iansig40

My husband recently applied for citizenship. He is interested in working for the federal government and he really wants to be able to vote - which I think is one of the most significant things, as I would want to have a say in government wherever I am living. The most important thing to us would be to finally have USCIS out of our lives, so that we don't ever have to go through all of this again. We just want to live in peace - without fear of RFEs and interviews, etc.

What surprises me the most is that people just got feed up with USCIS/FBI and all their nonsense ####### and therefore the only escape is getting the US Citizenship.

Before it used to be more be more like a personal pride of being an American citizen but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore .

Well...whatever works for you guys !!!

I wonder if this is still valid. I know this memo is Nov 8, 1997 but it should still apply right? Any thought?

http://www.visalaw.com/97nov/8nov97.html

INS ANNOUNCES NEW RULES TO DEAL WITH SLOWER PROCESSING OF PETITIONS TO REMOVE CONDITIONAL RESIDENCE STATUS IN MARRIAGE CASES

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has issued a memorandum addressing the ever-increasing processing times for I-751 cases. These are cases filed by persons who gain conditional permanent residency by marrying American citizens. Those persons are issued green cards with two year expiration dates. In order to convert the two year status to unconditional permanent residency status, the alien must file the Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditional Residence Status within 90 days of the two year anniversary of receiving conditional permanent residency. Current INS policy requires these cases to be decided within six months of applying. However, the INS blames an increase in the receipt of N-400 naturalization applications and I-485 adjustment of status petitions for a significant slowdowns in I-751 processing that are making the six month test impossible to meet.

To address the slowdown, the INS is now informing applicants that the processing time on these cases is now one year. If the case is not decided within a year, each case must be expedited for interview and adjudication within five working days of the date an applicant requests an extension of the validity of their green card or the applicant requests an interview. Applicants will receive notification that there temporary green cards are extended for an additional year during which employment and travel are authorized. For those applicants with cases pending for more than six months already, interviews will be expedited to five working days if they request an extension of the validity of their green card or they request an interview.

How recent is this new rule ,do you have a date ?

If that's the case then I should be done in five days after waiting already 13 months. To good to be tru with these B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S

Do you really have to give up your citizenship in some of these countries to become US citizens?

In general no,but you have to see if your country allows you to get another citizenship

Not in the foreseeable future. I would not have come to this country if my country of birth did not provide me with 16 yrs of tuition-free education. To me that means a lot and I will not give up my citizenship there.

If some day, we have $$ just lying around idle to file papers in both countries, I might consider it. But then, who knows if we will actually receive services for the payment from USCIS!! The only other reason I would want to have citizenship is to vote - and I sure hope my vote (or lack thereof) will not make a difference where we live for a long time to come

Well said my friend and I agree with you ,why waist more money ?

Unfortunately there are people from different countries for which a US passport means more then US Citizenship they get the freedom to travel and experience the freedom

Fortunately for me I'm not from one of those country so I will stay with what I have

like I said, it's a major inconvenience for us, but we do not lose status, nothing will "happen" to us - so there is nothing we can do but wait our turn. We want something from them and not the other way around.

I get upset, too, but to say you cannot do your work or you cannot travel is simply incorrect. It's not THAT bad guys.. just annoying

I get to read some of your comments here and some are just crazy

How can you not see this whole mess being terrible wrong ??????

Expired status ,having to go every two months for a stupid extension stamp in the passport ,lose time for work ,lots of agravation ,stress and more .....still you don't see the situation to be THAT bad

That's just insane !!!!!!

I'm sorry but you must be living in a different world

Yes, I know I can have dual citizenship but .....I had enough paying all those absurd and ridicules fees since I started my K-1 nightmare .No,I'm good staying Canadian !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But citizenship is the only way to put a permanent end to those ridiculous USCIS fees. Yes, it does mean paying one more big fee for the N-400, but it puts an end to the fees for green card renewals, replacement cards if you ever lose your GC, address changes, re-entry permits, and whatever other things they may come up with in the future.

ahhh but iansig40 has a British friend living here with an expired GC who is getting along just fine........

I plan on becoming a dual citizen, so I can get USCIS out of my hair. But if I am ever asked to recind my Canadian citizenship for the US, it ain't happening.

