Isabel

Hey guys,

I filed for removing my conditions last June and I have yet to receive a biometrics appointment. The only thing I have is the NOA

I read in the forum that VSC is kind of slow with that lately. In fact the processing date hasn't moved a day forward since I filed. So I am wondering if I even have a chance of approval before my 1 year extension expires.

Do they send out an extension automatically if they go over the time or do I have to request one?

Ah and in August I am technically eligable to file for citizenship. Can I do that without having my conditions removed or do I have to wait till that goes through?

Isabel

He y guys,

I remember there was a step by step guide how to file for us citizenship without giving up ur original one? Anyonre know where it is located now?

Txs in advance ISabel

Isabel, I believe Germany is one of the few countries that doesn't allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship. Children can hold it, but adults cannot. I.E. if your children are born in US, you can still go back to Germany and declare them as German citizens, you just can't hold dual yourself. Check out wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_nation...man_citizenship

Loss of German citizenship

German citizenship is automatically lost when a German citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country.

The exception is when permission to obtain a foreign citizenship has been applied for and granted in advance of foreign naturalisation. The relevant form is called a Beibehaltungsgenehmigung Details (in German)

Other cases where German citizenship can be lost include:

Persons acquiring German citizenship on the basis of birth in Germany (without a German parent) lose German citizenship automatically at age 23 if they have not successfully applied to retain German citizenship. If it is desired to maintain a foreign citizenship, application must be made by age 21.

A German citizen who voluntarily serves in a foreign army (over and above compulsory military service) from 1 January 2000 may lose German citizenship unless permission is obtained from the German government.

A German child adopted by foreign parents, where the child automatically acquires the nationality of the adoptive parents under the law of the adoptive parents' country. (For example, a German child adopted by Americans prior to February 27, 2001 [the effective date of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000] would not have automatically lost his/her German citizenship, because the child did not automatically acquire United States citizenship by virtue of having been adopted by U.S. citizens.) An exception applies where legal ties to the German parent are maintained.

[edit] Dual citizenship

Although dual citizenship is restricted under German law, it can be held in limited circumstances:

where a child born to German parents acquires another citizenship at birth (e.g based on place of birth, or descent from one parent)

where a German citizen acquires a foreign nationality with the permission of the German government

where a naturalized German citizen, or a child born to non-German parents in Germany, obtains permission to keep their foreign nationality

A senior Social Democratic member Ralf Stegner, who is the interior minister in the regional state of Schleswig-Holstein, has asked the German chancellor to change dual-nationality law to allow dual-nationality to all citizens of Germany. He feels that Germany should allow multi-nationality to integrate many of the Gastarbeiter who live in Germany. [2]

Good Luck!

great that just sucks. Then I have no clue what I am gonna do.

uff thanks tho

Hi Isabel,

my son has dual citizenship, too. You can apply for the German passport for him at your German consulate. But you have to go there in person since October last year.

Sib

uh txs for the tipp!!

Hey guys,

In a month it is time for me to send in my application to remove the conditions for my residency. So I looked at the guide and I got 2 questions.

For the birth certificate of any children born into this marriage: do I need a notarized copy?

And what kind of cover letter should I use? The one that is used as an example seems kinda long and weird??!

Thanks in Advance Isabel

cover letters are not required..... just make one up that you think is needed to let them know what is in the packet

ah cool txs

He y guys,

I remember there was a step by step guide how to file for us citizenship without giving up ur original one? Anyonre know where it is located now?

Txs in advance ISabel

Hey guys,

In a month it is time for me to send in my application to remove the conditions for my residency. So I looked at the guide and I got 2 questions.

For the birth certificate of any children born into this marriage: do I need a notarized copy?

And what kind of cover letter should I use? The one that is used as an example seems kinda long and weird??!

Oh and can i still travel while they process the application? I plan on visiting my family this fall?

Thanks in Advance Isabel

They don't always stamp for Canada. I have 2 stamps -- one I flew and the other I asked for and this is after multiple crossings. I don't think my husband (Canadian citizen) has any stamps in his passport recording how many times he's crossed into the US (or back).

But they do scan often even if they don't stamp so there may be an electronic record even w/o a passport scan.

It is important that they don't lie.

k i was wondering about that. They are calling up different lawyers now and see what the prices are. The first one they called wants $200 an hour.

