____

NICE! It's so cool to feel like you "belong" in a country again, even if it's not as a citizen. Thanks for your quick responses, guys

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Thank you! Do you have to have your pictures and finger-prints taken again? This seems redundant when the USCIS has those things on file already.

One more thing: do the POEs "know" that it's your first time re-entering with the Green Card? Coming back in on an F-1 once, the officer knew that I'd never used the new I-20 before and he was, to be polite, a butt about it.

No more finger printing or pictures, they just scan the green-card.

NP I don't actually know how long delays can be when you reschedule an appointment... it was necessary for me to make my process as quick as possible, otherwise my work permit would expire before I had an EAD or GC. I've heard that it's not the best idea, but if you are not under any particular time constraints, you should be okay.

Best of luck!

I got my BIOMETRICS appointment date for I-485 and I-765 for 11/24, but we will be gone for the Thanksgiving weekend. Can anyone share his/her experience in rescheduling his/her appointment date?

Thanks,

cd

Honestly, I'd cancel my Thanksgiving plans in order to make the appointment. Re-scheduling can create delays in your process.

Tickets were bought already and would cost a lot to re-book. It's the only time of the year to gather with my family. A little delay is fine for as long as we are guaranteed to get a new appointment date. Thanks though.

I got my BIOMETRICS appointment date for I-485 and I-765 for 11/24, but we will be gone for the Thanksgiving weekend. Can anyone share his/her experience in rescheduling his/her appointment date?

Thanks,

cd

Honestly, I'd cancel my Thanksgiving plans in order to make the appointment. Re-scheduling can create delays in your process.

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Thank you! Do you have to have your pictures and finger-prints taken again? This seems redundant when the USCIS has those things on file already.

One more thing: do the POEs "know" that it's your first time re-entering with the Green Card? Coming back in on an F-1 once, the officer knew that I'd never used the new I-20 before and he was, to be polite, a butt about it.

I am flying to Australia for five days next week. Upon my return to the U.S., I'll enter using my Green Card (and not student visa) for the first time. Is there anything important I need to know about this process? I will carry all of my American identification, such as a U.S. driver's license, social security card etc, as well as my foreign passport.

I know that many immigrants travel in and out of the U.S. with their Green Cards every day, but as this is my first time doing so, I'd appreciate any tips about what to expect when I arrive back.

As an aside, I'm not Australian, so it's not like I'm "returning home." The trip is for business.

Dr_LHA, I only just saw this post of yours! Oh dear, imagine if that were true.

PS: in regards to our previous discussion of Digg, there are some bleeding awful comments being added to that thread, including "What a load of bullsh*t. If you get a college education and have a steay job, you can get your green card eventually, Going to college is not "extraordianry abilities."

Didn't read the post, didn't give two hoots to understand what the author was trying to say, didn't bother to use correct punctuation or spelling and confused marriage-based immigration with employment-based immigration. Also, assumed that having a college degree is all you need in order to get residency (?)

Aaah!

A family member (not a close one mind you) walked up to me at my wedding and congratulated me on becoming a US citizen.

Yes, it's a shame that this post doesn't address all of the issues legal immigrants face. I'm surprised its digg entry isn't getting more confused "I thought you just had to get married" comments!

With how little the average American knows about immigration, it has to make you think what they're all on about when they're screeching about illegals (whether pro-or-against.) Consider the cases where people are outraged because an illegal can marry a citizen... you think maybe it's possible they're outraged because they think it's automatic citizenship?

all

smarter audience

Smaller audience. The comments threads on digg used to be pretty smart before it got popular.

I guess they're still better than YouTube comments

Well the audience of YouTube is huge, probably the largest on the internet. Basically proved my basis thesis that: more users = more idiotic comments.

Good thing AIM messages are private I like Reddit because of their smaller, less moronic audience. When the Digg homepage is full of OMG LULZ LINUX, it gets pretty tiring. Maybe they'll be interested in our immigration plights; maybe they won't!

Same thing happened with us. A lot of my parents' friends had told them that my wife would become a citizen as soon as the ink on the marriage certificate was dry. They didnt understand at all when we told them about all the paperwork and everything that we had to fill out. The average person is definitely very ignorant when it comes to what someone really has to do to get their green card (let alone citizenship) after marrying a USC. I guess thats why immigration lawyers make such a killing.

