Do you have any dependents?

When the USCIS officer asks whether the applicant has any dependents, the applicant should respond with information about all family members or others who depend on him or her financially, typically children under 18, adult children with disabilities, elderly parents in some cases, and any others claimed as dependents on tax returns. The N-400 application requires listing children in Part 7 and other dependents may be addressed elsewhere. The officer asks this question to verify the family unit and to confirm that the applicant is meeting his or her obligations to dependents.

Failure to support dependents, including failure to pay court-ordered child support or alimony, can be a basis for finding lack of good moral character under section 101(f)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants should disclose all dependents truthfully. Dependents typically include: minor children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren) currently residing with the applicant or for whom the applicant provides financial support; minor children residing with another parent or guardian for whom the applicant pays court-ordered or voluntary child support; adult children with disabilities who continue to depend on the applicant; elderly parents who depend on the applicant for financial support; and any other persons claimed as dependents on the applicant's federal tax returns.

Applicants should be prepared to provide names, dates of birth, relationships, and current locations of all dependents. The N-400 specifically asks about children, including those born in or out of wedlock, those given up for adoption, and those who are now adults. Court-ordered child support obligations are a frequent area of scrutiny. Applicants who have ongoing child support orders must be current on payments at the time of the interview.

Past arrears that have been paid in full are typically not a problem; ongoing arrears can be. If the applicant has fallen behind, evidence of a payment plan with the court or with the state child support enforcement agency is often acceptable, though the officer has discretion. Applicants with custody arrangements involving children in another country should be especially careful to document support payments.

Applicants who claim dependents on tax returns who do not actually depend on them may face questions; tax fraud is a basis for finding lack of good moral character. Applicants should bring documentation supporting any child support payments, alimony payments, or other family financial obligations. Applicants with complicated family situations should discuss them frankly with the officer rather than trying to hide them. The officer is more concerned with honesty and ongoing compliance than with the existence of complicated family relationships.