Alex Ve

On 7/23/2018 at 2:59 PM, SleepyPanda said:

 

I think if you don't surpass the $500.00 fine limit that you should be fine but it is truly up to the IO discretion.

That 100 mph ticket sounds like an interesting story.

So what if you were issued 2 traffic tickets that the total amounts to more than $500 and you had to appear in court for both of them, but one of them got dismissed and the other one you were found guilty in the court but were ordered to pay less a smaller mount than originally stated on the citation so you actually paid less than $500. So what do you tell the IO in the interview that you were issued two traffic tickets or one that you had to pay less than $500? Does this make sense?

The only issue I have with online filling is that every time I open it I have to go over the same questions and click next. It would be so much easier if it allowed you to continue exactly where you left.

This may be a silly concern and it may have been posted on the forum before so I apologize if I missed it. I started filling out the application on the computer and then I noticed that I am not allowed to type on certain fields or add an e-sig at the end of the application. Is it ok if most of the form is typed on the computer and then you just handwrite any fields necessary and sign it or just print out all pages and fill the whole form by hand? I was also thinking filling out the application online but I am not sure what the "Unemployment period" is referring to when filing out work history. I have never filed an actual unemployment application to receive benefits from the state. The only period I was unemployed was when I first landed in the US 5 years ago and had to live for a few months on a relative's house  as I needed some time to settle down and search for a job. I was also unemployed for a week during COVID period, but I didn't file for unemployment benefits.

23 minutes ago, NEW CITIZEN said:

Read the other posts about traffic citations.

I have, but I read conflicting opinions about it. Some say you don't have to answer on the application that you have been cited traffic tickets (that don't involve being drunk or involving an accident obviously) and others state that you have to answer yes to show good moral character instead of waiting to see if the IO will bring it up on the interview day. And I haven't read a case that involves so many tickets in a period of 5 years, so while my tickets do not involve DUI or any kind of accident I'm a little bit concerned that my traffic ticket history and one of them currently being scheduled for 2021 might paint a bad picture of my case on the interview day. What if the IO asks me "Why did you plead not guilty for the ticket in progress? Wasn't the police officer right to issue you a ticket since you broke the law?" I don't know, something like that. Maybe I'm just freaking out more than I should. 

Thanks for your replies. I know it looks dumb and bad but I got most of those tickets while working in nyc and I had to manage the office I worked for non-stop among other things. I'm so much better off now, I got a better paying job and I don't get to drive in the city anymore. So, if I get this right my answers to the application questions should be as follows:

Hello all. I am a LPR holder for 5 years (DV Lottery winner) and I am thinking of applying for naturalization based on 5 years of residency NOT marriage ( In 2019 I got married and this past September we had our first baby), but I have some concerns and I am not sure how to address them on the application. I want to be truthful obviously, I just would like to know if there is any risk of denial for some reason. I will list my concerns below in case anyone has a similar experience. This website and the posters have been very helpful all these years and I appreciate all the help.

1. Tax return

I got my green card on 11/13/2015 and landed in NYC on the following day. In 2016, I asked the accountant which I was referred to by the community if I should file taxes for the period of 2015 and he specifically told me that I do not need to file because I was an LPR only for two months in 2015 (Nov-Dec) and I didn't have any job or bank account. But lately I have been reading that you are required to file taxes even if you are an LPR for one day or so. Is there a legitimate reason I should be concerned about this? Can I file a tax return for 2015 just to be safe if that is an option at all?

2. Multiple travels outside of US in the past 5 years ( I am listing below detailed dates and sum of days outside of the US)

ARRIVAL IN US as LPR on 11/14/2015        

DEPARTED 01/22/2016 ARRIVAL 03/05/2016           44 DAYS

DEPARTED 06/11/2016 ARRIVAL 06/21/2016          11 DAYS

DEPARTED 04/12/2016  ARRIVAL   12/21/2016       18 DAYS

DEPARTED 07/26/2019  ARRIVAL   07/30/2019       5 DAYS

On two of those trips visiting my home country, I also did two trips to Europe to attend a conference.

TOTAL DAYS OUTSIDE OF THE US: 88

3. Traffic tickets and 5 points on my driver's record.

- I got my first traffic ticket on Dec 2018 for cellphone use and I hired an attorney that told me that the ticket was dismissed.

- Next year, I got one more for cell phone which I was found guilty and paid the fine.

- Disobeying traffic device. Hearing is scheduled for 2021.

I also got two more tickets for red light and no standing bust stop but I wasn't driving my car so the tickets were issued to the owner of the car but I paid them of course. Should I mention those at all since I didn't provide my driver's license but I was driving the vehicle.

Thanks for taking the time to read my case and I will look forward to hear opinions.

46 minutes ago, Luckycuds said:

When you complete the ds160 it asks you for your social media account names .. I’m not sure if this is what you are asking.

 

if you are asking does a US Citizen need to provide their social media accounts when they enter the US then the answer is no.

Maybe that’s the one that you mentioned above. So once you provide the social media account names, are they going through all of your posts and history of interactions, likes, comments etc? If so, how does that impact the citizenship application or permanent residency renewal?

I apologize if this has been mentioned before in this forum but I was looking for some information regarding the USCIS requirement to handle all social media accounts for a re-entry permit it US citizenship application.

has anybody any experience with this, or can you refer me to a similar topic if it exists? 
 

thanks in advance.

Good luck, Alex. Hope the US works out better for you this time...and that you find yourself (relatively) stress free soon!

Thank you. I am indeed less stressed this time. We'll see how it goes.

Greece has plenty of it's own issues....more than plenty actually.

Every country does for that matter, there's no Utopian country.

Everything aside, you picked one of the most expensive places in the U.S to live. Probably not the smartest move to make as a new immigrant :/ There are plenty of places in the U.S where you don't have to put in countless hours to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. You need to have more knowledge of the country and be practical about your expectations. This is a country where you need to make your own way, barely anyone will hand anything to you because there's someone out there who is more than willing to work twice as hard. Willing being the underlying word here.

I'm not trying to be abrasive, but I think you need to have a different expectation when it comes to the United States.

Thank you for your post.

NY was my only choice in the beginning at least cause that's where all of my family members are residing and can guide me and help me to settle and find a job. I wish I could live in less crowded places with more natural surroundings and little to no nightlife at all. Right now, I returned back from Greece about a month ago and I started a business from home and do some occasional jobs that I can find. I also started an intern job just so I can get more experience as a graphic designer in the US market.

Fortunately I rented a place with a fellow greek roommate for a relatively low price, compared to the high cost renting prices in NY. We'll see how it goes.

I don't know you but I am shocked about this.

I would recommend you to start thinking and analyse your live, your decisions, etc.

Ask to yourself, why did you apply in the first place? just because your family or because you really wanted to experience a new life style?

I strongly believe that whoever will join you in your life path, will be without any drama and a lot of stress situation, if it is like that, he/she is not the right person. So yes! I would say PLEASE watch out (and be careful) those kind of hospital visit due to stress of being abandoned. If she is not emotionally strong and you are not either, it is better to run away and work in your innerself and there is not other better way to do it but miles and miles away.

In live we need to be rational, emotional of course! but as long as that does not affect you in your personal goals to reach and please stop your fears, may be you are hiding your fear behind her and you do not know if she will be there for long.

I would suggest to active your visa, then make a plan and see how the things flow.

Cheers.

Lis

Well, I applied cause I wasn't in a good point at that time in my life. I didn't have a steady job, didn't have any relationship plus I didn't think I would be a winner, (I had applied twice before that time and was rejected) so I thought I had no chance of winning with so many applications.

