Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	HPV Vaccine and general medical questions	QUOTE (crs @ Aug 6 2008, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi everyone, I just recently found out that girls up to 26 (am I right?) have to get HPV vaccine along with the rest of medical before the interview. Is this true for K1 as well? Does this have to be done before the K1 interview or at the medical for AOS? I mean I have no problems with it I was just curious because if it is actually needed I will just get it before Also, since I am here: I read you need to get the vaccine for chickenpox as well. I do not have a vaccine, but I did have chcikenpox as a child. Do I just tell the doctor or what? Thank you! My husband had to get all the vaccinations over again, including all the diseases he already had in childhood (chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc). There were no exceptions They don't care if you say you already had it. Happily, Stefano had no side effects to the vaccinations. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-08-25 09:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	FBI name checks	QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Mar 10 2008, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> After fingerprinting (Biometrics) A good read about this. http://www.visajourn...showtopic=47094 http://www.visajourn...le.php?id=42192 (There are not enough for I-751) Thanks for the thread - it was definitely interesting and described the actual process. So it takes place after finger printing. Thanks K Edited by Stef and Kel, 10 March 2008 - 10:29 AM.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-03-10 10:28:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	FBI name checks	I was wondering about the FBI name check process for naturalization. Aren't names checked throughout the visa process - namely at the I-130 and then after submitting an I-751? If so, a final name check under the N-400 should be faster in my view. Secondly, does the name check start when the application is submitted, after finger printing or some other time? Thanks to those in the know Kelly	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-03-10 10:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	n-400	QUOTE (Stef and Kel @ Mar 14 2008, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ayS @ Mar 10 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tammi @ Mar 7 2008, 04:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Read this guide: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD It tells you everything you need to send, and no it's not just the application (copies of front and back of PR card, copy of marriage license, copy of birth certificate of the US citizen spouse, copies of tax returns or transcripts, etc. etc. etc.) Good luck! I'm sending my husbands packet today. thanks you for the link. it was very useful! what type of other evidence did you include in your packet? The USCIS site doesn't specify if you need to include translations of the documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc). I'm pretty sure we did for the I-130, but somehow I think they asked for it. Any ideas? Kelly Never mind, I found some posts with this topic in the archives. Seems that a translation is indeed required. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-03-14 13:32:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	n-400	QUOTE (ayS @ Mar 10 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tammi @ Mar 7 2008, 04:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Read this guide: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD It tells you everything you need to send, and no it's not just the application (copies of front and back of PR card, copy of marriage license, copy of birth certificate of the US citizen spouse, copies of tax returns or transcripts, etc. etc. etc.) Good luck! I'm sending my husbands packet today. thanks you for the link. it was very useful! what type of other evidence did you include in your packet? The USCIS site doesn't specify if you need to include translations of the documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc). I'm pretty sure we did for the I-130, but somehow I think they asked for it. Any ideas? Kelly	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-03-14 12:06:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N400 query - Part 10 - Associations	QUOTE (lucyrich @ Apr 21 2008, 12:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Include it. As long as its not a subversive or terrorist organization, there's nothing to lose by including it. If you don't include it and they discover he was a member of an organization not included, then they could accuse him of lying or misleading on the N-400, which could result in very serious bad consequences, even if they didn't really care so much about the organization. I really don't think they care about labor unions. But it's better to be safe and let them decide that. If you can have a short explanation of what the organization is, that might help them dismiss it quickly. I didn't know the initials CSEA, but when I google them, I come up with California State Educational Association, California Society of Enrolled Agents, California School Employees Association, and Classified School Employees Association. I probably missed a few more possibilities. So you he might want to spell out the name, and put (labor union) in parentheses, if that sounds appropriate for his circumstances. thanks for your input. I agree with your reasoning. I included it. P.s CSEA stands for Civil Service Employee Association (county public service job ). Kelly	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-04-21 08:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N400 query - Part 10 - Associations	My husband is sending in his N400 application tomorrow (finally joining your club!). He is a member of his local CSEA. Do they mean labor unions in part 10 clubs and associations? Should we include it or is it superfluous? thanks Kell	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-04-20 07:52:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Have you checked the USCIS home page today?	QUOTE (NickD @ Apr 24 2008, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Where in the heck is Helena, MT? Their precessing times for citizenship is only five months. But I suppose if 2 or 3 of us would move there, that extra load would increase their processing time to over 14 months. FYI, Helena is the capital of Montana, but although it is supposed be a beautiful city, clearly there are few immigrants moving there. I guess for once I can be happy I live in Buffalo NY - our processing times is a super fast 6.4 months on average. But then, once the citizenship thing winds down to completion, the slow pokes will still be living in San Diego or LA or Miami and I'll still be living here Don't lose heart - your time will come! Kelly Edited by Stef and Kel, 25 April 2008 - 09:15 AM.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-04-25 09:14:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 April, 2008	QUOTE (klanecky @ Apr 29 2008, 07:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I send mine april 2 N-400 vermont service center received april 7 check cashed april 9 NOA date april 10 NOA received april 21 Biometrics?????? Anyone in the same boat??? Share Check out the thread: http://www.visajourn...h...t=0&start=0 If you are worried about the lag, call the USCIS Info line. They may be able to tell you more. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-04-29 12:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Cases touched early in the morning?	I was just having my morning coffee and checking the USCIS site and I noticed our case was last updated on May 9 (today) - and the current time is 6:57 am. Are they working that early in the morning or is your case automatically updated as soon you log in? It only went online as of yesterday, so has it been touched between yesterday and today? Any comments?	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-05-09 06:00:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Question about 6 month trips and obtaining citizenship	QUOTE (scotia @ May 20 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would suggest your husband apply for, and obtain, a re-entry permit (USCIS Form 1-131) before leaving the country. What I heard is that *any* length of stay could prove problematic if the officer in charge thought that the person might have left the country permanently. The way around this is precisely the reentry permit mentioned above: it would be, in itself, proof of his intent to return in case the immigration authorities question whether he intended to return to the US or was abandoning his residency. It is very important that he obtains it *before* leaving the country. More info here: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD The re-entry permit is mandatory for longer trips, but a good idea to have even for shorter trips; and also in case an emergency arises. scotia I was under the understanding that in the case of trips of longer than 6 months, the burden of proof that the applicant has maintained US residence is on the applicant, but vice versa, the burden of proof for proving abandonment of residence in the case of trips under six months is on USCIS. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-05-20 12:36:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Question about 6 month trips and obtaining citizenship	QUOTE (LorraV @ May 20 2008, 11:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My husband is Australian and was issued a green card October 2007. He is a permanent resident. He needs to be living here in the U.S. for three years to obtain citizenship since he is married to me, an American citizen. But there are exceptions to this three-year rule. He can leave the U.S. for trips of under six months. Does that mean he can take a trip from the U.S. for 5 1/2 months, then return for a short period, then leave again another 5 1/2 months, ect? Or does that mean a total of 6 months? We're asking because we'd like to study and do internships overseas (Italy). I called USCIS and they told me that he has to be living in the U.S. for 18 months total, within that 3 year period. And yes, he can go for a trip of 5 1/2 months and return briefly and go for another 5 1/2 month trip. Can anyone back up this information? Or has anyone had a similar experience and had trouble obtaining citizenship? I just want to be absolutely sure! We plan to live in the U.S. our whole lives, and wouldn't want a few overseas opportunities to interfere with that. Thank you!! Lorra I'll let you know as soon as I know. My husband was in the same situation - obtained his green card in July 2005 and stayed in the US until September 2005. Left early September for Italy until February 2006 (away 5.5 months) stayed a few weeks then left again until June 2006 (away 3.5 months). Stayed 1.5 months and returned again September 2006 (away 3 months). He has been here ever since. We were told it was completely within our rights to do this travelling and have submitted the N400 in April. Watch this space for developments! K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-05-20 11:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Twenty of the most difficult civic questions (with answers)	QUOTE (Jomo @ May 30 2008, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OMG......if these are the easy ones, I would be in trouble. It's amazing how much stuff you forget during your lifetime. BTW.....now that I read the word preamble, that stupid Schoolhouse Rock song is going through my head......We the people....in order to form a more perfect union....establishjusticeensuredomestictranquility.....eeee...eee... That's hilarious, me too!!! I totally learned so much about civics with Schoolhouse rock - remember "I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill and I'm sitting here on capitol hill..... " My 7-year old has the DVD of old Schoolhouse Rocks - Maybe I should make my husband sit down and watch with her Edited by Stef and Kel, 30 May 2008 - 05:17 PM.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-05-30 17:16:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 Where to Send?	