(E)  Naturalization.  Certain permanent residents who, despite a drug offense, are otherwise are eligible for naturalization can request the immigration court to terminate proceedings based on exceptional humanitarian or appealing factors so that they can apply for naturalization.[132]  An aggravated felony conviction that occurred after November 29, 1990 will automatically bar naturalization.[133]  See § 24.13, infra.

 

[132] See 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(f), formerly 8 C.F.R. § 242.7(e).

[133] INA § 101(f)(8), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)(8); Immigration Act of 1990 § 509(b).

BIA

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - RELIEF - PAULUS DEFENSE INAPPLICABLE
Matter of Martinez-Espinoza, 25 I. & N. Dec. 118 (BIA Nov. 4, 2009) (unidentified substance defense under Ruiz-Vidal v. Gonzales, 473 F.3d 1072 (9th Cir. 2007); Matter of Paulus, 11 I&N Dec. 274 (BIA 1965), inapplicable where burden is on noncitizen to show not ineligible for relief by a preponderance of the evidence). NOTE: This may not be true in the Ninth Circuit. See Sandoval-Lua v. Gonzales, 499 F.3d 1121, 1124 (9th Cir. 2007).