biggish data

Stunned by Social Security Administration

Can someone please explain to me why do you even need to report to SS after becoming a citizen? We did that after getting our green cards and we received new cards with no restrictions on it, looks like a normal SSN card.
Is there a difference in status (in Social Security) between permanent resident and a citizen? AFAIK there is no difference and you can live here all your lives as P.R., and you are still eligible for benefits (is you are eligible to begin with, meaning if you paid into it).

I asked that same question of the SSA, and I was told it had to do with survivor benefits. However, when I checked the website, I only found that non-citizens cannot receive benefits overseas, while a citizen can.

http://ssa-custhelp....d/512/related/1

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2013-03-21 12:31:00

Traffic ticket not on driving record

I'm applying based on 5-year rule and I'm preparing a list of documents to take with me to the interview, God Willing. I obtained my driving record, however there is only 1 ticket! I know i had another ticket february of last year but for some reason it's not there.

Basically, if the ticket isn't in my driver's record, do I need to bring it up at all? I don't want to cause any confusion as to why it's not on my record. Anyone had a similar experience?

and for taxes, there are years when i was a student and didn't make enough money to file for taxes. Do I have to bring proof that i wasn't required to file for such years?

It depends on the state, but for example in my state, they only go back so far on your report, depending what it is being used for, for instance, insurance, or to show to an employer. You may have to request your full record, to see what could be seen. However, if the fine was less than $500, didn't involving alcohol or drugs, and you didn't get booked into jail, you may not have disclose it, unless you are asked specifically at the interview - opinions vary. However, if you have an open ticket, that you didn't appear on or pay the fine, don't assume it disappeared from your record.

Edited by The Patriot, 13 March 2013 - 11:01 PM.

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2013-03-13 22:58:00

Accidental Claim to US Citizenship back in 1988

Accidental Claim to US Citizenship back in 1988

It is not an "accidental" claim, but a deliberate act, although at best an ignorant act at the time. The question is, did she obtain a benefit by claiming to be a US Citizen, for which she would otherwise be not entitled? Darnell's suggestion is the best, and easiest - get an affidavit from the state that says no harm, no foul, and have that handy. Chances are if she was issued a gun permit, and they did a name check, there is a record of that in a Federal database somewhere. If the Feds put two and two together (not very likely), there is a chance it could bite her if it was not disclosed beforehand.

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2013-03-11 19:11:00

Accidental Claim to US Citizenship back in 1988

The stupid genes will stop with her. :-)

Off Topic: Makes you wonder how a responsible government could allow stupid people to have guns, let alone a concealed carry permit.

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2013-03-12 10:43:00

Accidental Claim to US Citizenship back in 1988

Just look at the many that received the death sentence, were executed, but were later proved innocent.

How many is that in the US? Zero.

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2013-03-12 18:54:00

I-751 and N-400 together?

have actually resided in the United States for 3 years.

????

Continuous residence, as in maintained a US residence for the last three years, and you only need to be present in the US for at least 18 months out of the last three years, with some exceptions.

http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

Edited by The Patriot, 12 March 2013 - 08:51 PM.

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2013-03-12 20:48:00

Taxes and Citizenship denial!

guys, thanks for all the answers!
Well, when I came here those times as a j1 holder I had no idea one day I would marry an american and move to the US! And had no idea I had to file taxes if I wasn't a resident! Hundreds of international students do Work and Travel every year and don't file taxes! We are completely clueless about it!

I was taking a look at both my W2's and here's what they say (both times I worked in Alaska):
2008: Gross pay - $8171.62; AK SUI (I don;t know what that is) - $40.86 and that's it! No federal income tax withheld!
2009: Gross pay - $3126.76; AK SUI - 15.63; Federal income tax withheld: $88.00!

I'm more confused than ever now! I emailed the HR lady of 2008 about the federal taxes and she responded "We don’t deduct those from J-1 paychecks automatically".
So now I don't know what it means... but I probably owe a lot of money.

And from what everyone responded me here, the best thing to do is actually to go ahead and file those tax returns, right?
And I'll probably need professional help, cuz this is all too confusing for me! I don't think I can file it on my own! This is frustrating!

Alaska State Unemployment Insurance.