QUOTE (Gulskjegg @ Jun 2 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We live in Montana, but we dont know if we should file our completed N-400 to Nebraska or the local office here in Helena Montana. Any ideas? Nebraska K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-06-02 14:14:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 + Nebraska Service Center?	QUOTE (NickD @ Jun 3 2008, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Gulskjegg @ Jun 3 2008, 01:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I hear ya. Im not feelin much love coming from USCIS. Under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, and our right to due process, I suggest they change the N-400 to a true "innocent till proven guilty" format. It would look something like this. Are you still married? (yes) / (no) End of form. Ha, was telling my wife about my wicked life and crimes I committed and never got caught. Mom never owned a car, but did buy a 30 Olds when I was 13 to learn how to work on cars, she never knew I got it running and was driving every night, by the time I was old enough to get a license, had 14,000 miles under my belt. But never got caught, knew where the cops hung out. When I turned 21, getting drunk was no longer fun, wasn't a challenge anymore, but sure was fun before I turned 21, never did get caught. Being dead broke and in New Orleans on military pay, I stole food from a street market, but that I felt bad about. Next time there with the same guy running the place, acted like I found a ten dollar bill on the ground and said, this must be yours. All in all, a pretty boring life, but wonder how I would answer that question. You must be some interesting person in real life! - your posts are so thoughtful. Thanks for posting so regularly. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-06-03 17:28:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Why do people keep creating "Month of filing" threads? it's unlogical and irrelevant	QUOTE (Stef and Kel @ Jun 5 2008, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (NickD @ Jun 5 2008, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> [b] There really isn't a district office per se, rather a group of field offices that form a district as the USCIS shows as follows: District 1 Boston, Massachusetts* Manchester, New Hampshire Portland, Maine Providence, Rhode Island District 2 Albany, New York Buffalo, New York* Hartford, Connecticut St. Albans, Vermont What does the asterisk mean? K Never mind, I found it Field Office Structure Accordingly, the following is the USCIS' Domestic Operations field office management structure. While management districts will be identified by number rather than by location, the list also indicates (by asterisk) the city where the district manager will be located:	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-06-05 09:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Why do people keep creating "Month of filing" threads? it's unlogical and irrelevant	QUOTE (NickD @ Jun 5 2008, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> [b] There really isn't a district office per se, rather a group of field offices that form a district as the USCIS shows as follows: District 1 Boston, Massachusetts* Manchester, New Hampshire Portland, Maine Providence, Rhode Island District 2 Albany, New York Buffalo, New York* Hartford, Connecticut St. Albans, Vermont What does the asterisk mean? K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-06-05 08:47:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	We are done!!!	QUOTE (NickD @ Jul 9 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Staashi, you had to purchase that flag, right? Did contact my senator, he sent me a form with a number of flag choices, kind of like that 5 by 8 foot cotton flag for twenty bucks, plus four bucks for raising it above the capitol building and another four bucks to ship it here. Twenty bucks for a five by eight foot cotton flag is very cheap, are these made in China? Was yours of good quality? Do they really raise it above the capitol building? Did you know that there is no state or local sales tax on American flags? In NY state we are taxed on everything except for basic food stuffs and .... flags! How patriotic! K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-07-09 11:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Can you travel with the certificate?	QUOTE (Tammi @ Jul 10 2008, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We drove over to Niagara in May and last year in Sept. and we didn't have long lines of cars at all. Maybe a five min. wait at most. May was off season though it seemed, so very not crowded at the falls, not like it was in Sept. I've never walked over the Rainbow Bridge before. I also didn't need a zip lock bag! Although, we haven't gone on the Maid of the Mist in years. We really like Niagara-on-the-Lake. Me, too, love Niagara on the Lake. I also love the Shaw Festival. It is gorgeous in the summer. Canada is so much cleaner and more respectful than the US (huge generalization, I know, but all indications seem to point in that direction). Just look at the difference between Ft. Erie Canada and Buffalo or Niagara Falls NY and Niagara Falls ON k	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-07-11 06:40:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Can you travel with the certificate?	QUOTE (NickD @ Jul 10 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Last time I was at Niagara Falls, literally thousands of people were walking back and forth between the Canadian and American side so let us know how if is today. Long Lines? Inspections? I drive back and forth frequently from Buffalo (Peace Bridge, not the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, but the PB is actually busier) The most recent trip over was in mid June, on my way home from Toronto. It was midnight on a Friday and I waited half an hour in the line of cars at the border crossing. The border patrol officer was questioning each car ahead of us for something like 2/3 minutes each (which is a lot!) . When he finally got to us, he was like, "Citizenship?" US, "Where are coming from" Toronto. "Do you have anything to declare" No. "Have a good night" Thanks. It was just me and my two kids in the car, so maybe we looked fresh faced (or just tired) but it was not a particular hassle, just long. I have never actually been pulled over, but most people I know have. Once my 70-year old grandmother was pulled over, her car put up on a lift and the whole thing inspected. It is a real pain if that happens.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-07-11 06:38:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	New York City Oath Ceremony Dates	QUOTE (flavaofsummer @ Aug 6 2008, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> what is ur time line? Now that's rich, Flava. Why don't you start by telling us yours? K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-08-07 06:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Exciting news	QUOTE (eric&gen @ Aug 7 2008, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (flavaofsummer @ Aug 6 2008, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (eric&gen @ Aug 4 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have some great news my wife got her interview fr her citizenship. The letter says this her appoint will be on USCIS SAN FRANCISCO CA Wednesday,September 10;2008 2:35PM Woooooo USCIS is fast. so? you came here on a boat? why you so excited man! its the law she is supposed to get an interview after you file DUHHHHHHHH!!! not like they called her on their own and handed her the interview then u can WOooooooooooo. you are an idiot are you a troll? if so go away. the former k	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-08-08 09:37:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Interview descheduled	I just gave a call over to the USCIS info line for the latest info on our progress. I found out that name check went fine fingerprints went fine , an interview was scheduled for late September and then mysteriously descheduled without warning. We never did receive the IL and our case status online never changed. During the call the officer hung up on me so I couldn't even get any more information K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-05 12:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	PRAYER request for me please!!!!!!!	QUOTE (Aussielad @ Sep 8 2008, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> please...need your prayers...now over 15 days and still no cashed cheque, very worried!, prayers would be appreciated thanks! You are worrying too much, too soon - you'll have a nervous breakdown before it's all over. Take it easy and you'll see that you will receive your NOA soon K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-09 12:22:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	cheque has NOT been cashed yet for N-400	QUOTE (Aussielad @ Sep 4 2008, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok....on the "August N-400" thread....EVERYONE'S cheque has been cashed and they ALL have NOA1 except me.......its been 10 days now and counting...and my cheque STILL has not been cashed, the money is still sitting there untouched. Sent a cheque to better track things...instead of money order. What do you think has happened???...and how much longer do you think they will take to cash it...i'm starting to worry. i did receive the return receipt from the post office indicating that they did receive it with Paul E Novak(VSC directors) stamp on it....but NOTHING else... What do i do??? advice appreciated. thanks VSC is slow in cashing checks. Ours took about 10 days also (see my timeline) K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-04 13:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Contacting your congress-person	QUOTE (akdiver @ Sep 19 2008, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Stef and Kel @ Sep 18 2008, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Has anybody else written to their representative and if so, what did it achieve? USCIS told me that when this happens, they place the application back on the end of the queue, causing a huge delay. I can see that you must be one of the more useful and active members of this forum. Troll. Kel	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-19 05:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Contacting your congress-person	QUOTE (Cassie @ Sep 18 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Why have you contacted them? I called USCIS after hearing nothing from them since May (the people at the Buffalo DO said that we should be receiving an interview letter within 90 days after fingerprints) and I was told that we had been scheduled for an interview for late September (never received a letter about that) but the interview was descheduled for reasons unknown. The name check and fingerprints came back clean. We are totally fed up with the long wait - most others who applied in April and May have already at least had an interview scheduled and many who applied in June and July are already in the queue. We are wondering what the problem is. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-18 12:26:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Contacting your congress-person	We finally contacted our local congressman to have him intervene in our N400 process. Has anybody else written to their representative and if so, what did it achieve? Curious K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-18 11:42:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How do I become a US citizen?	QUOTE (lucyrich @ Sep 15 2008, 11:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (akdiver @ Sep 15 2008, 07:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE If I become a US citizen, will I have to give up my Italian citizenship (passport)? No. Are you sure about that? My understanding is that Italy is one of those few countries that considers naturalization to be a real renunciation of their citizenship. See here, for example. Native-born Italian citizens renounce their right to Italian citizenship when they become naturalized citizens of a foreign country. I'm certainly not an expert on Italian citizenship law, but if this is an area that's of real concern to you, it would be wise to check with someone who really does know Italian citizenship law. Of course, the US won't make you give up your Italian citizenship... Who knows where that site got its information from, but it is false This is the straight dope: http://www.esteri.it...ti/Cittadinanza and no, you don't have to renounce Italian citizenship for American citizenship and have not had to since 1992 K QUOTE (clod @ Sep 15 2008, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I got my green card recently (see timeline) and I was thinking to start the process to become a US citizen, but I have a few questions. 