Naturalization after Voluntary Departure.

[cherrey3 0]

Hello,

I overstayed my tourist visa 12 years ago and was detained by INS and in custody for about a month. During the court hearing the judge granted me Voluntary Departure (no bans to re-enter). INS put me on the plane back to Europe and I came back to the US for 3 months (Visa Waiver Program) shortly after. My girlfriend and I then moved to Mexico. After 2 years we got married and I applied for the Green Card and permanently moved to the US in 2006.

I've been eligible to apply for citizenship for a few year and finally getting around to doing it. However, there's a few questions that I do not know how to answer. I tried to set up a meeting to consult with a lawyer but the 3 I contacted were not interested because I've completed the N-400 form.

Can someone please let me know about these questions:

24. Have you ever been charged with committing, attempting to commit a crime or offense? (Is overstaying a visa an crime or offense?)

25. Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offense? (Same question regarding detention and Voluntary Departure)

28. Have you ever been in jail or prison? (I was in a detention center, so I guess it's "yes")

33. Have you ever been removed, excluded or deported from the US? (not deported or excluded but "removed"?)

34. Have you ever been ordered removed, excluded or deported from the US? (I guess no to either of these options?)

35. Have you ever been placed in removal , exclusion, recession or deportation proceedings? (was I in removal or deportation proceedings?).

Any feedback and help would be very helpful.

Thanks!

-Married 01/05/05,Mexico City

-Filed I-130 01/20/05,DF Embassy

-NOA 03/01/05

-Packet 3 from Ciudad Juarez arrives. 03/22/05

-Packet 3 completed and sent back to CDJ.
05/01/05

-Interview set up for 02/23/06

-Entered US 02/14/06

-Permanent Residency 2008

[DC85 113]

I would consult with an immigration lawyer. I don't see a problem for you to get the citizenship. But it's better to take a lawyer advice.

[TBoneTX 43,038]

If the lawyers whom you've contacted couldn't be bothered, try here:

http://www.fosterglobal.com

They have very reasonable rates for e-mail or phone consultations. I have no connection with the firm other than as a satisfied customer of one of its prior iterations.

[cherrey3 0]

Thank you.