush.