ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General Discussionnaturalization interview/test letter
Going to the Atlanta office. Journey almost completed. Please pray for us!
We are still seeking a baby sitter for the boys, age 4 years and age 17 months.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-18 19:32:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassed interview today
Congratulations, May our lord Bless
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-21 22:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassed Interview This Morning!!
Congrad! praise the Lord
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-22 15:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassed Interview This Morning!!
May God bless
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-21 22:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview today in Detroit
congratulations, may your blessings continue
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-22 21:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after the Oath Ceremony?
QUOTE (jsnearline @ Sep 25 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In addition to changing the info with SSA, we will have to go update my wife's citizenship status at DMV.

If you were Filipina and want to retain citizenship, become a dual citizen, connect with the Philippine Embassy in Washington D. C. for instructions.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-09-25 22:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussionoath ceremony
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Oct 8 2009, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mine was somewhat different - I think it varies from location to location. We had nearly 200 people becoming citizens so family members were directed into a 'holding' area (heheheh) while USCIS staff went to each individual, reviewed their form, and updated the information. Then, row by row we went into the Ceremonial area, handed in our green cards, checked our certificates (didn't get them yet) for accuracy, then sat down. Once everyone was seated, family members were allowed to enter the room. Photographs were allowed during the ceremony. There was an introduction and welcome, then a roll call of countries when we each stood up when our country was named, then reciting the oath and pledge of allegiance en masse (words were handed out), then we watched 3 videos - one on the history of immigration, a welcome from President Obama and a patriotic video. Then the public and family were asked to leave, and we lined up and as we exited we were given our certificates. It took over 3 hours from start to finish.


WAS THIS IN ATLANTA?? We will be there Oct. 22nd, at 9:05 A.M.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-08 20:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionABOUT MEDICAID
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 26 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's right in the I-864 instructions, but think I would need an attorney to interpret it.


"What Other Consequences Are There?


If an intending immigrant becomes a permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed,then until your obligations under the Form I-864 terminate, your income and assets may be considered ("deemed") to be available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for State or local means-tested public benefits, if the State or local government's rules provide for consideration("deeming”) of your income and assets as available to the person.


This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403© of the Welfare Reform Act such as, but not limited to, emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act."

Exactly what is "emergency Medicaid?"

This part I like the best.

"How Long Does My Obligation as a Sponsor Continue?

Your obligation to support the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring in this affidavit of support will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States.Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generally equate to ten years of work, in certain cases the work of as pouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work.The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation."

One less thing to be concerned about.

Information for Filipinas;
The U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines have an agreement concerning Social Security. The Social security credits earned in one nation will transfer to the other nation. We were told by the social Security officer in Alabama that my wife's SS credit in the Philippines will be counted in the U.S. when she applies for retirement. That is something that we have yet to validate. but we do believe the Clerk. It may be worth checking for Filipinas and who knows what other agreements have been concluded with other nations. unsure.gif
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-09 21:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath taken, San Antonio tx
Congratulations
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-23 14:02:00
US Citizenship General Discussioninterview for citizenship
Agee with you. When my wife's name was changed she was a citizen of the Philippines and the U.S. has no right not to recognze it. The Philippines Embassy accepted the change and it is on her Philippine passport! But, immigration is immigration. So we got the citizenship and now we will change it, then letters to our US senators are next


QUOTE (TinTin and Samby @ Oct 27 2009, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 24 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Bislig2alabama,

Congratulations on your wife passing your citizenship interview and same day oath and thanks for sharing about your experience here on VJ. star_smile.gif

Good luck with the rest of her immigration journey too as a US Citizen and in getting your passport.

Ant

P.S. As for the name issue....Sorry to hear about the mistake with that. Not yours or your wife's fault here. Don't be surprised if you run into further problems with that, as all your documents have to match name-wise. You can either do the following, for that:
1) Apply for a new citizenship certificate with the correct "old/maiden last name" name (only problem..It will cost another $400+ and take months)
2) Apply for a legal name change back to your "old/maiden last name" name with your local city hall/town clerk that has the authority to do name changes (not sure how much that costs and how long that would take, but it would require extra effort and expenses)
3) Leave your certificate as it is, and change all your other documents to the "new/birth middle name" middle name that corresponds with that certificate
Personally, I would opt for option 3, as here in America, it is more acceptable for women to use a middle name aquired from birth, than it is to use a former maiden last name as a middle name and/or to use their former maiden last name at all. It's less confusing this way when others refer to your wife, reflects more on the marriage, and is less of an expense and effort to do such. Lol..Immigration had it right that way, I think...
Hope this helps too.

