Which statement is true concerning cancellation of certificates under INA § 342?

• A. Cancellation of the certificate also affects the person's underlying status.
• B. Upon receipt of notice of intent to cancel certificate, a person has 30 days to respond.
• C. If a person lawfully filed Form N-400 and completed the entire naturalization process, USCIS cannot cancel the certificate.
• D. The decision to cancel a certificate is made by Office of Chief Counsel.

Answer: (C)

The statement that if a person lawfully filed Form N-400 and completed the entire naturalization process, USCIS cannot cancel the certificate is accurate because, upon completion of the naturalization process, an individual becomes a U.S. citizen. Citizenship conferred through naturalization typically offers a level of protection against cancellation, as the person has fulfilled the necessary legal requirements and received approval from USCIS. This completion signifies that the individual’s eligibility and suitability for citizenship have been thoroughly evaluated and affirmed.

In contrast, the other choices involve aspects of certificate cancellation that either misinterpret the process or describe scenarios that would not apply upon full naturalization completion. For example, cancellation impacting the underlying status does not apply after a completed naturalization; similarly, the timeline and authority regarding cancellation notices may vary based on circumstances that do not affect individuals who have attained citizenship through the proper channels.