No ,for now you don't have to give up on you Canadian Citizenship but you never know with these SOB from USCIS ,they may change that in their agony for more cash

I'm just a little bit curious. If and when we all manage to get our conditions removed. How many plan to take the next step to become U.S. citizens and how many will just remain permanent residents?

Personally, if things keep going this way hell will have to freeze over before I even consider giving up my Danish passport.

Nope, I will keep my Canadian citizenship.

These SOB got enough money for all the applications I submitted so far. I’m fine with what I have

you wouldn't have to give up your Canadian citizenship if you become a US citizen ....

I could become a citizen after April this year but we really can't afford it right now.... maybe I will become a citizen in a few years....

Yes, I know I can have dual citizenship but .....I had enough paying all those absurd and ridicules fees since I started my K-1 nightmare .No,I'm good staying Canadian !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just a little bit curious. If and when we all manage to get our conditions removed. How many plan to take the next step to become U.S. citizens and how many will just remain permanent residents?

Personally, if things keep going this way hell will have to freeze over before I even consider giving up my Danish passport.

Nope, I will keep my Canadian citizenship.

These SOB got enough money for all the applications I submitted so far. I’m fine with what I have

That's not true ,I work with a British guy and his card (GC) expired two years ago .He never had a problem even when he came back from UK last year using the old card

You are going to trust YOUR life on the experience of one UK guy? How do you know he didn't have an I-551 stamp in his passport?

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a permanent resident, you are entitled to live permanently in the US and to work for all but a few types of employers. You will have most of the same rights as Americans. There are just a few exceptions. Except for a few local elections, you will not be permitted to vote in most elections and your attempting to vote in an election restricted to US citizens could get you deported. Also, you can be deported if you commit a crime. Generally speaking, only felonies will subject you to deportation, but certain serious misdemeanors can also have the same effect.

You are also expected to pay your taxes. Your taxpayer status may have changed as a result of a your being granted permanent residency and you are advised to consult with an accountant or other tax professional for advice on this.

If you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age, you are required to register with the Selective Service (this is commonly referred to as draft registration). Failure to register is a grounds for denying naturalization in addition to the other legal penalties that apply to anyone failing to register. You can now register on-line by going to http://www.sss.gov/. Please remember that if your children are becoming permanent residents, this policy applies to them as well.

Traveling

As a permanent resident, you no longer need a separate visa to enter the US in most circumstances. You will be able to enter the US with your passport and an unexpired I-551 stamp in your passport or your passport and your green card. If you are going to be outside the US for between one and two years, you will probably need to apply for a reentry permit.

No I don't trust my life in what one guy said ,I did a lot of research and I know quite a few people who chose not to apply for citizenship and they are still permanent residents in this country . Some of them did not leave the country anymore some did .The british guy is just one of those people who is living on an expired GC and ...he's fine !!! He's got more travel immigration stamps in his passport then I do so ....

Is just money grab like we got accustomed already with USCIS

Look at those fees ....very soon a lot of us will not be able to afford them anymore .It's just business, stinking greedy business

Yeah no kidding. This is why we are applying for naturalization for my husband next week. It may be $675 but we'll be done with the fees forever after that (I hope!!)

I'm not going to waist more money with this USCIS ....BS .Screw them ....I'll just live on GC and travel with my Canadian Passport if that's the treatment we get from US. Sad but true !!!!!!

But what happens when the ten year card runs out and you have to reapply and pay again? That's why my husband is doing the N-400. To be done with it.

Once you lift the condition on the permanent residence and you obtain a GC you can no longer be removed from the country .Your card will expire( like we are accustomed already with USCIS trying to make more money) but you are still a Permanent Resident .That's the trick !

For the travel purpose because I don't need a US passport I can always use mine (Canadian) that I can renew every 5 years .I checked already into this scenario and trust me ....they won't see one more penny from me .

These scavengers ripped me off already with all the taxes(applications) that I paid so far through this K-1 visa process .Enough is enough !

To me a resolution to my I-751 application is not $675.00 invested in N-400 and I refuse to believe that this is the only way you can get the GC in a "reasonable time "

Isn't there a fee to renew the 10 year card? That's my point. If not, then nevermind!

The N-400 isn't our resolution to the I-751 at all. Just something to prevent future headaches for us.

Yes, of course there is another fee to renew the GC and it's not cheap at all ....three hundred something dollars What's cheap with USCIS other then their lousy services ?

Shall I mention that even that involves a long, long wait ? I don't think so as I'm sure you know by now who you are dealing with

Once you lift the condition on the permanent residence and you obtain a GC you can no longer be removed from the country . Your card will expire( like we are accustomed already with USCIS trying to make more money) but you are still a Permanent Resident .That's the trick !

For the travel purpose because I don't need a US passport I can always use mine (Canadian) that I can renew every 5 years .I checked already into this scenario and trust me ....they won't see one more penny from me .

These scavengers ripped me off already with all the taxes(applications) that I paid so far through this K-1 visa process . Enough is enough !

To me a resolution to my I-751 application is not $675.00 invested in N-400 and I refuse to believe that this is the only way you can get the GC in a "reasonable time "

Where did you get that idea??? The only absolute 100% way you can NOT be removed from the country is through naturalization.

Also, you will NOT be done with USCIS once you receive your 10 year card as it will expire and you will have to file the I-90 and pay another fee....not as much as naturalization, but still, you'll have to pay....unless you plan on leaving the US before the 10 years is up.

That's not true ,I work with a British guy and his card (GC) expired two years ago .He never had a problem even when he came back from UK last year using the old card

Is just money grab like we got accustomed already with USCIS

Look at those fees ....very soon a lot of us will not be able to afford them anymore .It's just business, stinking greedy business

Yeah no kidding. This is why we are applying for naturalization for my husband next week. It may be $675 but we'll be done with the fees forever after that (I hope!!)

I'm not going to waist more money with this USCIS ....BS .Screw them ....I'll just live on GC and travel with my Canadian Passport if that's the treatment we get from US. Sad but true !!!!!!

But what happens when the ten year card runs out and you have to reapply and pay again? That's why my husband is doing the N-400. To be done with it.

Once you lift the condition on the permanent residence and you obtain a GC you can no longer be removed from the country .Your card will expire( like we are accustomed already with USCIS trying to make more money) but you are still a Permanent Resident .That's the trick !

For the travel purpose because I don't need a US passport I can always use mine (Canadian) that I can renew every 5 years .I checked already into this scenario and trust me ....they won't see one more penny from me .

These scavengers ripped me off already with all the taxes(applications) that I paid so far through this K-1 visa process .Enough is enough !

To me a resolution to my I-751 application is not $675.00 invested in N-400 and I refuse to believe that this is the only way you can get the GC in a "reasonable time "

Is just money grab like we got accustomed already with USCIS

Look at those fees ....very soon a lot of us will not be able to afford them anymore .It's just business, stinking greedy business

Yeah no kidding. This is why we are applying for naturalization for my husband next week. It may be $675 but we'll be done with the fees forever after that (I hope!!)

I would have no issue with the delay for the I-751 if at the time of applying for naturalization the fees for applying for the removal of conditions were either refunded or applied towards the cost of the N-400 (assuming that the I-751 isn't adjudicated by then).

When the government requires a fee (lets call it a tax because that's what it really is...a tax on legal immigration) in order to follow the law and then fails to provide the service in a timely manner then it should either be considered theft or fraud.

At the very least if on the day of cashing the check for the N-400 if the I-751 has not been adjudicated on that date then the fees for filing (petition and biometrics) should be forfeit and refunded in the same way that excess taxes are refunded yearly.

I think that if anyone is going to file a lawsuit then the suit will have little value unless such a provision is the outcome of the suit. The government simply should not be sitting on cases for years on end in the hopes of collecting more fees and giving nothing in return.

The problem is they won't accept your N-400 application unless you filed I-751 also ....they won't skip this substantial amount of money even if they know they stink. Everything is calculated so they can grab as much as possible for their revenue .Can they be accused of fraud and theft? Oh yes , you're damn right !

Is just money grab like we got accustomed already with USCIS

Look at those fees ....very soon a lot of us will not be able to afford them anymore .It's just business, stinking greedy business

Yeah no kidding. This is why we are applying for naturalization for my husband next week. It may be $675 but we'll be done with the fees forever after that (I hope!!)

I'm not going to waist more money with this USCIS ....BS .Screw them ....I'll just live on GC and travel with my Canadian Passport if that's the treatment we get from US. Sad but true !!!!!!

I just found the article Immigrants sue to speed citizenship applications and was not surprised but still annoyed by the over 500 (mostly ignorant) reader comments that followed the story...I guess it's a sad commentary on the USA Today readership....or maybe the popular in general (?).