QUOTE (bislig2alabama @ Oct 23 2009, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Atlanta office. Oct. 22nd 2009. Arrived about 9:05. Letter said to report to the 2nd floor, we did Then we were told to go to the third floor. we did. The third floor window read, "Adjustment of Status" ! The clerk took our papers and said to wait, we did. about 40 minutes later they call for Rosemina. About 25 minutes later Rosemina returned, PASSED oath would be that day at 2 P.M.
Normal interview; files was checked, English test simple question to read then simple answer to write. Six questions were selected form the 100 and Rose answered them. Rose then sign a paper to return to security at the oath ceremony.
Only problem was with her name!!! They would not allow Rose to use her
Filipino family name as her middle American name. BUT this was the name that was on her marriage certificate, driver's license, tax returns, property deeds, Filipino passport, Green Card, EVERYTHING since her marriage!!!! They put on her citizenship document her middle name from her Filipina birth certificate. Then after the ceremony they told her she was now American and she could change her name to anything she wanted. Guess the first thing we will do now is change the name they put on the oath paper to the one we have used and then apply for passport, etc.
Dumb , Dumb, Dumb! Good Bye immigration!!!!
We should have put on the N-440 in the box were it ask 'if you want a new name the name' the name she was using. !!! live and learn!
God is good
and visa journey is great!



I would't do option #3. In my experience with people I know, it is quite common in the USA for a woman to drop her given middle name and replace it with her maiden last name and then take her husband's last name as her new married last name. I am aware that in the OP's case that the woman's orginal middle name was not a "given" name, but rather her Mother's maiden name, as is the norm in the Philippines (and many other countires). This doesnt change the situation, IMHO. I would insist that they correct their mistake and reissue a corrected naturalization certificate, at no additional charge.

Warm Regards,
Samby


bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-29 15:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussioninterview for citizenship
QUOTE (rebelheart @ Oct 24 2009, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yes, If we had know what immigration wanted we would have checked 'yes' in the box that ask if you want to change you legal name. We would have put in the box the same name Rose has been using and that should have solved the problem. Try that and see it it works!
good luck, the people there were very nice. The IO did not ask for anythin. Now we will go to the local probate court and for $27 change her name, then go to SS.


Hi bislig2alabama..

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!! kicking.gif

Secondly, I am concern about what happened to the name change of your wife. Because that will going to happen with me If my oath will commence then huh?

I am using my maiden name (father's last name) as my middle name now that I am married and it's on everything documents, ID's .. etc... , Because that's how we do it in Phils., when one got married, father's name will be your middle name.

If it's going to be my mother's lastname,then i'll be doing the same process as Rose. blink.gif Thank you so much for sharing this info's.... good.gif


bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-29 15:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussioninterview for citizenship
QUOTE (Mom2LilNoah @ Oct 23 2009, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, first of all accept my felicitations. Atlanta will also be where I'm going to have my interview, but no date yet, but I am anxiously waiting. Based on your timeline, I noticed that you got your interview letter soon from the day you had your biometrics. Next week will be the 3rd week since I had my fingerprinting.

I am wondering if they asked you to present the originals of your documents. Another thing, were the people in that office generally have good work ethics, professional and people-oriented, as in nice? Sorry I just have lot of thoughts regarding my future appointment there.

Best regards to the American, once Surigaonon, from a Cagay-anon. Surigao is indeed an ideal place for visitors, that's one of the places where I took my husband, the first time he came to see me.

Congratulations from the Yellowhammer state.