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2013-03-09 19:59:00

Taxes and Citizenship denial!

IRS prefers if you round to the next whole number, I did a quick calculation and for 2009 you income was less than the personal exemption for non-resident aliens (3650), so you are owed a refund of $88.

For 2008, assuming you don't have any allowable deductions; your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) would be 4672 (8172-3500 exemption), you would need to pay $468 + interests and penalties.
Of course, you should confirm this numbers with your tax professional

p.s. You don't have to figure out interests and penalties, IRS will do it for you and send you a bill after you file your tax return. See page 10 of the instructions (Under Interests and Penalties):

http://www.irs.gov/p...40nre--2008.pdf

The interest and penalties can add up. I would expect to pay at least double your tax liability, if not more. After an audit, for two years, that was about what it came to.

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2013-03-10 10:33:00

Do I leave my spouse at home for the citizenship interview

Bring your spouse. Even though he won't be invited for the interview, the IO expects to see him in the waiting room. People have been denied or delayed for not having the spouse present.

Edited by The Patriot, 04 March 2013 - 03:46 PM.

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2013-03-04 15:43:00

Do I leave my spouse at home for the citizenship interview

There was one poster here that went alone, the IO wasn't sure, so he made her come back with her spouse, and interviewed him separately, almost like a mini-stokes interview. I think it worked out okay for them.

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2013-03-04 16:10:00

Traffic Tickets filing for n400?

Never even thought about a four year old 50 buck fine my stepdaughter received, but her IO asked her if she received any traffic or parking tickets. She answered yes, he issued a decision cannot be made at this time until we provided proof that 50 buck fine was paid.

How do you know how your individual IO is going to respond?

Good thing she remembered that small ticket and did say yes, for I know, if she said no, would have lied to her IO and have been deported. And apparently her IO didn't read the N-400 instructions on small traffic violations.

When we went for my wife's interview, the IO took both my Driver License and her State ID Card with him. He gave them back after the interview. I suppose he could have received an instant printout from the state database. But, I have no way of knowing why he took them, and why he swiped them through some sort of card reader in front of my wife.

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2013-03-02 18:41:00

Traffic Tickets filing for n400?

How did you get the DMV record is it online?

It depends on the state, I am sure. You can in California.

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2013-03-04 14:07:00

Update SSA und DMV right after oath?

We updated both same day. It really doesn't matter. It will take a few days to weeks for the system to update, meanwhile, your naturalization certificate is all they need to start the process, in both cases. Let them make the photocopy - something about chain of custody. They won't accept your copies, just the original. You have to send off your original to get your passport, so do make a few copies for yourself, and do update the DMV and the SSA, before you send for your passport.

Edited by The Patriot, 27 February 2013 - 02:27 PM.

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2013-02-27 14:26:00

Update SSA und DMV right after oath?

Sorry but maybe I'm not understanding something, but why would you need to update things with SSA and DMV? Is there any difference between how they treat permanent residents and citizens?

Yes. For the DMV, the license is no longer tied to the legal presence document. For the SSA, good question.

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2013-02-27 17:18:00

Maybe this question got asked a lot but I cannot seem to find it. If one applies for citizenship based of marriage 3 years, I saw this:

4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children, or
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past three years, or
An IRS tax return transcript for the last three years.

Now, does one have to send all 3 items? or IRS tax transcript is enough? I am confused with this piece, it says "OR", not "AND" - am I missing something?

It should really be most of the above, and tax transcripts or IRS certfied copies.

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2013-02-27 22:16:00

Not to MAIL, but to take to interview, yes.

If you want an RFE, yes.

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2013-02-27 22:46:00

Um no. Please read the instructions, read other peoples posts, learn and then come to terms with being wrong.

Sorry, when did you go through this N-400 process that you are such an expert?

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2013-02-27 22:50:00

They did not say what statements period they want. How do guys did it? What period, etc.?

The basic answer is that that they want to make sure you are still married to, and living with the same USC for the last three years. As far as what we submitted, we sent the most recent utility bills, and bank statements, three years of tax transcripts, pictures, and a couple affidavits from friends that knew us well. When time came for the interview, the IO said he just needed my driver's license, and took the wife off to another room for the citizenship test. They were back a few minutes later.

