Entering the country with a foreign passport and with your US Nationalization certificate

[onofre 2]

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right topic forum.

 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy this summer in July. She recently submitted her application for US Citizenship in mid October, the approximate waiting time is 4.5 months in Chicago.

 

If we purchase a plane ticket under her Mexican passport maiden name (Ventura) and she happens to pass her interview, becomes a US citizen (changes her last name to my last name) if for any reason her interview is close to the trip, can she use her Mexican passport and show her US Naturalization Certificate and/or US passport for re-entry to the US? The reason I ask it's because airlines are very strict and don't allow to make name changes on a plane ticket, only dates and passport numbers because of renewals etc but not the name once puch. 

 

This is just a scenario if this plays out like this. Thank you! 

[Fr8dog 563]

Nope that's not allowed. US citizens are required to use a US passport when entering the country.

Having said that there is also a rule that prevents the denial of entry into the US for US citizens. 

 

So it's not legal some have gotten away with it, you will be let into the country but you expect some quality time in secondary and are looking at a potential fine. 

[TBoneTX 48,937]

3 hours ago, onofre said:

I'm not sure if this is the right topic forum.

It's fine.  Good to see a post from someone of my VJ and USCIS "era."   

[onofre 2]

1 hour ago, Fr8dog said:

Nope that's not allowed. US citizens are required to use a US passport when entering the country.

Having said that there is also a rule that prevents the denial of entry into the US for US citizens. 

 

So it's not legal some have gotten away with it, you will be let into the country but you expect some quality time in secondary and are looking at a potential fine. 

That's not entirely true. My dad is a Naturalized citizen and has both passports and when he travels, he still uses his Mexican passport to avoid those fees that Mexico charges for non nationals. So he exists and enters the US with his Mexican passport but also showing he's a citizen with his American passport. 

[onofre 2]

2 hours ago, Fr8dog said:

Nope that's not allowed. US citizens are required to use a US passport when entering the country.

Having said that there is also a rule that prevents the denial of entry into the US for US citizens. 

 

So it's not legal some have gotten away with it, you will be let into the country but you expect some quality time in secondary and are looking at a potential fine. 

After further investigation, yes , you were 90% right. I don't know how my dad does it but your answer was right. Plus , the airlines would be the first blockade by not letting her board the flight because she wouldn't have any required documentation that airlines accept. CBP would eventually let her in , but the airlines would be our first hurdle. 

[TBoneTX 48,937]

1 minute ago, onofre said:

After further investigation, yes, you were 90% right.

Good for you for doing your research.