Yeah, it's amazing how little the "average person" knows about the process. It's too bad that people spread misinformation about it, too: it is potentially devastating to not file your paperwork and find yourself overstaying / working illegally! I guess this article doesn't cover those things, but it sure highlights some oddities about the system.

smarter audience

Smaller audience. The comments threads on digg used to be pretty smart before it got popular.

I guess they're still better than YouTube comments

Interesting. I never thought about it from that point of view..lol

I hadn't thought about it like that, either. I realize why the US has some of its rules, but it's just very interesting to think that 50mil of USCs wouldn't be able to get residency if they had to apply. It got put on Reddit.com too (smarter audience )

http://reddit.com/info/2aqj8/comments

I was browsing digg.com today (it's a social media site where users vote on the stories that become popular) and I came across this entry: http://digg.com/world_news/Did_You_Know_50...for_Green_Cards.

The title's a bit misleading, as some of the things he takes into account aren't really going to stop you from becoming a resident, they're just going to make it tough. He's also not including people who can get residency based on employment because those requirements are so stringent.

I'm glad someone's taken it upon themselves to get the word out about how tough it can be to become a Permanent Resident! Most of my friends think you just get married and bam! You're accepted. Not so, as we all know...

Hope everyone's processes are going okay.

~Alex L

I'd be willing to bet that you'll have it before Friday, or very early next week. Unless the post office have screwed up :\ But I don't think you have anything to worry about yet.

Congratulations to all those who have received EADs and GCs.

I wonder why my EAD is still not in mail I received an email of approval notice sent on 29 June...

I hope it will be here soon!

Make an infopass appointment for next week and go in there with your EAD receipt, showing that you applied more than 90 days ago. I doubt there's anything wrong with your case; some just take longer than others. Which processing center is your case at, again?

Hi everyone -

I have been looking at the EAD applications for those who applied around the same time as myself (around 2nd week of April) and most have gotten approved with some getting their cards. I just checked my case number online and it is still "case received and pending". Is this just lagged or is something wrong with my application? My biometrics and all have been done and I told my potential employer that I would have it by the 90 day mark =( *sigh*. Anyone have any color?

Thanks!

His visa certainly shut the Puerto Rican immigration official up. He looked like he'd seen a ghost and I was let out of his little prison cell immediately. You use what you've got when you've got it and if my father's visa helps me get out of some ashsole officer's grasp, then so be it.

Don't you dare tell me that my father has "zero credibility." You have no idea who or what you're talking about. Zero credibility, my #######. What an arrogant, dickheaded thing to say.

PS: Your head's looking a little large these days too, buddy.

What's so unfair about the fees. If you are trying to immigrat to the US then that's what it takes. So what is fair? Stop complaining and crying

It's unfair that they can raise their prices by 100% "just because."

It's unfair that illegal immigrants are looking at being admitted to the US "just because" and we still have to fork over thousands of dollars for the privilege.

It's unfair that most of us are better educated, more productive members of society than many Americans and yet we're treated like common criminals by immigration officers every time we try to re-enter the US. I was held in San Juan airport for two hours "just because" an immigration officer felt like it. It took my father, who has an O1 visa (person of outstanding ability) to yell at the official before he realised that he'd better let me go if he wanted to keep his job.

The entire process is convoluted and unfair.

I'm tired of being treated like a criminal and I'm tired of seeing well-meaning immigrants usurped by illegals who somehow believe that it's their *right* just to walk on in. It's not a right; it's a privilege. But it's a privilege whose process being abused for financial and political gains.

Don't let your head get too big here. Your O1 Father has zero credibility in this country.

As a former US Diplomat, I have been hassled in US ports of entry, yet a simple call for a supervisor resolved the issue instantly. This is one example of privilege.

The immigration policies are what they are, simple as that. Deal with it or not, it's your choice.

Do you really think it is any easier in other countries? News flash, it isn’t.

As mentioned before, I was once a Diplomat and have actually paid "fees" for expected protocol.

63 countries, many hassles. It's not so bad here, really.

What's so unfair about the fees. If you are trying to immigrat to the US then that's what it takes. So what is fair? Stop complaining and crying

It's unfair that they can raise their prices by 100% "just because."

It's unfair that illegal immigrants are looking at being admitted to the US "just because" and we still have to fork over thousands of dollars for the privilege.

It's unfair that most of us are better educated, more productive members of society than many Americans and yet we're treated like common criminals by immigration officers every time we try to re-enter the US. I was held in San Juan airport for two hours "just because" an immigration officer felt like it. It took my father, who has an O1 visa (person of outstanding ability) to yell at the official before he realised that he'd better let me go if he wanted to keep his job.

The entire process is convoluted and unfair.

I'm tired of being treated like a criminal and I'm tired of seeing well-meaning immigrants usurped by illegals who somehow believe that it's their *right* just to walk on in. It's not a right; it's a privilege. But it's a privilege whose process being abused for financial and political gains.

I can't believe how many people to whom this has happened!! I thought that making accusations like that was as tired as making frog jokes about French people. It's the lowest, easiest, cheapest shot you can make about a family-based immigrant. Shocking how many of us have been through it!

I girl that I used to work with did the same thing to me...behind my back of course, interesting she immigrated here from Poland when she was 9. Some people are just haters, I was angry at first but then I realised what an ### she was making of herself, her little web of lies backfired on her, she was seen for the trouble maker she is.

Just let it go, how boring must thier lives be...

I'd almost enjoy it if the fraud team knocked on our door and here we are, complete with puppy and cat, watching tele, sending each other ridiculous messages each other on Facebook and drinking beer. Wearing wedding rings. "Erm, is there a problem, officer?"

Well, I'd not actually ENJOY it. But it would be an amusing story to tell later on.

How would USCIS find out about the rumours? Has this person called ICE to report you?

If so, then yes, it could affect your case and make it difficult for you to disprove this persons accusations.

Although it's unlikely, I'd not put it past her to falsely report that our marriage was a fraud. It's so very easy to prove that your marriage is genuine if it really is - some things only true partners know about each other, and we have multiple documents and witnesses to the legitimacy of our relationship.

This has me thinking, however: how often does it happen that people are wrongly accused of fraud? It seems like the lowest and easiest accusation to make against a family-based I-485 immigrant.

I recall a post a while back where they showed up at persons home to investigate a fraud complaint. This was dispatched pretty quickly as they were home together and it was a vengeful ex.

I would say do not worry too much, as you have already stated, you are in a real relationship and if it ever comes around, you have the ability to prove it.

I sent her what amounts to a cease-and-desist letter. ####### duly scared out of her

I had a similar situation just before we applied for AOS. Someone we both knew was threatening to call immigration and tell them I had a criminal record, was only marrying for a green card and was a fraudster!

I supplied them with the address and even the department they should send any correspondence too I never heard another thing.

People are strange, don't let her worry you. If you have any proof of these rumours she's spreading, I'd try and keep it. Even if you don't follow the slander route, just her knowing you have proof will scare the ####### out of her more than likely.

Good luck,

Helen

It's great to hear such a positive story. I hope mine goes as well as yours!

Hello All,

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything but I've surely been reading and want to thank you all for sharing. Your experiences helped my husband and I prepare for his AOS Interview today. Hopefully, sharing my experience will be of help to someone...

Our appointment was scheduled for 9 a.m. Hubby and I dressed nicely (he wore a tie) and left home 7:45 a.m. and got to there before 8:30. We parked in the all day lot across the street ($5). Went inside, and went through security. We were told to turn cell phones off if we had them but we had already decided to leave them in the car. After going through security, we were told to give our appointment letter to a guard sitting in the doorway to a waiting room. We handed him our letter, he instructed us to place it in a slot through this window and have a seat. (This guard was extremely pleasant, and even joked with us.) The waiting room was really crowded and we were sure we had a long wait ahead of us...but that wasn't the case.

About 8:50 a.m. a young lady comes out and calls for "Sanchez." Well, there was no one that responded. After calling "Sanchez" a few times, she called us. (Their loss ...our gain because our officer was AWESOME. ) We were pleasantly surprised because it wasn't even 9 o'clock yet! We went through the doors and the young lady introduced herself as Officer Scott. She looked rather young...early to mid-twenties. She was also very pleasant from the beginning..

She led us into her office and had us swear to tell the truth and asked for us to provide her with our identification.

She asked me (US Citizen) if I were a citizen;

Where was I born;

Had I ever filed a petition for anyone before;

If we had any children;

Where my children lived but then noted that they were all of age.

She asked my husband if anyone had ever applied for him before;

When he entered the US the last time;

Had he ever stayed in the US past six months prior to this last visit;

had he been arrested, etc.;

If he'd ever been married; and

How we met.

