Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Citizenship General Discussion	Are We in Trouble?	WOW. The responses to this question have gotten technical by the minute. Here's a simple answer. If the OP did not put her name and signature on an application for food stamps, then there is no story. Her eating some of the food is none of the government's business since the husband (usc) got the food stamps on his own and can share with who ever he pleases. No need for the OP to lose sleep over this. It gets even better. Since the ineligible immigrant is not deemed to be included in the household size, neither is the ineligible immigrant's income deemed to be including in calculating household income. So, she can earn as much money as she wants, and the out of work husband can still collect food stamps. Edited by ?, 29 January 2012 - 07:38 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-29 19:38:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Are We in Trouble?	That is definitely not correct in Vermont. ALL household income is counted whether that household member is eligible or not. Alla does interpretations for people seeking assistance among other things and this is definitely the case here. Food stamps are administered by states and there MAY be exceptions, but to my knowledge all income counts. You are right. It is up to the states, with some limitations: COUNTING THE INCOME OF INELIGIBLE IMMIGRANTS States have certain options about how to count the income of ineligible immigrants in determining the eligibility of a household and the amount of benefits it can receive. A state's choices among these options could greatly affect the amount of federal food stamps that immigrant households actually receive. Advocates can encourage states to adopt the most liberal options. Immigrants ineligible under pre-1996 law. State agencies have discretion to decide whether to count all, or only a pro rata share, of the income of immigrant household members who were ineligible for food stamps under the pre-1996 rules. These include undocumented immigrants and those who are unable or unwilling to provide documentation of their immigration status. Immigrants made ineligible by the 1996 welfare law. State agencies have discretion to decide whether to count a pro rata share, or none, of the income of immigrant household members who would have been eligible under the pre-1996 rules, but who lost eligibility due to the 1996 welfare law. These include "qualified" immigrants who are ineligible because they do not meet any of the welfare law's exceptions. A state must select one method for all such households. If an agency does not count an ineligible immigrant's income, the total household benefit cannot exceed the amount that would have been granted if the immigrant had been eligible for benefits.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-29 20:33:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Tell me how you did it....	We sent transcripts with the N-400. The IO said, "I already have your tax returns," when we showed up for the wife's interview. We filed joint returns all three years, and wife was approved during interview, no issues.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-27 19:00:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	2nd interview for citizenship...Help!	Stokes interview? Was you wife at the last interview? I see the San Francisco office: They want to see the spouse show up for the interview -- all the interviews. Make sure she has her driver's license with her or a California ID card. Edited by ?, 23 January 2012 - 01:05 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-23 13:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	2nd interview for citizenship...Help!	No, she wasn't there. She was actually in Manila organizing and preparing for our Church wedding for June 2012.I even told the IO officer it was my wife's turn to organize and be there, and that I was there last April to September when I got laid off so my wife told me to go home first so we could star for the preparation of the wedding. My wife even have to take classes for the church preparation there. She's actually disappointed right now that she flew back here instead of waiting for me there after my citizenship. It's not cheap to fly back and forth from manila to sf. We're gathering all our documents right now from Life, Health, Renter's, Auto insurance to Bank statements. What else do I need? Any suggestions? So is it really normal in SF to bring my spouse?They should have told me so she could have waited for it before flying to manila last December. Be prepared for them to interview you both separately and ask some very intimate questions. Yes. It is normal to have your spouse with you in the waiting room. Have evidence of both of you living at the same address, and perhaps get a couple statements from folks that know both of you, and can testify to the validity of your relationship. Edited by ?, 23 January 2012 - 02:31 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-23 14:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	2nd interview for citizenship...Help!	There's no problem with us being interviewed...what's bothering me is that from all the forums that I read, this rarely happened. It's like witchhunt or something. I'm already tempted to ask for a lawyer's advice, because this are all sudden. From the start we didn't get any lawyer, what for? But now, with all this additional interviews and questions about our marriage which seems to me has no reason becuase we were able to give all our docs during my removal of conditions. It doesnt seem to be right...I don't know...maybe I'm just thinking too much. My wife and I feel offended with it actually, with my wife having a miscarriage last Feb. 2009, and still they will question us? I just hope the interview will go smoothly. Can we do an infopass just to get this over with? Thanks! Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. It's nothing personal. Each IO interviews several people a day, five days a week. They go by the guidelines. They just don't have enough evidence to deny you, and they don't have enough evidence to approve you. So, it is being taken to the next level, that's all. They are just doing their job. The lawyer is up to you. If you are not sure, do not rely on what you find on immigration sites like this, but rather see an attorney. Get one with referrals, from your own attorney. Not all attorneys are created equal.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-23 15:03:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 Tax Returns	I went to their website and i need to file Form 4506 with the IRS, and each CERTIFIED copy cost 55 USD. If we ask for Certified Copy..NOT the transcript, IRS does provide it for up to 7 years . I think this is about right, I just not too pleased to have to spend more $$$$$$$ Thats why I asked earlier, if Transcript Only will be acceptable for those who apply for Naturalizations with 5 years case. I think the best bet would be have the transcript for the past 3 years IRS provided and for the other 2 years I am going to get the certified copy of it... I dont know if its a good idea ? but it does make sense. Any Opinion ? Or Suggestion are welcome.. thanks Get the three free transcripts mailed to you, and take those with you to the interview, just in case.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-26 22:22:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	No joint accounts	We put together everything for the N400 of my husband, but all we have in the PROOF section is 3 years of tax returns (our copies, not the IRS tax transcript copies) I guess I can get IRS copies and bring it to the interview if necessary, but as far as mailing in evidence, all we have aside from the marriage certificate is many years of joint returns. We've been married since 2004, he filed for and got green card in 2009, and eligible to file for citizenship this year. We have separate bank accounts, we live with his parents (house is under his parents name) so no mortgage, etc. Cars are under his name. We have a small business, its under my name as a LLC. The only thing I have is Geico car insurance which lists us both any ideas? Transcripts are better. If you do 1040's, include W-2's, 1099's, and all schedules. Anything you have that shows you both reside at the same address would be helpful.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-23 20:41:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	No joint accounts	That is about right. The form instructions say "OR" and come time for interview, they all become "AND". Also, 3 YEARS OF IRS TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED!!!! Edited by ?, 24 January 2012 - 11:20 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-24 23:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	No document to prove citizenship	This might fall under the category of "be careful what you wish for." If he was a citizen all these years, he may get an unpleasant letter from the IRS telling him that he owes some back taxes on his foreign income. I imagine that over 30 years, with penalties, this could add up to a sizable burden. Statute of limitations is three years on returns, then ten years to collect. The foreign income exclusion is over $90,000/year.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-23 20:34:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	TAX RETURNS	Transcripts make it easy to prove you actually paid your taxes, one of the requirements.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-20 16:22:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	TAX RETURNS	I keep seeing this by people on this forum but I never ever have read this on any of the forms/documents/etc from USCIS. Where did they state that you have to have paid your taxes? Besides, if you have been without job and didn't have any income, you cannot even pay taxes, just to name something. The sole reason is to verify your address and such, USCIS is not concerned with you paying all taxes or not, that is for the IRS. Do you honestly think USCIS is performing an audit? If you read carefully, you see you have to give them a whole bunch of documents to verify your address, OR simply send tax transcripts. It has nothing to do with you actually paying your taxes. N-400 Part 10 A 5. Do you owe any Federal, State, or local taxes that are overdue? If you have any Federal, state or local taxes that are overdue, send: A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the taxes you owe; and Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program. http://www.uscis.gov...00048f3d6a1RCRD Edited by ?, 20 January 2012 - 04:35 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-20 16:33:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	TAX RETURNS	Copies only and save the originals for the interview. I sent in the transcripts, and ordered another set for the interview. The AO said, "I already have your tax returns, so I won't be needing those." He did take my driver's license, and told me to cool my heels while he interviewed the wife. Edited by ?, 20 January 2012 - 06:33 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-20 18:31:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	TAX RETURNS	That's fine BUT I certainly won't encourage to anyone to send originals unless USCIS is asking to send them. So, it's up to the OP. I have never sent originals with any of my petitions/applications in my almost 5 years of dealing with USCIS. Copy of transcripts? The IRS will send you as many copies as you want.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-20 18:42:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	TAX RETURNS	Why the killing of more trees? They grow back. Trees are a renewal resource.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-20 19:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Is The N400 Paperwork needed For My Situation?	