Edited by The Patriot, 27 February 2013 - 11:06 PM.

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2013-02-27 23:06:00

Any real benefit to Early Walk-In Biometric?

We went early, the day we got the appointment in the mail. Definitely sped things up.

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2012-01-26 22:16:00

Will I be able to go through naturalization in time for travelling?

The Baltimore Field Office

Current processing time is six months.

https://egov.uscis.g...rd/ProcTimes.do

Do an early bio, and hope you can do same day oath at your interview, you might get lucky.

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2013-02-17 23:06:00

Will I be able to go through naturalization in time for travelling?

Err, what exactly is an early bio? (sorry, I don't know too much about this)

When you get your biometics appointment letter, go to the Application Support Center before your appointed time.

But, you are really cutting thing a bit too tight. Murphy's Law will probably win in the end.

Edited by The Patriot, 18 February 2013 - 11:27 AM.

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2013-02-18 11:27:00

Biometrics for Naturalization

Hi All,
I had my Biometrics appointment in Pittsburgh, PA on Feb14,2013 for Naturalization. How long do I have to wait for the Test? Just curious! Any useful comment will be appreciated. Hope you all are having a great weekend.

There's a test? :unsure:

Kidding. You mean the interview, which includes a civics test, and a basic English literacy test. That will vary by which local office is responsible for your state or district. Typically, it takes a couple months to get an interview once you finish the biometrics. If the local office is fully booked, you may have to wait a while.

Edited by The Patriot, 17 February 2013 - 07:00 PM.

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2013-02-17 18:59:00

yellow letter. married after filed I-400

i am divorce but qualify under 3 years rule:). But Thanks anyway.
I hope getting married during naturalization would't delay my case

That requires some explanation. You have to be married to and living with a USC, and married to that same USC for at least three years, before you can apply under the three year rule.

See Attachment A on page 7: http://www.uscis.gov...attachments.pdf

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2013-02-15 22:32:00

yellow letter. married after filed I-400

n.m.

Edited by The Patriot, 15 February 2013 - 11:00 PM.

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2013-02-15 22:57:00

yellow letter. married after filed I-400

Not about to argue this issue, but it sure does make a difference. USCIS will also want to know why you divorced and remarried. In particular if that first marriage is the reason why you are here.

VAWA says is all.

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2013-02-16 12:55:00

Tax transcript for 2012

Massively thick tax returns? I don't think they want the documents sent in or the additional forms--just the main one. I can't imagine having something that is more than 2 or 3 pages.

The tax transcripts seem to be very popular with folks on here who state "I don't have my old ones" and I want to say, "WHAT?!?!?!?! You are assuming financial responsibility for a complete extra person in your life and you can't even keep up with your own documents?" I am possibly incorrect but it seems weird to me.

BTW--on my tax returns (that were to be mailed to my then-fiance), I cut out with a blade my social security number and then post-it-noted over that "I am uncomfortable mailing my SS#--document holder can state this information in person." They didn't even blink an eye at that and he didn't have to recite at all.

If you send a return, they want the entire return, including all schedules and attachments, copies of w-2's, 1099's etc. With the transcripts, the entire return is condensed to a few pages, and it is proof the IRS actually received the return. Some unscrupulous people have been known to generate fake returns.

For Naturalization, they want either Certified IRS Copies of the Return, or Tax Transcripts only.

Edited by The Patriot, 02 February 2013 - 07:42 PM.

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2013-02-02 19:39:00

Tax transcript for 2012

Easy for the USCIS to contact the IRS to learn if your tax returns are valid, faking a return is tantamount to being a complete idiot.

It would be if the government agencies actually talked to each other. However, minus a court order, or your consent, whatever you file with the IRS is confidential.

Edited by The Patriot, 03 February 2013 - 10:52 AM.

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2013-02-03 10:49:00

Tax transcript for 2012

All I can reply with is, keep on living in your dream world, much nicer than reality.

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2013-02-03 14:30:00

Checks not yet Cashed. When Should I Start Worrying?

Did your lawyer send in Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance with your application? If not, then have your lawyer do a follow-up at no charge to you, because she obviously is incompetent.

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2013-01-16 18:52:00

Checks not yet Cashed. When Should I Start Worrying?