Never had to show any documents. They had everything from the start in 2004.
Everyone was polite! Good luck may God bless.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-24 09:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussioninterview for citizenship
Atlanta office. Oct. 22nd 2009. Arrived about 9:05. Letter said to report to the 2nd floor, we did Then we were told to go to the third floor. we did. The third floor window read, "Adjustment of Status" ! The clerk took our papers and said to wait, we did. about 40 minutes later they call for Rosemina. About 25 minutes later Rosemina returned, PASSED oath would be that day at 2 P.M.
Normal interview; files was checked, English test simple question to read then simple answer to write. Six questions were selected form the 100 and Rose answered them. Rose then sign a paper to return to security at the oath ceremony.
Only problem was with her name!!! They would not allow Rose to use her
Filipino family name as her middle American name. BUT this was the name that was on her marriage certificate, driver's license, tax returns, property deeds, Filipino passport, Green Card, EVERYTHING since her marriage!!!! They put on her citizenship document her middle name from her Filipina birth certificate. Then after the ceremony they told her she was now American and she could change her name to anything she wanted. Guess the first thing we will do now is change the name they put on the oath paper to the one we have used and then apply for passport, etc.
Dumb , Dumb, Dumb! Good Bye immigration!!!!
We should have put on the N-440 in the box were it ask 'if you want a new name the name' the name she was using. !!! live and learn!
God is good
and visa journey is great!
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-23 13:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAtlanta Interview Experience
Congrats.
and thanks for the info.
We will be there Oct. 22nd, 9:05 A.M. Thursday for naturalization interview.
Little more info about the oath if you please.
Cameras? Video? time frame for oath program
We are booked into the Quality Inn for Wed. and Thursday. Know where the best international food store is in Atlanta?
Thanks and to God give thanks

bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-10-13 20:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionChange of Name

Hello..What was the procedure when you get to court? I will have the same scenario. The IO changed my name during the interview but as soon as I am approved and got my certificate I need to change my name back to where all the rest of my documents are. Would you kindly share the process?

yes, this seems to be a problem for those who marry in the states. If you marry in the Philippines then our governemt approves the marriage name as on the Philippine document.
Each state has a different procedure. In Alabama the local counnty probate court does the change. We only needed proof of I.D. and residency. Then paid the fee and waited for a background check, less than an hour.
Pray that your solution will be as easy!
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2010-08-07 17:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionChange of Name
When we married my wife's first name stayed the same, but her middle name changed to her father's last name and her last name became my last name. When we went to immigration we were told that her middle name had to be that which was on her birth certificate. Even though all her documents had her middle name as her fathers, even the Green card. She naturalized with her middle name as immigration said, middle name same as birth certificate. As an American she had a couth order $18 and about one hour wait, to change her middle name back to her father's name. Then all The documents matched again and we did not need to change anything else. It just was not worth the effort to debate immigration. She passed the test, took the oath then changed her name back.
problem solved
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2010-07-29 12:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGeneral Info on Naturalization
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks
for all the information. IT is more than we needed but worth the time reading. Maybe I do not understand everything now but I will.
Thanks again,
you are a rea kicking.gif l blessing
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2007-09-10 19:01:00
PhilippinesMarried in USA ? SIngle in Philippines?
Download from the website of the Philipine Embassy, Washington D. C., a certificate of marriage and file it with the Philippine Embassy. It took us about a week to receive the official copy from the embassy, proof that the marriage was registered in the Philippines.
If you want your future children to have dual citizenship this is required along with their birth certificate and a report of birth abroad, prepare now.
The Philippine Embassy will answer any questions you may have, they are very nice and will provide help. I wish the American USCIS was as nice! ! ! ! !
May God guide your journey
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2007-07-06 15:52:00
PhilippinesI'm new here
Welcome to your visa journeyy.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2007-10-15 22:10:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (mikeandlani @ Feb 7 2008, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (alabamabislig @ Feb 7 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mabuhay,
We are getting ready to bring my wife's parents over for a visit to see their grandson and ,MAYBE, be here in time for the birth of another grandson. What do you mean by a 10 / multiple visa?
What should be our greatest concern in completing the visa process? Any suggestions in completing the process will be helpful.
THANKS
Jim, Rosemina, baby James and soon to be JOHN


hi! multiple/10 in tourist visa language is multiple entry good for 10 years. its the maximum validity they give for a tourist visa.

per the non-immigrant visa section in the USEM site, they explicitly state that all visa applicants are presumed to have the intent to immigrate, hence, the applicant must be able to convince the CO that there is no such intent by establishing strong ties in the Philippines. Previously, to demonstrate strong ties, applicants have been known to present bank certification with adequate amounts of deposits. however, due to high incidence of show money fraud, bank certification has ceased to be a reliable mode of establishing intent to return. some of the things i can think of that could be a good indicators of strong ties in the Philippines are:

1. majority of family members live in the Philippines;
2. regular employment;
3. financial investments;
4. pensions;
5. real estate properties

you might want to read the link below to be able to brief your in-laws on what questions to expect during the interview:
http://***removed***/visas/visitor/interview.html

oh, i've been told now is the best time to secure a tourist visa as they are more lenient now--some opined that it could probably be due to the recession, they need tourists to boost the economy... whistling.gif

Thank for the info, will check out the site. Her parents are in their sixties with no job skills except he is retired from PICOP and has a pension. His other children and grandchildren are there. He owns some property and has a bank account for his pension check. They have no major medical problems. Thanks again for the information
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-02-17 17:05:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
mabuhay,
We are getting ready to bring my wife's parents over for a visit to see their grandson and ,MAYBE, be here in time for the birth of another grandson. What do you mean by a 10 / multiple visa?
What should be our greatest concern in completing the visa process? Any suggestions in completing the process will be helpful.
THANKS
Jim, Rosemina, baby James and soon to be JOHN
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-02-07 00:40:00
Philippinesgoing back to the philippines....
We reported our marriage, June, 2004, with the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. The complete process took about two weeks. A few months later we amended my wife's passport through the same embassy, about three weeks. We filed reports to the embassy after the birth of both of our sons, one in April, 2005 and the latest in April, 2008 - about two weeks for each.
The Embassy of the Philippines is the only government organization, American or Filipino, with which we have had no problems or delays. Even when we made a mistake they phoned us and we mailed to them the requested info.
Now we are getting ready to renew her passport.
good.gif
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-07-02 21:18:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
Balikbayan box in Alabama ? ? ?
WHERE? Closest agent we can locate is Arkansas. Anything is Georgia? Atlanta has a large population of Filipinos!
Thanks
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-07-18 18:30:00
Philippineschange the Philippines Falg !
A copy of the bill is on this site; http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/83157561!.pdf
What do you think? Express your views to the Philippine Senate.
This bill proposes that the rays of the sun on the Philippine flag be,
"increased from eight to nine, to symbolize the community of Muslim leaders who defended
our land." Quote taken for the bill!
There is also a bill to change the Anti Mail Order Bride Act. That bill is SBN-2576,
Senate Bill Number 2576
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-10-27 18:33:00
Philippinesphilippine grocery store, WHERE? ? ?
QUOTE (RussellandMarie @ Sep 11 2008, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i posted a thread about it a month ago i think..please check this out...this is a list of filipino stores in the US..


http://www.filipino-...usa_stores.html

Thanks but they only list two there and one is not even close to Alabama, in Arizona. The other we have visited and they have very little Filipino food.
WE did located a Pinoy yellow pages on line that lists several in Atlanta, about 150 miles from www.pinoyonboard.com
Thanks for the info
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-09-12 12:27:00
Philippinesphilippine grocery store, WHERE? ? ?
Mabuhay,
My wife needs to cook me some Filipino food NOW! I need to smell, taste and enjoy her favorite foods.
We are in Birmingham, Alabama. REALLY, there are a few Filipina-American couples here, very few. We have searched the online yellow pages within a 250 mile distance, no results. Even emailed the Greater Atlanta Association of Filipino-Americans, no reply!
We got an extra large ice chest for the car and are ready to travel. Where? Got any store names or addresses or phone numbers.
The Am-Pnoy store here is very, very, small and the item are very limited. We need Filipino Food. crying.gif
Thanks to all
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2008-09-11 21:46:00
PhilippinesAge difference between Filipinas and americans (Poll)
husband 63 years old American by birth
wife 37 years old Filipina by birth, she has her P.G.C.
son 2 years 6 months, DUAL Citizen; Born in America, birth registered with Philippines Embassy Washington, D.C.
good.gif wife is now three months with second child, projected birth date April 30, 2008 kicking.gif
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2007-10-15 21:27:00
PhilippinesWow, the Philippines!
I prayed to God for the perfect wife.

God answered.
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-06-21 15:52:00
PhilippinesXOOM FREE Code for AUGUST 2009
Thanks,
We used the code you posted last month and it worked,
Thanks again and may God protect
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-08-07 22:24:00
Philippineshow many trips to Manila
mabuhay
My wife is from Bislig, Tabon and she made two trips to take care of the items named. Of course a family member. sister, traveled with her.
That was in 2004! She is now in Alabama and has just applied for naturalization.
Good luck and may God protect
bislig2alabamaMalePhilippines2009-08-08 16:29:00