But as the time went by and before I learn that I was selected for further processing, my life took another turn, I started getting really good with my career and meet a person whom I had the time of my life. Even after I leaned that I got selected, I still didn't pay much attention cause I didn't think that I would make it on time for an interview or get approved for a visa as the chances are so slim and the months went by and didn't receive an appointment letter until june or july 2015 and I had applied on october 2013.

"I strongly believe that whoever will join you in your life path, will be without any drama and a lot of stress situation, if it is like that, he/she is not the right person"

This is so true...That's what I've been thinking all this time and wish there wasn't any of this drama and stress.

I activated my visa already, issued my SN and then got back to greece for a couple of months. Now I returned in NY and try to figure out how I will proceed with my life from now on.

Why did you apply for it if you did not want to live in the US?

When I applied I didn't have a good job nor a relationship so I thought, what the heck.

Plus I didn't know that I wouldn't like living in a foreign land until I experienced it and now I learned to appreciate the place I grew up and all the friends I have here.

Crazy, I know...

This has been answered a number of times already. Let me rephrase the answers: The only link between the business and your LPR status is in your mind. Other people can work for/manage the business.

Also: The business will need to be registered etc. As long as you keep your green card without formally relinquishing it you need to file taxes with the IRS on your income from the business even if you live abroad, as well as your income in Greece. The business is not a natural person so will be paying tax too of course, Of course as you are resident in Greece, I believe Greek law requires you to pay taxes in Greece too. Any double tax treaty should mean you don't pay personal tax twice, but that won't cover the business paying company tax. Please note this is my common sense interpretation and you are advised to get proper tax and legal opinion.

Yes of course. No worries.

OK I get it. But what happens to my business in the US after I lose my LPR status? Does it get suspended or closed?

I do not understand why you would want a US LLC.

I want to maintain strong ties to the US so that I don't lose my LPR status while living abroad permanently.

Aaron, did you not see an apology about not wanting to mislead...? It is not an advice, but something I have heard before. A person can further research and decide whether its worth the risk or not... since you already have nothing to lose if already decided on a certain path. Again, its not for you or me to decide, but the person to research, think about it, commit to the risks/decision.

If one is 110% go by the book, then dont speed above 55mph in a 55mph zone, because the cops have the right to issue you a ticket as well... but you see people going to 69mph.

Again, my caveat, I strongly advise the OP to run by any ideas the OP hear, by this forum, by internet , by word of mouth with a professional like an attorney who can advise the OP about the associated risks and then make an informed decision on the next course of action.

Yes you 're absolutely right.

That's how it is.

I think business is independent of your LPR. You just cannot be here to run it physically unless your business can sponsor you a visa IMHO. You can still hire MBA pros or CPAs etc to help you out.

Yeah, I cannot be there to run it and I don't have to actually cause I work from the computer. My associate will contact our clients in the US and I will be assisting him remotely. And I suppose I can fill my taxes through internet even if living abroad right? No need to be physically in the US.

Thank you for your advice.

Alex, I think you should just stay in Greece. From the start, you've searched for ways to somehow live in Greece but maintain the privileges of US residency. It's pretty obvious that Greece is where your heart is.

Good luck. I hope the girl is worth it!

Yep I guess so.

Never in my wildest dreams I would have imagined that my heart would be in a debt crisis country full of problems instead of being happy to migrate to one of the wealthiest countries.

I guess migration is not for everyone...Well maybe if I didn't have a home, a steady job or a relationship, maybe I would feel different and be more eager to leave...

I got one last question. What happens to my business in the US if I lose my LPR status after my long absence abroad?

An hour commute, I did that as a kid going to school.

Maybe that's why it's so easier for you since you were a kid and you got used to.

It's not easy at all for me.

What you saw from your visit in Astoria? From your map? Good lord. There are plenty of people who are living very nice lives as a result of working hard. Maybe you didn't see them in Astoria. Did you visit other parts of Queens or NYC? Did you go out to Long Island? Did you see anyone in Florida or north Carolina or Texas or California? Or... etc. Other people have already posted about places which have better climates and more space and lower cost of living. Yes - all of those together. You chose to ignore those places. Other places still are amazing and busy with higher cost of living, but people work harder there. These kind of people often enjoy their jobs and don't mind working harder, especially when they get very well compensated for them. Not everyone lives somewhere where they have to commute an hour to work each way, especially for minimum wage - you chose (or accepted) that. Many people wouldn't.

Honestly, unless you plan on returning to a different part of the US and more importantly, with a different attitude, I doubt you'll have a better experience. You never wanted to come, you came under pressure, so you found what you were looking for ...an excuse to go home.

The only places I went besides Astoria is Long Island, Forest Hills, Harlem and Manhattan. The only ones I liked are LI and FH.

But still there was something I didn't like about the way of life that seems so foreign to me.

I actually wanted to ask you more about this "crowded train full of weirdos". I mean, yeah it's the NYC subway and there are weirdos around. But I've caught a lot of subways in Queens - mainly E, F, M and R but also others - and I've caught them in rush hour. My family has been in Queens a long long time and I've often stayed with them, including at one stage when I spent a month in the NYC office of the company I was working for at the time. Sleepy, yes. Crowded, undoubtedly. But weirdos? Full of them, in rush hour? No, definitely not. Full of people going to work - and you can see that it is a range of blue collar and white collar jobs and some people dressed in very expensive clothes and others not - and students going to school. But weirdos? Nope. Can you explain what you mean by that? Can you give examples of what all these people look like and act like that the train is full of weirdos? Of course, I trust you mean something else than "not white".

Of course I mean something else.

Well, there are some people that dress in some crazy fashion, or doing something particularly out of the ordinary.

I may have overacted by saying the train is full, but there are still some of them there.

Maybe I am not used to such a foreign culture, maybe it's my fault who knows or I am too emotionally attached to my home country that everything seems so negative to me.

Actually I absolutely hated going to the subway and waiting so long to go to work or go out for a walk.

Too much wasted time.

Alex, you keep trying to justify to yourself why you want to go back to Greece. Seriously, if working 8 hours a day is a problem for you, the US is not the place for you. (Although I find it difficult to reconcile your saying people don't have high enough expectations but you seem to think they shouldn't have to work to realize those...). The way the US works is that people work hard and then they get rewarded for that (hopefully). No one gets government handouts to sit on the beach or to subsidize working 5 hours a day or whatever. Give up your green card, go home and enjoy life in Greece.

I don't have a problem working 8 hours. I have a problem adding two more hours on my daily struggle in commute to get to work and return home. That's what I wrote.

Well, I don't think that many hard working people in the US get rewarded at the end of the day.

Especially if you take into account the above chart I posted.

Anyway, I just try to see things objectively and don't fall for the american hype when clearly the US is a country with serious issues.

Work for everyone? Sure, there's plenty of that in the US. But from what I saw from my visit, you have to be in a constant struggle and stress to pay the mortgage and bills for life with not much savings aside.

I'll probably return to the US and I hope I have a better experience and take back all the negative things I said, I'm sure about that.

The U.S. has enough people trying to survive in a tough economy - and they don't whine. This community does not have a solution for your problem. Personally, I think you should stay in Greece.

Well, maybe thats exactly the problem...

Maybe if the people had higher expectations for their lives and didn't settle just to earn a living, then maybe the world would be a better place.

Maybe this disgracing event wouldn't happen in America in 2016 if things were different...

'It's all just poison now': Flint reels as families struggle through water crisis

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/24/flint-michigan-water-crisis-lead-poisoning-families-children

A couple of spot on comments in the above link

"Only the bits you see in the movies. There's plenty of third world infrastructure and poverty to be found in the US of A.

"This is a country that spends as much on its military as the next 26 nations do combined. And yet it has, tucked away quietly, substantial pockets of extreme poverty and civil neglect.