I will ask her. Thanks for the note. Also, is there a better way to follow up with USCIS than the generic customer service line? Because they weren't very helpful when I called. The agent on the phone told me that I had to wait up to six months (which is insane). I have a feeling they are not problem solvers. They just read whatever the book is saying.

Any thoughts?

There is no urgency to the N-400, since there is no expiry on your ability to file. Patience might be needed, or when you, or your lawyer talk to the USCIS, ask to talk to a tier 2 officer. Perhaps they might be able to use your SSN or A# to see if your filing has been entered into the system.

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2013-01-17 09:58:00

oath ceremony

Do I have to pay anything this time? They didn't say anything on the phone.

You shouldn't have to pay anything more.

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2013-01-16 21:33:00

Applying for N400 while abroad

Thank you for your responses

I am planning to write down all my trips, including the last one. Since, I will know in advance which day I will be leaving.

I looked everywhere on the website and the documentations. It couldn't find anywhere where it states, you have to be in the country to submit the application.

What happens if you get an RFE, or they schedule your biometrics appointment while you are away? There is no deadline, no urgency to filing the N-400, so wait the extra few weeks to file. Besides, filing exactly 90 days before your anniversary date may cause some delay, since no final decision can be made until after your anniversary date.

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2012-04-06 11:07:00

Applying for N400 while abroad

I wanted to get the opinion of the community on this one.

Do you think I should include this last trip in my application since there won't be any return date at that moment.
Maybe, I could put a future date for my return and write in parentheses planned date of return.

Either way, it will set a red flag that will have to be resolved at the interview. The DHS has a record of every time your green card passes through an entry or exit point.

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2012-04-21 15:26:00

Just now completed the Oath Ceremony. Now I am a Citizen of the United States of America.

Welcome citizen!

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2012-04-20 09:35:00

101 days since interview. Our Senators office doesn't seem to want to do much. The last email we go from them was that after approval you go through a re-review before they set you up for Oath. She also mentioned that Memphis Tn office did say the next Oath Ceremony in Little Rock Arkansas wasn't until Jule 13th. Well that makes it 181 days. I think this is total BS, and maybe I need to do more any ideas?

We did the E-verify was done in mid march said I was approved and to continue waiting for the Oath.

You may make an info-pass appointment, not much else you can do if you want to wait for the next public ceremony. For us, after the interview, we went downstairs with the IO, and he had us wait while he scheduled us for the next oath ceremony, which was excellent service I thought.

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2012-04-24 14:08:00

Great i got a speeding ticket today ....smh no bueno would that affect anything?

Only if you get an FTA between now and when they finally adjudicate your case, if they do another check for wants and warrants. As long as you take care of the ticket, no sweat.

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2012-04-26 20:51:00

Hang in there. We will get thru it sooner than later. Funny thing is that I stopped waiting after they gave me the GC extension. We are moving in Summer and I saw myself taking the Oath in sunny California...

Don't move until after you take the oath. You have to take the oath in the jurisdiction where you are living and where you filed for naturalization.

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2012-05-01 17:52:00

when to the infopass this morning and I'm very frustrating all they said is it still pending to wait for another month or two ..smh they must be out of there freaking mind! i'm getting in patient now ubelieveble! i don't really care by now if i get dinied i just freaking hate all this waitng B!#$%T excuse my french!

Sounds like they are waiting on a response from somebody, somewhere. Short of getting a lawyer, all you can do is get the Representative for your Congressional district involved, or your Senators. Senator Boxer used to help us veterans and guard members cut through the red tape when she was our Representative in the House (about the only thing I like about her). You can try her office as well.

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2012-05-04 13:19:00

Keep you chin up. As long as they did not decline your application you are in good shape. I beleive they have to process your application in 120 days and if they do not then it gets sent to a court where you can explain your case to the judge. So you have plenty of opportunites. I know it is hard to wait and count the days. I felt the same way too and I know what you are feeling.

It's not automatic. The applicant has to request the court hearing.

If USCIS fails to make a determination within 120 days after initial examination, the applicant may request a hearing in the United States District Court. [See section 336(b) of the Act.]

http://www.uscis.gov...html#0-0-0-2007

Edited by ?, 07 May 2012 - 06:34 PM.

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2012-05-07 18:34:00