Thank you for your replies. I arrived in the US in March of 2009 and maried in April 09. I recently got my 10 year green card in November of 2011. So I would have been in the US for 3 years at the end of March 2012. Would I be right in saying that I will be a LPR for 3 years in November of 2015? That would be 3 years after i recieved my 10 year green card? Would it be benificial to become a US Citizen or not. Im not going to lie, its a relief knowing that there are no more packages, paperwork to do. Its been one hell of a ride. Thanks again for your replies. 5 years since the "Permanent Resident since" date on the green card. You can file your application 90 days before your 5th anniversary. Edited by ?, 18 January 2012 - 12:20 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-18 12:19:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Is The N400 Paperwork needed For My Situation?	Your three years counter begins at the time you were approved as a CPR, not a LPR. So, whenever you received your CPR in 2009, your clock started ticking, provided that you are still married to your USC spouse. So, that's true, you can file your N400, ninety days before your three year anniversary from your CPR date, in this year, not 2015. CPR? Somebody have a heart attack? She is divorced. She has the wait the five years.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-19 12:31:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Attorney at Interview	Wife did it without the interview. It was quick and painless for her. Make sure you can pass the civics test, and don't have a problem reading out loud and writing simple English sentences. Unless you have some unusual issues, there really is no need to pay for an attorney. Most of the people we saw with attorneys appeared to have some difficulty with English. Edited by ?, 14 January 2012 - 03:49 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-14 15:48:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Attorney at Interview	Wife did the interview without the attorney. It was quick and painless for her. Make sure you can pass the civics test, and don't have a problem reading out loud and writing simple English sentences. Unless you have some unusual issues, there really is no need to pay for an attorney. Most of the people we saw with attorneys appeared to have some difficulty with English. Fixed. I need to learn my native language a litter better.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-14 16:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	lost certificate of citizenship	**** Moving from CR-1 to US Citizenship forum **** Are you sure that is the correct forum for CRBA issues?	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-07 23:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Apply fo Citizenship with Green card expire?	This if for my wife and the Card is set to expired at the end of this month. Instead of renewing the card we were thinking of applying for US Citizenship without renewing the card that way we don't have to pay two fees. No problem. Get the application in the mail this month, sooner the better.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-05 13:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Apply fo Citizenship with Green card expire?	It appears the USCIS wants their money: Q. What should I do if I?ve already applied for naturalization and my card is expiring? Do I still need to renew my Green Card and pay the $130 renewal application fee? A. If you have applied for naturalization more than six months prior to your card?s expiration you do not need to apply to renew your Green Card. If you are in the process of obtaining new employment you may use other documents listed on the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) for employment verification purposes. However, if you need a new Green Card for employment or benefits verification purposes, you should apply and pay the $130 filing fee to renew your expiring Green Card. Q. What if I applied for naturalization less than six months before my card expires, or I choose to apply for naturalization instead of applying to renew my Green Card? A. If you have applied for naturalization less than six months prior to your card?s expiration, you will still need to apply and pay the $130 filing fee to renew your expiring Green Card and ensure that you have evidence of your legal status. http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/GreenCardRenewal_110702.pdf Old cite. I am sure the fees have gone up since 2002. Edited by ?, 05 January 2012 - 02:46 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-05 14:41:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Do I really need proof of Selective Service Registration for my interview?	Have you ever lived in the United States between your 18th and 26th birthday, and were a male at the time? If the answer is no, then the answer is no. http://www.sss.gov/FSwho.htm Edited by ?, 07 January 2012 - 05:28 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-07 17:23:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Do I really need proof of Selective Service Registration for my interview?	Stepdaughter fell exactly in that age class, but we typed in N/A because she is a female. The key in your case is if you are a male within that 18 to 26 year old age class and became a LPR during that time period. Then you definitely had to register. If not, you also type in N/A and go on to the next section. Seems like only the USCIS takes this issue very seriously, no way would Bush reinstitute the draft for his private war against Iraq. Would have been political suicide for him when enlistments went way down. Instead he hired private crooked contractors to fight his war, and these guys didn't even have to follow the rules of engagement. If in the US military, had to have a least three bullets in your chest before you could fire back. You don't even have to be here legally. All aliens with exceptions that meet the age and gender criteria are required to register as well, not just LPR's.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-08 11:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Applying N-400 based on 3 year marriage - is IRS tax transcript required or regular copies are accepted?	