Priorities."

"Like others, I'm stunned reading this. Initially by the litany of mistakes and oversights that allowed it to happen, and later by the shameful lack of a meaningful response. How on earth can a country as well-resourced as the USA find itself in a position whereby citizens are consuming poisoned water? There should be national uproar about this, it bears all the hallmarks of state incompetence and more-worryingly a cavalier attitude to matters of public health. My respects to those affected who in the interviews displayed a remarkable degree of resilience and fortitude in continuing to live through this hell."

Or, depressing wealth inequality charts like this wouldn't even exist.

If I file a re-entry permit for two years, will my employer's hiring offer be enough reason for approval to re enter the US after two years?

hi

ok

so you can start the company in the us with your partner, 90 days before your 5th year of being a LPR you can apply for citizenship

once you are a USC, you can do whatever you want to, mover to Greece if you still want to, but remember, even if you move abroad, as a USC you must file taxes

what I don't understand is why did you apply for the lotto if you really don't want to live here?

Oh, that sucks...I knew that as a USC I can live abroad but I was hoping I could do the same as an LPR by owning a company.

Well, I applied for the lotto cause I was unemployed, I didn't have a relationship and I didn't expect to win at all.

But during all this period I got a job in a highly growing company and had a very good cooperation and close relation with the owner of the company. He trusted me his company and he asked me to go back to work for him with a better salary.

Plus I didn't like at all life in NY during my stay.

hi

no, the reason you got a GC is to live in the US, you will loose your GC if you decide to live abroad over a year

become a USC first, once you are a US Citizen, you can live wherever you want

but as a LPR, you must reside in the US

you can file a reentry permit and stay up to 2 years abroad, but at some point you must return to live here

how did you get your GC and do you have a 2 year GC or 10 year GC?

I got it through lottery on november 2015. It's 10 year GC.

I would like to ask, if I can live outside the US without the risk of losing my GC and LPR status by opening an LLC company in the US.

The company will be on my name as well as the bank account and it will be operated by a friend and we will offer web services. Most of the work will be done by my friend since he lives permanently in the states and I will be assisting him remotely while working full time in Greece.

Does anyone knows if I can maintain safely my LPR status by owning a business in the US but living abroad?

Thank you.

After 2 months or so in NY, I returned back to my home country for a couple of weeks to recover from all this mental stress I went through all those months.

I quit my temporary job ($10 per hour ) and announced to my family that I would leave two days before my flight.

I disappointed a lot of my family and friends with my decision. I just couldn't stand it anymore.

I didn't like anything thing there really. Didn't like the cold climate, the dirty and outdated transportation and housing infrastructure, the materialistic frenetic lifestyle, the food and the long distances that you have to go through in your daily work.

Full-time job is 8 hours a day? Add to that almost one more hour to reach work in the morning being sleepy in a crowded train full of weirdos and another hour to return and you got there two wasted hours of your life = 10hours full-time job.

Plus I missed terribly my partner, my friends and the places I grew up.

Now, I passed by my old job and my ex employer told me that he needs me to help him out in some graphic projects until I return again to NY cause the guys that he hired didn't live up to his expectations.

As we talked a bit more personally, he asked me if I wanted to work again for him and offered me a salary rise to 850 euros per month for 8 hour (the average salary now in greece is around 650 euros per month for employees like me that are over 25 years old).

In the meantime, during my stay in NY I received my GC and SSN, but didn't apply for driver's licence and tax id.

But I was about to open an LLC business for web services and my programmer friend would do most of the work.

What I was thinking is to go back, get a drivers licence and do all the paperwork to open my business and return to work for my employer in Greece.

I am aware that I will lose my GC if I stay over six months outside the US, but I am wondering if maintaining a business in NYC can help me maintain my GC permanently.

Maybe also my employer in Greece can write a letter that he is offering me a job so that I can apply for a re-entry permit or something?

Thank you.