ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship eligiblity
Actually you ae held to lower standards if you are a USC, a whole raft of issues that can get you deported disappear.

Purely practical from my perspective. Benefits outweigh negatives by some margin.
BoilerMaleWales2007-02-26 17:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGood Moral Character issue

Hi everyone, I'm writing because my brother is applying for his Naturalization, but there are a couple of questions he has in regards to the Moral Character section. My brother was arrested twice in 1990 for driving drunk, and he was in jail overnight. Eventually they gave him probation and luckily he never got arrested or put in that situation again ever since. Here are my questions:
1) If anyone has ever been through a similar experience, do you think this will affect his chances of getting approved for Naturalization? Has enough time passed for it to be 'forgiven'?

2) And also, there's a question that specifically states, have you ever been in jail or prison? I could be wrong, but the way this question is phrased, it sounds like its referring to more serious criminals who serve time for an extended period. Should he just put No? Or Yes? Whats your opinion. Thanks


It should not effect Naturalisation.

He has been in Jail so the answer is Yes, he will have to declare the reason anyway.
BoilerMaleWales2007-03-02 11:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship eligibility???
Might be confusing it with being able to get accelerated citizenship if you are in the armed forces, not the other way around.

PR's can join the Army, did not know the Navy was different.
BoilerMaleWales2007-03-19 20:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYeara for citizenship

Sorry, I should have clarified that I was referring to only standard status, ie not mariage or other exemption.


I did read of a proposal some time back, it may be part of CIR, either way nothing is going to happen anytime soon, if ever.
BoilerMaleWales2007-03-29 12:58:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYeara for citizenship

Currently you need to wait 5 years to apply for citizenship after a green card. I shaw on the news recently that a bill had recieved the first phase passing of a bill to change it to 4 years. I've looked but cannot find any info on this. Anyone know anything about this or wher to find out more about it ?


3 years through Marriage.
BoilerMaleWales2007-03-29 11:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPart 8 N400 Application - Spouse B2 Overstay (HELP!)
The general rule is to file as a LPR, you never know what glitches might delay naturalisation. And you can 'upgrade' later.

However that is possibly not so relevant in your case as the spouse of a LPR I believe needs to be in status to adjust in the US, and would have a ban, assuming an overstay of 180 days or more, when leaving.

I do not believe a filed I -130 would have any impact on deportation proceedings, I have seen people deported in similar situations.

But go with the legal advise, you paid for that.
BoilerMaleWales2006-04-20 09:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPart 8 N400 Application - Spouse B2 Overstay (HELP!)

I'm applying for my USC in a few weeks. I am married. My spouse came in with a B2 tourist visa and has since overstayed. I know I need to be truthful on part 8 of the N400 for Spouses Immigration Status and I will state her status as "B2 - Overstay Tourist Visa". Should I be concerned that deportation proceedings against her might ensue while I'm waiting to become a USC? I understand that it may take somewhere bet 6 - 12 mos to be sworn in as a USC. Need a sound legal opinion here and/or someone who can share the same experience. Thanks a lot in advance...


You want a sound legal opinion? Then you need to discuss your case with a compotent Immigration Lawyer.

I know many people choose to delay their marriage because of this question.

Deportation - I guess it is possible, I would imagine the risks are low, not exactly a shortage of illegals, or difficult finding any.

I must admit I always assumed that there might be a CIMT issue, harbouring etc, but I do not know.
BoilerMaleWales2006-04-18 23:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhaving dual citizenship

Turkey for example charges US Passport holders much more for a Visa than anybody else, or they did last time I visited.


Actually......it was only $20 bucks. ;)


$100 for my wife, about 4 years ago, when the Embassy was bombed, we flew out the same day to Istanbul, not many tourists around that weekend.
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-15 08:48:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhaving dual citizenship
Probably quite a few benefits, but as I do not know Egyptian law on the matter it would be difficult to be specific.

Presumably a non national wanting to work/move to Egypt would have issues, a national does not.

No doubt there are countries where an Egyptian Passport is an advantage compared to a US one.

Turkey for example charges US Passport holders much more for a Visa than anybody else, or they did last time I visited.
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-15 00:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship test?
To give up loyalty to other countries (I give up loyalty to my [old][first][other] country.)

Not really:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-11 19:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondual citizenship

Sigh, here we go again. As Boiler pointed out, being able to come and go as you please is a benefit for either a UKC or a USC to take citizenship with the other country. Also voting in a country where you have made your life is important to some people, even if it's not to you. And actually, I don't know where you get your information about the UK government being 'childish' about representation of one of their own, it's actually only within the country with which the dual citizen has citizenship (in this case, the US) where the UK government is unable to assist you, and it is thus noted within a UK passport.


Sigh indeed.

I can come and go as I please from the UK, and I'm not a citizen. My husband can come and go as he pleases from the US, and he's not a citizen. So...let's set that argument to one side because in our case it is irrelevant.

I'm not a citizen in this country because voting is not as important to me as my refusal to recite a loyalty oath to a woman whose only accomplishments were to be born to the correct set of parents, then to disgorge four completely useless human beings, one of whom will eventually take her place. No, no, and hell no, in that order. I don't care ENOUGH about voting to pledge a loyalty oath to the queen. Any queen.

I got my information about the UK government not helping dualies from my husband, who is the UK citizen in our relationship and claims to have heard this 'repeatedly' from 'many dualies'. You could argue with him if you like; it's one of his reasons for not wanting to take US citizenship.


The Queen vs GW, Pelosi, Dingy Harry etc.

Tough choice.....not.

It has been said that is you are a USC they the UK Gov will not help you out in the US, to me that is not a big enough deal.

On balance the only thing that would stop me is if I could not be dual, I had to give up my UKC.

This was not my original intent, but if you go through all the factors, for me its a no brainer.

But everybody is entitled to their own choice on the matter.
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-27 13:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondual citizenship
A guy down the street got naturalised after 15 years as a LPR, he had issues getting back in after a long trip to S America and he had heard of LPR's being deported for offences that would not have been a major problem for a USC.

He had not intended to, but just those 2 issues made it a no brainer for him.

There are many many more.
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-24 09:56:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondual citizenship
Often discussed on the US Citizenship forum.

Being able to come and go as you please and for as long as you please would be my No 1.
BoilerMaleWales2007-04-23 20:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSelective Service & US Citizenship
No
BoilerMaleWales2007-06-04 00:31:00
US Citizenship General Discussion5 Years Restriction???
Link was out of date

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD
BoilerMaleWales2007-06-05 23:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussion5 Years Restriction???
No

But read the guides see link in the sticky.
BoilerMaleWales2007-06-05 22:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion on Physical Presence Requirements
Any of the major US Multi Nationals should do. Ford, IBM whatever.

I have seen this a few times, speak to the HR Department. But US Firms seem very reluctant to transfer employees now, I have some friends who work for IBM who have been trying for several years.
BoilerMaleWales2007-06-18 08:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDual citizenship american german

Thank you everyone for your fast replies!

I was born in Germany and my father is on my birth certificate.


US does not have regulations limiting dual nationality, Germany does. SO unless you want to forgoe German Citizenship I would check that aspect out first.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-05 18:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA relative applied for citizenship

It's not that easy. Someone who is already into her 70s, close to 80 years-old does not learn English in a few years by taking ESL classes. I'm sure there a few out there who might and more power to them, but on average that's not the case.

The rules are the rules and if it's less than 20 years and it's difficult for them to learn it, then citizenship is not an option.


15 years not 20.

I have been on Spanish courses in Mexico, there were quite a few older ladies.

Big problem is keping it up when you return home.

I am ####### at languages, I have the exam results to prove it, but I have always fund it much easier when you are immersed.

PS OP said 71 and been here since 62.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-11 00:29:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA relative applied for citizenship

It's not that easy. Someone who is already into her 70s, close to 80 years-old does not learn English in a few years by taking ESL classes. I'm sure there a few out there who might and more power to them, but on average that's not the case.

The rules are the rules and if it's less than 20 years and it's difficult for them to learn it, then citizenship is not an option.


15 years not 20.

I have been on Spanish courses in Mexico, there were quite a few older ladies.

Big problem is keping it up when you return home.

I am ####### at languages, I have the exam results to prove it, but I have always fund it much easier when you are immersed.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-11 00:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA relative applied for citizenship
ESL classes?

Language
Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language. Applicants exempt from this requirement are those who on the date of filing:

have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for periods totaling 15 years or more and are over 55 years of age;
have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for periods totaling 20 years or more and are over 50 years of age; or
have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn English.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-10 23:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion18 months rule?
An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:

has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;

has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)

has resided within a state or district for at least three months
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-14 18:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAlready inside US getting citizenship

thank you very much and i was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a way he could get a license with no SSN in New York


The New York DMV web site lists the documents required to obtain a presumably Drivers License.

It would be reasonable to assume that they are out of status. If the Sister does sposnor them they will need to return home to attend a Consulate interview, at that point a 10 year ban would kick in, so if they want to go that route the Parents at least should leave before she is 11.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-17 12:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat's his spouse's Immigration Status????

Hello everyone!! ;)
My husband is going to apply for his Citizenship. There's a question about his Spouse's immigration status. I (spouse) came to the US 3 years ago. I had J-1 than i changed it to B-2 than to F-1. Last year we got married and i droped my school and lost my status. Currently, the only thing i have is Petition I - 130. Does that mean that i'm out of status which is "illigal" right now? What does he need to write in his application ??? - Pending I 130 ? or Out of status???
Could my "illigal" status affect this process???
One more question, if he got his Green card on October 2 2002, can he apply right now (i think it's 90 days before 5 yeas) ???
I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP


Out of status

May be an issue, but seems unusual.

Yes
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-17 21:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussionforeign passport

They do not keep the foreign passport, because US government allows "Dual Citizenship", you may have a problem re-entering the country without a green-card though. You may want to apply for a US-Passport to travel out of the country and then re-enter.

Will the USCIS people keep my wife's (foreign) passport after her Naturalization interview or will it be returned? We want to visit her family soon so we'll need her passport.


You mean AOS? They didn't keep Andre's. Didn't need it for any reason.

Not AOS Naturalization to become a US Citizen.




The interview is to obtain citizenship.

The USCIS interviewer keeps the Green Card? How would she prove that she's a legal resident without it?


After naturalization, she's not a legal resident (at least, not in the immigration law definition of "legal resident"), she's a citizen. Citizens aren't required to have or to carry proof of their legal status. They'll give her a cerficate of naturalization, and she'll have the opportunity to apply for a US passport. She can use either of these as proof of citizenship if needed to apply for a job. For travel, she'll need the US passport.

BTW, once she's a US Citizen, she is required to present a US passport anytime she deals with US officials at border crossings. She can still keep a foreign passport as long as it's legally issued by a foreign government, and she may use it when dealing with non-US officials, but she must use her US passport when dealing with US officials.


I know. I'm concerned about the time between the interview, the oath ceremony and the arrival of a U.S. passport. That can be several months at least. If the Green Card is turned in during the interview is it impossible to leave the country until you receive a new U.S. passport?


Leaving is not a problem, getting in is.
BoilerMaleWales2007-08-03 00:32:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIs marriage the solution?

You should check with a lawyer and the following is not legal advice.

but as far as I know,since he entered with a visa, he is eligible for residency if u marry him here, he wouldn't have to leave, and then 3 years after bona fida marriage he would be able to apply for citizenship.


anybody correct me if i am wrong, but i don't see the need for him to leave, apply for a waiver outside the us, and risk it being denied, while he could do as I mentioned before here in the US.


He would be able to apply for a waiver in the US because he came legally. (I didn't see how young he is but it's correct that he would not be facing a ban because he is under 18 and because he has not left the country). But it certainly doesn't sound like marriage is the solution for someone looking for a way to legally attend college in the US.

If he had asked I would be less sympathetic.

But I seriously doubt there ae any other options.
BoilerMaleWales2007-08-12 11:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIs marriage the solution?

Spouse of US citizens do not automatically become citizens. He cannot become a citizen for at least three years after receiving a green card.

You would first have to go through the Fiance or Spousal visa petition process and interview. He would be denied at his interview due to his illegal presence and told if he is eligible for a waiver of the 10 year ban. Part of the waiver process requires you, as his fiance or wife, to submit a letter with evidence proving extreme hardship to you if his visa is ultimately denied. It's a long, difficult and expensive process and would not result in him having citizenship although he would be able to go to school.

It's not the right decision if he wants to go to college - it's the right decision if you two want to get married. Otherwise, he should investigate student visas - not fiance or spousal visas - and the waiver process involved with those.


KitKat, he came on a Visa, he was inspected.

I doubt he would stand any reasonable chance of a Student Visa.

Edited by Boiler, 12 August 2007 - 01:09 AM.

BoilerMaleWales2007-08-12 01:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI voted but I'm not a US citizen
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
BoilerMaleWales2007-09-10 13:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI voted but I'm not a US citizen
Probably the easiest thng to register for, is to vote. Requirements vary but are very minimal. Much harder to get a SSN or DL.

I do not think the I-9 is a valid comparison, more akin perhaps to trying to get through Immigration by claiming you are a USC.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-12 14:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI voted but I'm not a US citizen
I would immediately de-register.

And forget about the Naturalisation.

If you are still interested, wait 5 years and then have a word with an Immigration Lawyer.

Have you actually voted? That would compound the problem.

But the big problem is the misrepresentation of being a USC. Deportation and life ban, if they find out and follow through. I can not imagine your excuse would fly.
BoilerMaleWales2007-07-12 10:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow to designate husband's status?
I personally like Undocumented American
BoilerMaleWales2007-11-10 06:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow to designate husband's status?
QUOTE (Dubon @ Nov 9 2007, 01:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi. I'm married to LPR, who is in process of sending out application for naturalization. I'm an overstay since 1996, came in on H4 visa.

When filling out the application, what should my wife put in as my status? Obviously not a citizen nor LPR. I haven't applied for AOS yet, so cannot claim AOE status. What should we do?


Overstayer

Out of Status

Take your pick.
BoilerMaleWales2007-11-09 05:00:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaking the Oath
1. I have never made anything to renounce, so most of it is irrelevant.

2. I think it would be in clear breach of the Unfair Contract Terms Act, so certainly not enforcable in UK law.

3. If you still have issues, just keep your fingers crossed when saying it.
BoilerMaleWales2007-11-12 19:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionThinking of leaving US "permanently"
Oops typo, not 4 years, I am reckoning that it will take 18 months to 2 years from filing for removal of conditions to Citizenship, impossible to say precisely.

So I may be able to vote for the next President, but probably not.
BoilerMaleWales2007-11-11 17:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionThinking of leaving US "permanently"
Citizenship is what you need but sounds like you have a 4 plus year wait.

Otherwise from you have said you will be abandong your PR status and if at sometime later you change your mind you will need to start again.
BoilerMaleWales2007-11-11 17:18:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPhysical Abuse and the Citizenship Dream
QUOTE (kwirl @ Jan 8 2008, 08:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, let me clarify - it isn't so much that she PAID him to marry her, its that she was told her accounts would be frozen as part of the process of sending her back home. she THOUGHT she could trust him, so she gave him the money for her, but once the process began, he used it to take advantage of her. He forces her to clean and cook for him just to get back her own money for various things like food and clothes. She did NOT just go pay some stranger money to live here, she entered what she thought would be a legal arrangement that would help her obtain citizenship so that she could continue living here and finishing her education.

I realize there are some poor choices she made, but I'm quite sure that not every 19 year old girl in her situation would have made the best call first when pressured and scared. This wasn't a stranger, this was a supposed 'friend' who is now taking advantage of a young girl who is scared and feels hopeless as she watches her dreams go down the drain every day.



There is a Student Visa - F1, if that was truel her purpose.

Her acounts would not be frozen as part of deportation.

And she could have moved the money back to her home country at any time very easily.

It certainly sounds like she thought she was paying $10,000 for a Green Card, he looked upon it as a down payment, either way outside the remit of this forum.
BoilerMaleWales2008-01-09 10:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPermanent Residency and Traveling Abroad: Please Advise
QUOTE (akatagirl @ Feb 8 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Boiler @ Feb 8 2008, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you knew the implications, what is the point of this thread?

I just do not believe that he was told by US Officials to lie to the POE.

But even if we accept that, and you could prove it, it makes no difference, the Supreme Court have said so.


These posts from other members are no longer helpful, but more so judgmental and just plain condescending... Can we lock this post?


1. A question.

2. You stated that you were told by a US Official to lie, you also stated you understood the issues in doing so, and still did it.

3. The thread can be helpful for others whom are contemplating a similar route. Judgement, well that's the nature of public forums, they are not for everybody, you have been told that this is an Attorney issue, many people prefer the confidental nature of such a relationship.

4. Condescending - mirror time.
BoilerMaleWales2008-02-08 16:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPermanent Residency and Traveling Abroad: Please Advise
QUOTE (akatagirl @ Feb 8 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john_and_marlene @ Feb 8 2008, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should really read this link:

http://www.immilaw.c.....d Waivers.htm

A Lie Can Exclude You From the United States Forever



Thank you all for your responses...John_and_Marlene, thanks for the link but I do not think reading the link provided will really help me get through this situation we are in right now...I have a pretty good idea of the implications of lying and do not need to read on literature that will make me feel even worse than I feel now... it is evident what you take is on my situation, so please kindly refrain from any further responses to this topic.


If you knew the implications, what is the point of this thread?

I just do not believe that he was told by US Officials to lie to the POE.

But even if we accept that, and you could prove it, it makes no difference, the Supreme Court have said so.
BoilerMaleWales2008-02-08 15:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPermanent Residency and Traveling Abroad: Please Advise
QUOTE (akatagirl @ Feb 8 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is information taken from the USCIS website:

International Travel
A Permanent Resident of the United States can travel freely outside of the US. A passport from the country of citizenship is normally all that is needed. To reenter the US a Permanent Resident normally needs to present the green card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) for readmission. A reentry permit is needed for reentry for trips greater than one year but less than two years in duration.

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

* Move to another country intending to live there permanently.
* Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year. * Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
* Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.
* Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INPUT!!!!!



Sounds like he was lucky, was he working for a US company who sent him out of the country?

You will not get a definitive answer, there is not one. Best advice would be to discuss your situation with an Immigration attorney familiar with abandonment issues, very few are.
BoilerMaleWales2008-02-08 12:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionApplying for Citizenship while I-751 is pending!
Plenty of people have, probably be the norm going forward.
BoilerMaleWales2008-02-09 22:34:00