1. My green card is valid for 2 years because I haven't been married with my wife for 2 years yet, can I already start to apply for citizenship? 2. If I become a US citizen, will I have to give up my Italian citizenship (passport)? 3. How and when do I start the process to become a US citizen? You have to wait for 3 years minus 30 days from the date on your green card. No, you won't lose your Italian citizenship. Start by visiting the USCIS.gov site K Edited by Stef and Kel, 25 September 2008 - 11:55 AM.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-25 11:52:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Motivations for citizenship.	QUOTE (NickD @ Sep 24 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Stef amd Kel, what do you mean by, Well, have you thought about getting Ukraine citizenship? For those of us that have made a great sacrifice for our country, a question like this can be taken very offensively. But feel an explanation is in order before making assumptions. Don't get offended NickD. I can tell you are very passionate about the issue and have a lot of meaningful things to contribute. I do remember Guleskegg writing a few month's back about moving to Canada after his wife obtained citizenship in the US, so I was wondering if he ever considered taking citizenship in her home country and trying it out. After 16 years in another country, I can only say that (1) I am very glad to be back in the US, with its warts and all, and (2), as I mentioned, having dual citizenship opens up a world of opportunity. Dual citizenship isn't only an option for our spouses, you know. K ps. about your VA benefits, good luck to you. I feel for you. The government is insidious in its recruitment of idealistic 18/19 year olds looking for opportunities in the military, only to send them home from Iraq in body bags, or worse.	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-24 10:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Motivations for citizenship.	QUOTE (Gulskjegg @ Sep 23 2008, 11:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> To continue NickD's line of thought. I was going to trade school back in 1989. I took out some student loans and joined the Army Reserve for some extra educational benefits. The war came along in 1990 and off I went. Came back in 1991 pretty banged up. Couldnt work, thus couldnt go to school, and certainly couldnt pay back the student loans. They were $3000 back then, but are $15,000 now with interest and penalties. So after I finished my NINE YEAR fight with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which fought 100 times harder then the Iraqi Republic Guard did in order to deny me my EARNED PENSION. I was designated "Totally and Permanently Disabled" by the VA in 2002. I found out shortly after that those that become T&P can have student loans forgiven. So I filed the paperwork back in 2005. The Department of Education denied me for LACK OF EVIDENCE. The previously stated nine years of VA medical records, plus my grant of Social Security Disability Insurance. So thats two federal agencies that agree, whole heartedly, that I am a physical and psychological wreck. But all that apparently isnt good enough for the DoE. I actually had a DoE Disability Determination Board phone bank drone BRAG that they routinely deny forgiveness to soldiers coming back from Iraq with missing limbs. I would like any future war crimes tribunal to drag these enablers of tyranny up for crimes against humanity. Openly putting cash before the welfare of wounded veterans whos lives are already in shambles. The silver lining is, this years Education Bill includes a clause that essentially forces the DoE to recognize VA letters of Total and Permanent. I also dug up a DoE memo that discusses this very problem, but the consensus was to IGNORE the problem until DoE is forced, by law, to recognize VA or SSA decree. The clause comes into effect on July 1, 2010. So is the crummy pension worth all the misery? Im not sure, because I was a fairly normal kid before with war with lots of friends and hobbies. I think Id rather have my health and sanity and let Uncle Sam keep the 30 peices of silver. Had I known back then that the gov't would stomp me over and over then kick me in the teeth every time I tried to get up I would have renounced my citizenship and headed for greener pastures long ago. Well, have you thought about getting Ukraine citizenship? You could always move there with your wife. I lived in Italy with my hubs for 16 years before I finally dragged him over here with one of our kids (the other two stayed in the Old Country). After this citizenship process is over, we will feel more secure here and will have the ability to move in between the two countries much more freely. When you have choices you breathe easier. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-24 06:03:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	I want my interview	QUOTE (amnonbabs @ Oct 5 2008, 04:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know this question has been asked over and over but I am getting so cranky!, waiting is so hard!, every day I go to pick up my mail and...nothing...any hopes that I might get my interview appointment soon? Sent my N-400 at the end of August, had my biometrics done 15 days ago exactly. I know you guys are probably thinking I'm just insane but I kinda hope you guys could give me some words of encouragement?... Thank you check out our timeline before getting desperate so soon K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-10-05 08:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 INTERVIEW DESCHEDULED	QUOTE (bheb2005 @ Sep 18 2008, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> swiftswan, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS LINK, NOW I CAN SLEEP BETTER IN THE NIGHT THINKING IM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS MY WIFE'S APPT IS IN LOS ANGELES FIELD OFFICE. HMM, MAYBE I GUESS ITS BEC. THEY WERE UNDERSTAFFED DUE TO COLUMBUS DAY? OR MAYBE THEY ARE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE 2008 ELECTION? WHATEVER?? BUT THIS REALLY HELPS! THANKS AGAIN! our interview was also descheduled, though not through the Durham office, but the Buffalo DO no reasons given - we've contacted our representative and are waiting for some answers K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-19 07:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N 400 May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (kevinsource @ Sep 2 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi. I am concerned because I see people who filed N-400 after me are already processed and completed the oath process. I send my application was received on March 27th 2008. I went for the biometrics shortly thereafter, but I have heard nothing since. The website indicates that they process applications in the order in which they are received. So, why then, are people who filed after me finished with the complete process? I live in CT and sent my application to the VSC. I hope a letter didn't go undelivered to my house...any help??? Don't worry, you can't gauge your progress by the progress of others, unfortunately. Check out our timeline (VSC , Buffalo DO) .... We had the same concerns as you, so we called and were told that no interview letter had been sent out. Since we are still within the published USCIS processing times, there is nothing we can do. HTH K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-09-02 12:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N 400 May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (Rocky_NY @ Aug 18 2008, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Stef and Kel @ Aug 18 2008, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Rocky_NY @ Aug 18 2008, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Online status is waste of time. They never change status. I called many time to Service Center and always tells me to wait for 7 months. I know many guys from Vermont Service Center got their IL. My NOA1 says "You should expect to be notified within 540 days of this notice." I hope we will get it soon too. It is almost 2 months now from my finger prints. I hear 'ya. Buffalo NY has slowed down considerably and we are playing the waiting game also K I do not want you to be panic, but some one from buffalo already got IL. mspencer...........05/31/08........06/12/08.......06/26/08........09/10/08......--/--/-- VSC(Buffalo, New York) Why the hell VSC hold on some application? I'm not panicking - I already called the USCIS and they told me all is well with the application. All we can do is wait. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when they issue letters. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-08-20 09:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N 400 May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (Rocky_NY @ Aug 18 2008, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Online status is waste of time. They never change status. I called many time to Service Center and always tells me to wait for 7 months. I know many guys from Vermont Service Center got their IL. My NOA1 says "You should expect to be notified within 540 days of this notice." I hope we will get it soon too. It is almost 2 months now from my finger prints. I hear 'ya. Buffalo NY has slowed down considerably and we are playing the waiting game also K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-08-18 10:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N 400 May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (mspencer @ Jul 3 2008, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am not sure how to add to the list, so I am just putting my information here. Sent N-400 May 31 NOA1 arrived June 12 Biometrics appointment June 26 The biometics appointment was in Buffalo, New York. I was suprised to see on the biometics notice that if I could not go to that appointment, that I could go instead any wednesday until mid-September. However, I had no reason for delaying. Good luck to everyone! Hi mspencer We are Buffalo DO as well. Let's keep each other posted on the developments. K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-07-04 06:44:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N 400 May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (BostonChick @ May 15 2008, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My N-400 package arrived last Friday (May 8), but my check hasn't been cahed yet! I am starting to worry a little... I realized I made the check payable to *Department of Homeland Security", forgetting to add *US*. Do you think they can return an application just for that omission? Don't worry, Vermont took forever to cash my check, too (see my sig below) but the pace has picked up since then. Good luck! Kel	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-05-16 05:24:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 April 2008 filers	Just writing to inform you that we had the Naturalization ceremony at the US District Court House in Buffalo today. After nearly 10 months for citizenship and a total of 5 years and 1 month of USCIS wrangling, it is over! Good luck to all who are still waiting... Kelly	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2009-02-05 11:49:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 April 2008 filers	QUOTE (sam75 @ Dec 4 2008, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lumpy115 @ Dec 3 2008, 10:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My wife took the oath today. Finally, we are really done with USCIS forever. Good luck to everyone. Congrates! Hubs had his interview today and passed! Hurray! Oath on February 5 2009. Can't wait to get all this behind us. Good luck to everybody still waiting! K	Stef and Kel	Female	Italy	2008-12-09 11:33:00