That lawyer also said that she didnt need a visa to get into the US. Yeah , doh...I didnt need one to get into the US either since Germany has the visa waiver program. Still didnt mean I could come and go with no restrictions whenever I wanted.... Ah well. I wonder how hard it is to find a good lawyer who knows what he does. So they might actually have her in the system electronically. Figures.

Well I guess from this point on they gotta work with the lawyer. I think it is weird that I am more concerned than they are

Greets and txs sooo much

Isabel

They sound very young.

Do caution her though, not to leave the US or she may be prohibited from returning.

I have no idea about their situation in terms of what they'd do if something were to happen to him. She'd have no standing here. Further, w/o a SS# (or equivalent) she wouldn't be able to get any life insurance that she may be due. If she were to run into any trouble, say, a car wreck, she could find this whole thing unravel if anyone realizes she's her illegally.

Apart from how much it sucks for them to have disregarded the law (they can't claim ignorance now, you know?) they just need to recognize that this is no joke -- she could be removed and not let back in. And how much would that suck? It is time for them to grow up -- and his mother should make that clear to both of them.

You're a good friend for pushing them on this. But his parents should really be doing it. Sigh...

Well his mother is really trying hard but no matter how much she buggs em they procrestinate things. So far they just got really lucky nobody found out yet. She is not allowed to leave the US. They told her that when she last entered the US so she is afraid of that...so she wont go

Im actually trying to get them setup with an appointment at the local immigration office and see what they advice.

Isabel

Don't get them an appointment at with immigration this is a big NONO ecause she will be detained possibly and then deported.

She was very lucky when she entered last that she wasn't deported. If they gave her an I-94 after she was married she still cannot adjust here I dont think. She will have to go to Canada to interview. They won't have an easy time of it but they will have to go through the waiver process.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but entering after you are married there isn't the possiblity to adjust here.

They also need to go to www.immigrate2us.com concerning waivers.

kk wont do that then. Sooooo I just looked in her passport. There is only one stamp for april 14. no date when to leave no I 94, no nothing. No 2 stamps. so no stamp when she visited canada. Is that good or bad??

Hi, I noticed that you said he was in the Army ..... did he get deployed to a war zone at all ??

If so, the reason he may be putting his head into the sand about all of this could be due to PTSD .... in which case, this whole scenario is quite understandable .... and in it's own strange way, quite normal.

If this is the case, he needs to get help from the VA pronto .... because if his wife is deported (which could possibly happen by the sounds of it), it may not be a pretty sight.

If PTSD is an issue, the guy needs help, not more pressure.

yes he was deployed to a warzone. But he doesnt have PTSD. But i do hear you. My hubby was in a warzone too, doesnt have PTSD but panic attacks....everyone is different. He always procrestinate things i mean not only that thing. And I am actually trying to get his wife to do the immigration stuff mainly, not him. Since he is WORKING, she is NOT doing anything. It is time to get her involved in things. I did all the immigration paperwork and had my hubby sign...except the affidavit obviously. So she can do it too. Not hard to setup appointments. Yes he needs to be present etc but after all it is her life and she should be the one pushing forward not him.

Isabel

They sound very young.

Do caution her though, not to leave the US or she may be prohibited from returning.

I have no idea about their situation in terms of what they'd do if something were to happen to him. She'd have no standing here. Further, w/o a SS# (or equivalent) she wouldn't be able to get any life insurance that she may be due. If she were to run into any trouble, say, a car wreck, she could find this whole thing unravel if anyone realizes she's her illegally.

Apart from how much it sucks for them to have disregarded the law (they can't claim ignorance now, you know?) they just need to recognize that this is no joke -- she could be removed and not let back in. And how much would that suck? It is time for them to grow up -- and his mother should make that clear to both of them.

You're a good friend for pushing them on this. But his parents should really be doing it. Sigh...

Well his mother is really trying hard but no matter how much she buggs em they procrestinate things. So far they just got really lucky nobody found out yet. She is not allowed to leave the US. They told her that when she last entered the US so she is afraid of that...so she wont go

Im actually trying to get them setup with an appointment at the local immigration office and see what they advice.

Isabel

I think the USC should make sure that USCIS has closed the case first. Then read the guidelines here for filing I-130 and AOS together. She has to be able to prove she was here legally when they married and that she hasn't left the country since she entered and was married. Remember to do this she would have had to enter the US without intent to marry but married while here and did not leave. She will have to convince USCIS of this to be approved.

alright to make things really complicated: she did go to canada again to visit her family after they got married. Does that make the whole thing worse? What does that change?