She stated that she was already satisfied and approving our petition but needed documentation of our life together and I could get that all together while he told her how we met. She noted on the paperwork that we were married on July 4, 2006 and congratulated us on our first year.

Things she already had copies of but asked to see the originals/certified copies of:

My birth certificate

Hubby's birth certificate

My dissolution of marriage

2006 tax document (we filed 'married filing jointly)

My latest pay stub (I gave her my latest pay stub and employment letter)

Hubby's latest pay stub

Our marriage license

Hubby's passport with I-94 card

Hubby's EAD card

Documents I gave her to prove the relationship:

Latest bank statement;

Light bill with both our names;

Documentation showing both of us being dependents on each other's employment benefits

Receipts/Flight Itineraries from two trips we'd taken

Documentation from our church showing us both as new members.

As she left to make copies of our ID and certain documentation, she gave us a form to sign that stated that my hubby had been approved for conditional permanent residency and what to do to apply to remove conditions. She gave us a copy for our records. When she returned from making copies, she had stamped hubby's passport with the I-551 stamp! YAY! THANK YOU, LORD!

This officer was AWESOME. We had only been in there five minutes before she said that she was approving us. We hadn't even shown her our documentation of our life together. The ONLY personal question she asked us was directed to my husband when she asked how we met. (Trust me, I'm not complaining.) The whole thing, including waiting in the lobby, was less than 30 minutes. We were walking back to our car by 9:20 or so!!!

Several times, she commented on how easy our case was because we had everything in order. She told us that some times these cases are in such a mess but ours was a good one to have first thing in the morning. As she walked us out, she congratulated us again and spoke about how she'd love to go to Jamaica to visit some time.

Once again, thank each of you for sharing your experiences. We couldn't have done it without you.

Lee

How would USCIS find out about the rumours? Has this person called ICE to report you?

If so, then yes, it could affect your case and make it difficult for you to disprove this persons accusations.

Although it's unlikely, I'd not put it past her to falsely report that our marriage was a fraud. It's so very easy to prove that your marriage is genuine if it really is - some things only true partners know about each other, and we have multiple documents and witnesses to the legitimacy of our relationship.

This has me thinking, however: how often does it happen that people are wrongly accused of fraud? It seems like the lowest and easiest accusation to make against a family-based I-485 immigrant.

Well for one thing I know marriage fraud is very common with the immigration process I do not condone it but if one was to call and report the act it can be held against you. But however why would someone say that have you done something to make it same that way.

She and I fell out during college. It's incredibly childish and silly, but since she introduced me to my husband, she seemed to think that it was her place to separate us once our relationship had gone sour. This concerns me, as having the USCIS question the legitimacy of our marriage would be a pretty neato way of getting me separated from him permanently. Or at least forcing the both of us to move to the UK!

they stamp it when u return from traveling.

Gotcha. Thanks!

This is a rather odd topic: the person who introduced me to my husband is apparently spreading a rumor that he and I are only married in order for me to obtain a green card. While this is totally absurd (we've been together for four years - dating for three, married for one) and we commuted 160 miles every weekend during college to be together, I believe that the government takes marriage fraud rather seriously.

Do vindictive accusations like this often affect people's cases? How much credit does the government lend to lies like this? As I said, our marriage is far from fraudulent! I'd not care which country we lived in as long as we could be together! But to be informed this evening that this rumor is flying around worries me somewhat. Do I have anything to worry about, or do the USCIS (if it comes to their attention) see people like this for the liars they are?

can i file for the I-765 and I-131 anytime, even though I have already submitted the AOS.(i-485)

I have already sent the AOS for my wife who entered on a K-1 visa.

I am just worried that I was suppose to have sent that with the AOS.

As Dr_LHA said, that's one of the neat things about the process. You can apply for AP and EAD at any time so long as you can prove that you're eligible to receive such benefits because you've applied for AOS also. Remember that AP and EAD only last for one year, so if you haven't been approved for a Green Card by the time they expire, you'll want to reapply for both privileges. You'll want to apply 90 days before they expire.

I received my AP papers in the mail today, but at the bottom, next to my oh-so-hot photograph, there is a box marked "National Benefits Center - Parole Stamp." There is no stamp in the box beneath. Above the "National Benefits Center - Parole Stamp" text, there is a stamp-like box that also says "National Benefits Center" but, as I said, it's not in the box, it's above it.

What gives? Is there something missing from my AP papers or is this normal?