They want proof you paid your taxes. Copies are not sufficient to prove that. You need transcripts to show that. The transcripts serve both as proof of marital status, and proof of tax payment.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-05 13:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Applying N-400 based on 3 year marriage - is IRS tax transcript required or regular copies are accepted?	I called today, the transcript service is out of service until the end of January, but you can order certified copies currently for free (there is usually a charge for copies but because the transcript service is down they will send them free) Order a Transcript will not be available starting Monday, December 26, 2011 at Midnight Eastern Time, until Monday, January 9, 2012, 08:00AM Eastern Time for annual maintenance. Please check back with us on January 9, 2012. http://www.irs.gov/i...=232168,00.html	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-05 22:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Applying N-400 based on 3 year marriage - is IRS tax transcript required or regular copies are accepted?	What's the different between the transcript and the certified copy? which one is better? The transcript is a condensed version and shows payment information. The certified copy is an exact copy of what the IRS received in when the tax return was filed. http://www.irs.gov/e...=232219,00.html	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-06 23:03:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Applying N-400 based on 3 year marriage - is IRS tax transcript required or regular copies are accepted?	What's the different between the transcript and the certified copy? which one is better? The transcript is free. The certified copy costs $57. Edited by ?, 06 January 2012 - 11:07 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2012-01-06 23:05:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Two N400 related questions	If you have any doubts, answer yes, and provide an explanation. In your case, a background check will show both these incidents, so you may want to have all the necessary documentation ready before your interview. If your obligations for both incidents are satisfied, it shouldn't be a problem, as long as you can show that is the case. There is more scrutiny given to someone trying to become a citizen, than one seeking to remain legally in the United States. Edited by ?, 31 December 2011 - 08:35 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-31 20:33:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	The USCIS SCREW!! Last Minute Unclassified Fingerprints?!?!?	Alright, so my wife has a citizenship interview for 3/1/2011. The geniuses at USCIS NOW tell us that her fingerprints did NOT go through and want police reports for the past 5 years of where she lived. Problem: We have moved, so we need a police report from UK, New Jersey AND Fresno...most agencies take at lest 3-4 weeks to send this. So now what...thanks to USCIS for the "prompt" notification...stupid morons. I am getting seriously pissed. Fingerprints not scanning is not unusual. Any foreign material, especially hand lotion, can make the scan unreadable. They should know that shortly after the fingerprints are scanned. That happened to my wife in Manila, but they called her back the next day. Seems to me the USCIS wants you to do all the legwork that you paid for with your application. Perhaps they owe you a refund. I wonder if a case could be made. Talk to your Congressperson, and start an inquiry.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-02-18 11:28:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Possible N400 denial for misinforming under oath about applying for work at Federal Agency 9 years ago.	As long as you didn't intentionally misrepresent yourself, I don't see any problem. It's much better knowing what's coming, than being ambushed.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-22 16:09:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Decision can't be made and they want a sworn statement	Married wife in ?01 . Filed for i751 ?01, which was still pending when she admitted to an affair that produced our 3 month old daughter (I didn't believe here and ordered a paternity test to prove it, and she was right ). I was devastated and heartbroken, as I never suspected a thing in our 5 year marriage. I applied for divorce immediately in 09 ?05 with i751 pending. I remarried a US citizen in 05 ?06. We have 2 girls and are still married now. At the advice of a bad lawyer, in 2005 I stayed quiet about the divorce to see if the i751 would go through, since the lawyer told me that I'd have to wait another 2 years to get the i751 approved with new marriage ( I'm an idiot. I know ) Sure enough, it didn?t pass. In 03 ?07 I left the US (voluntary departure) because they wouldn't renew my GC that was set to expire in a month and the letter mentioned that ?no appeal lies from this decision." I literally packed my bags, dropped out of college mid-semester, and moved back overseas within a week. My wife (still now), was pregnant 6 months then and followed me overseas and had our first child there, since we didn't want to risk my not attending the delivery even if we had chosen to appeal. In 6 ?07 got a letter overseas from the USCIS stating they want evidence of i485 with new wife. I didnt know my case was open! It was bad timing and I just signed a contract with big company and my wife was only 10 days from delivering out child, so naturally, I just ignored the message. In 09/2008, after work contract finished overseas, we filed for an i130 at the US embassy, and it was OK?d amazingly fast. and within a month I was back in the US with a 10 yr unconditional GC. In 07 2011, three months short of 3 years continuous residence in the US, I applied for n400. After interview, which was a week ago, the IO stated that a ?decision cant be made? and they are calling me in for a ?sworn statement" for some reason ( I have no idea what they want me to swear about!) I'm worried as I don't know what they might have against me or what's going on! Anyone been through something similar and can give me some hope? http://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/DATAOBJECTS/I_263B.PDF http://www.uscis.gov...0-0-0-2734.html Get a lawyer. Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 18 December 2011 - 08:09 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-18 20:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Decision can't be made and they want a sworn statement	I really want to know though is it a problem for u to be divorced n apply for citizenship? I see a lot of people aving this problem? Nd I'm in the same boat Nope. You just have to wait five years instead of three. If there is any question about your file, it may be prudent to wait the five years when the level of proof required is much less.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-19 10:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Decision can't be made and they want a sworn statement	Personally.....i wouldnt worry until you know what they need. There may or may not be a problem. Either way, they will let you know. That would be the time to address it. Looking at the form, it appears he won't find out until they are ready to take his sworn statement, just before they read him his rights. I wouldn't go in cold, and he needs the services of a qualified attorney beforehand. If it was me, I would be asking everyone I could, "Who is the go to lawyer for this kind of case?"	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-19 20:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Documents required for citizenship interview -- no passport	I have just applied for naturalization about a week ago. One of the documents required for the interview is passport of the original country. I have never travelled outside of the US requiring visa, thus never used my passport. It has been lost for long time and never cared to get another one. Unfortunately, I have lost birth certificate as well. So when i tried to contact my embassy to get replacement for this purpose, they required me to get the birth certificate to show that I am a citizen of the country before they could present me with a replacement passport. So my question is that Is it absolutely necessary to have the passport? Why do they need passport for? What can I do in this case? I could go ahead and start the process of getting the passport but the problem is that I have to request my birth certificate first in person or through a power of attorney. I really do not have family or friends in that country to ask them to do it for me. I have been out since my pre-teen years and been here for 20+ years. Please advice!!!! They need the passport as a record of your travels over the last three/five years to determine residency. However, your greencard should provide that same information of whether or not you passed through an entry point. Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 21 December 2011 - 03:32 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-21 15:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Any idea how long it might take them to cash my check?	I sent my package off to Texas on Dec 15, and I put the money to pay for it into the bank today. I expect it'll take them a bit longer to cash it since it's Christmas at the end of this week? And how do you know that they've cashed the check? Less than 72 hours for us. They convert the check to an electronic deposit. You can look in your account and see when it was posted. It might not show up until a few days after it was posted electronically.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-21 12:09:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Any idea how long it might take them to cash my check?	If you are paying your fees by check, please be aware of the following: Electronic Deposit of Checks – If you are paying your fees by check to the cashier, we will convert your check into an electronic fund transfer. When you hand your signed check to the cashier, we will scan your check and retain it. We will then use the account information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer from your checking account for the amount of the check. Insufficient Funds – Please note that the electronic fund transfer from your account can occur faster than normal processing of a paper check. If we cannot complete the electronic fund transfer because your account has insufficient funds, we will try to make the transfer up to two more times. If your account still lacks sufficient funds, you will be billed the original check amount and a one-time administrative fee by USCIS. Authorization – By presenting your check to the cashier, you authorize USCIS to convert your check into an electronic fund transfer. If the transfer cannot occur for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy of your original check through normal paper check procedures.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-12-21 12:14:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How long can a naturalize US citizen can stay out of US	http://travel.state....enship_778.html	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-11-19 19:16:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How long can a naturalize US citizen can stay out of US	There is no difference in how long a foreigner, a Green Card holder, or a U.S. citizen can stay out of the U.S. of A. I'm sure of it. Not quite true, if they want to reenter the US and maintain status. http://travel.state..../info_1333.html Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 20 November 2011 - 12:22 PM.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-11-20 12:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How long can a naturalize US citizen can stay out of US	That would be the answer to a question nobody asked. I just answered the question that was asked. Which question would that be? You brought up the LPR's and others when the OP's question didn't.	The Postmaster	Not Telling	0	2011-11-21 18:06:00