This may be a problem. Again, your friends need to do research on their own and if they can't understand things, they can get the help of an attorney. It sounds like they're just very laid-back about this whole thing...and they don't seem to care or want to find out what they need to do. This is the wrong approach and it may cause more problems in the future. How could they think that just by marrying the wife will get a green-card? Is there a country where its that easy to gain residency....without filling out any paperwork?

Please counsel your friends to get on VJ directly to become more informed, and they should at this point seek the assistance of a qualified lawyer. I don't know, but it could cause problems that she has left the country and returned since marrying? They may very well have to apply for a spousal visa (IR/CR1 or K3) and she may have to return there to inverview. I think leavin g the country negates the option of filing for Adjustment of Status while in the US.

-P

I agree with you. After reading all the advice here I will tell em to get a good lawyer. I think it is just way to complicated. He holds a security clearance right now and having a foreign wife is actually one thing that can jeopardize that thing when he goes to renew it....especially when she doesnt even have an alien number and all those things. My hubby just got his renewed and had to get my visa, greencard etc copied and even had to undergo a polygraph. So i mean in the long run they are screwed if they dont do anything. But we told them so they are aware of that. Right now the thing that is holding them back is the fear that she may get deported. I guess there is a decent chance. But after all it is their own mistake. Things dont disappear just because you dont look at em.

Thanks all for the great advice

Isabel

It is surprising that they didn't do anything about this before -- how are they filing taxes? Does she have a tax id? How about working? No SS#. No greencard. Nothing.

And is she still filing taxes in Canada?

Well there is the thing that i dont agree with...in their lifestyle....but you know its their life.

No she is not working, has no ssn, nor does she file taxes since she cant work. She never filed taxes. He did over the army. Dont know how they did that. She is pretty much staying at home playing video games.

He finally got work after a year and hopefully gets a better paying one soon. right now they are supported by his mother, who lives with them.

I guess they just dont wanna face things and are indeed very laid back and sometimes rather far away from reality. I will trying to get them on the site. I am actually pushing this whole thing because I think it is very wrong what they are doing. She doesnt even have health insurance. If something happens and she needs treatment they are totally screwed.

Then again of course I tried the past year not to interfere with this whole thing too much since it is none of my business. I am just so mad. I mean we go through all that immigration thing, are seperated for months and months and then there are those couples who are so laid back and it doesnt really have consequences for them. That is just plain wrong in my opinion. But then again they are good people and I like em very much so Im trying to help out. It is just very hard to motivate them

hey there,

my daughter has dual citizenship. She was born in the US and cos I am still German citizen she automatically got the german citizenship as well. I am traveling to Germany in september and check back with them if i can get a german passport for her too or what. But the website clearly stated I dont have to do anything.

Greets Isabel

I think the USC should make sure that USCIS has closed the case first. Then read the guidelines here for filing I-130 and AOS together. She has to be able to prove she was here legally when they married and that she hasn't left the country since she entered and was married. Remember to do this she would have had to enter the US without intent to marry but married while here and did not leave. She will have to convince USCIS of this to be approved.

Ya i read that and that seems fitting. The problem is they came to america and married figuring that she gets a greencard just because they married and they dont have to file for anything. Well when she left and visited her family and re entered she ran into some trouble at the POE and she only got in because her hubby was in the military at that time. She, however, got the oder not to leave the states anymore. So since then she has been here.

Did she have to have a tourist visa when she came to the states? Dunno how it works with canada. I know she just came in with her passport no visa whatsoever. But she did get a stamp and that I 94. So i guess she was legal.

I think the USC should make sure that USCIS has closed the case first. Then read the guidelines here for filing I-130 and AOS together. She has to be able to prove she was here legally when they married and that she hasn't left the country since she entered and was married. Remember to do this she would have had to enter the US without intent to marry but married while here and did not leave. She will have to convince USCIS of this to be approved.

alright to make things really complicated: she did go to canada again to visit her family after they got married. Does that make the whole thing worse? What does that change?

So where are they now in their process? Did they get an RFE for proof they were married in the US and she was here legally when they married?

yes they got that paperwork but did not go any further I have no idea why??? Anyway they have all the papaerwork here...I have it sitting in front of me. They just never sent it back...which pretty much means its denied and they have to start over right?

So if she was legal when they married does that make a difference?

How long ago did they get the RFE?

June 15th 2007 and they were given till sept 07, 2007 and they f'd it up. So start over right?

