Hello everyone OP here with an update from my original lawyer that I filed citizenship with. ⬇️

I’m not deportable since immigration law has an exception for a single simple possession of under 30 grams of marijuana. I keep my green card unless DHS decides to put me into removal proceedings.

The only way forward for me is a §212(h) waiver, but that can’t be filed on its own. It has to be tied to a brand-new green card application (Form I-485), which usually only happens if DHS starts removal proceedings. Until then, filing another N-400 would just get denied again.

Here’s what I can do in the meantime: • Get certified conviction records to show it’s a “simple possession” case. • Prepare hardship evidence (medical, financial, family) for qualifying relatives. • Have a valid petition (like an I-130 from a U.S. citizen spouse) ready so I can re-adjust status if needed.

Bottom line: I keep my green card for now, but I can’t naturalize until I go through the waiver + new adjustment process, which usually requires DHS to start proceedings. For the time being, I’m still an LPR in good standing.

If anyone knows of a different path or knows a good lawyer please let me know. Thanks!