So where are they now in their process? Did they get an RFE for proof they were married in the US and she was here legally when they married?

yes they got that paperwork but did not go any further I have no idea why??? Anyway they have all the papaerwork here...I have it sitting in front of me. They just never sent it back...which pretty much means its denied and they have to start over right?

So if she was legal when they married does that make a difference?

Visa overstays are forgiven with a marriage to a US citizen. They can and perhaps would benefit from consulting an attorney, because it seems they do not know what they're doing...and third person assistance will be of no benefit to them.

They need to file the I-130 and the I-485...along with the EAD(Employment Authorization) and AP (Advance Parole) petitions. The EAD and AP are optional documents....the first two are not and need to be filed together. I would suggest that your friends log on to VJ and look at the guides to get better informed, and perhaps they should look into a consultation w/ a qualified immigration lawyer. A simple consultation, where they will get a lot of good information applicable to their particular case is not that expensive(there are even agencies that offer free immigration legal advice), and it is in their best interest to get this resolved.

Good luck,

-P

TY so much for that advice I will let them know. And I am surprised that this is forgivable. That is awesome. BTW what is Advanced parole?

Greets Isabel

They should see a lawyer.

Think that would help? How? Other than costing alot of money what can a lawyer do?

Sorry for the stupid question I just dunno how a lawyer could help em

Hello guys:)

I havent been on the forum for a while now, so I guess I am very much out of the loop. Since I immigrated to the US I have had a little daughter and my marriage with my hubby works out great. I am very greatful for that! So everyone who is still in the process HANG in there! I know it is tough!

But concerning my problem:

We have met a young family along the way here. They are kind and everything but they have got a problem. She is canadian, he is the US citizen. She has been in the states for 3 years now. She came to the US 3 years ago and they both married here in the states, not knowing that they had to file any immigration paperwork. Well, anyway. She obviously doesnt have a legal status. So last year in february when they found out that they actually have to file for that they started the proccess. They filled out an I 130 and sent it away. They did not include the I 94 info but stated that she was in the states as a visitor....which is not really true, since she lives with him here. Anyway they sent the form back to them but not because that info was missing, no they wanted proof that the marriage was legally done in the states. Ok....so I am very much confused now. Both of them didnt persue it from that point on....lazyness I guess, dont know.

Anyway it makes me angry on one hand and on the other hand I'd like to help them out to get finally started.

So I read over the filing instructions of the I 130 and didnt see anything that she cannot be living with him in the US while she files. So is it ok? I always thought you have to be seperated for that

I asked them to call the local immigration office around here and explain the situation to find out where to start and what to do. They are both afraid they get seperated...especially her, she is very co- dependant.

I know this is a hot topic but I also know you guys are the experts since most of you are still in the process. I have no idea if there are any options for them at all?

Please let me know what you think. I'd really appreciate it. Cos I am out of ideas.

Isabel

I actually really said that one :

" Wow you look much better than I remember....."

Well I always imagine the worst case scenario. He just laughed but still, never say that.

Hello guys,

I have been in the US for 3 weeks now and I still havent received my social security card or number. I applied for it at the interview.

Today I just got the welcome letter/ So what do i need to do? Should I apply for one in a local office here??

I really need to start working soon, since I just crashed our car and we need to get a new one . Damn it.

Greets Isabel

hi there,

as soon as our CR1 reached the NVC our consulate was able to speed things up a lot, because he is active duty, so give it a shot.

LG Isabel

HUHU,

guess what I GOT APPROVED

I cant write to much, but I really hope I will get my visa in time now. Im crossing all fingers and toes.

Thanks for ur support guys! I am soooo happy!

Greets Isabel

Hey guys,

tomorrow is the big day. I am so freaking nervous. Well guess everybody is. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and I get approved. Flight is booked for the 23rd.

Keep you guys updated.

Greets Isabel

Hi there,

wow that really sucks. Since now we have had just very positive experiences with the Frankfurt embassy. But I am German Citizen by birth.

Well...we all still need to understand that America is very sensitive when it comes to people from the eastern countries....especially since 9/11. Even if he didnt do anything bad. It just sucks for couples who just wanna be together. But three months isnt too bad. Maybe you get approved sooner than you think.

If contacting your Congressmen really helps....I dont know. Since the petition isnt even in the states, I guess? Are you doing DCF? Are you in Germany then? I mean if you both are together, then everything is fine I think.

Isabel