The citizens of the US are as dumb as dirt.

Most, not all (I wonder how many of the 'intelligent U.S. citizens know for a fact that the mess in the Middle East is entirely our fault and it started in 1953).

Another case in point: the paranoia since 9-11 and the fact that we have allowed our government to usurp so many freedoms in the name of 'security' and 'protecting the people.' Illegal wiretaps, detention in secret facilities with no charges and no right of habeas corpus. Invasions of sovereign countries to plunder resources.

One of the pleasures now of travelling overseas is the fact that I don't get treated like a criminal automatically in every foreign country I visit. No customs forms, no random harassment of my self or my belongings, I can carry lighters, large bottles of drinks, etc. on planes, etc. and no bullshit accusations of 'Why were you over there, Mr J?'

For God's sakes it was an hour of grilling, etc. just to bring my freaking stepdaughter through immigration at the POE last week into the U.S. What kind of threat does a little girl pose to the United States?

I was greatly ashamed and embarassed for her.

Very well said my friend ,I agree with you 100%

Another thing that bothers me is USCIS charges a $80 biometrics fee every time you file an application. I went in for biometrics appointment when I filed for I-485 and again for I-751, and then again if I decide to file N400. Every time you file an application they are gonna do the background check which takes 13 months plus! I was on some other forum and found out NSC proved someone's employment-based GC case in less than 3 years. Is there a reason they are treating us differently?

i cant believe this!! july, 06? are you kidding me? so not only they are slow, they are going backwards! this is bunch a bs let me tell you. what happens when the 1 year extension expires? am i supposed to get an infopass app. to get a stamp or something? this is all really screwed up!

I did not believe until today we have the technology for timetravel - but apparently USCIS does! It is outrageous.

I wonder if all of us stalled at NSC should start contacting respective congresspeople with these dates, as well as the fact we are stuck with NSC. I have already contacted mine, and just sent off the new dates.

I have contacted USCIS today and all I could find was that USCIS goes back from time to time to process older applications ?%#$#&^$^*#%$# bunch a ####### like usual !

NO, there is no mistake the date is July5,2006

What's going to be next month January 1,2005 ???????

I have also contacted my Congressman and he had a different answer from Nebraska .FBI apparently is taking a long, long time to check fingerprints ,names ....etc. 13months +

To me the list with these A.S.S.H.O.L.E.S involved in processing our applications is growing by the day and there is no way you can pinpoint one or the other .THIS IS JUST ONE BIG COVER UP

Thanks for the info. I'm going to be contacting my congressman today. (If I ever get off hold with the IRS for requesting tax transcripts for the N-400).

Sorry but I wasn't able to reply to your e-mail ,did you change your Forum ID ?

No, not yet .I'm waiting for my passport to arrive from Canada( the old one was expiring in two months ) this week and then for sure I will go to the Federal Building and demand an explanation why is taking so long

Sorry, yeah I did. Ok keep me posted on that!

Is just money grab like we got accustomed already with USCIS

Look at those fees ....very soon a lot of us will not be able to afford them anymore .It's just business, stinking greedy business

Has any of you tried to transfer from NSC to any other SC in the last couple of months? It seems like even that is not working.

I have an I-751 NOA 02/14/07, but moved from Chicago to California in December 2007. I submitted a Change of Address online, received the "confirmation" letter requesting that I send the AR-11 via mail. I did on 01/02/08, ever since nothing. I waited the 45 day period the ask for you to inquire anything (ridiculous!), submitted another Change of Address on 02/11/08, and I have received nothing. Either way, my original I-751 is obviously still pending, but I can't seem to be able to even get it out of Nebraska and bring it to California! Has anybody else tried to transfer out of Nebraska? Help! Thanks!

I didn't think you could make the decision that you want to be transfered. They say who is and who isn't. I thought.

I wish I could get transferred too from this stinking Nebraska "Service" Center .I guess the only way to escape from this Nebraska nightmare will be to move back to Canada, end of the story

Mad stuff altogether with the date change but as mentioned they are never accurate anyway. I think I'll be contacting my congressman as well. Can someone help me with this? Do you just ask them to contact Nebraska on your behalf or something? Thanks.

You go and check first to see who is your Congressman and then you submit a a form explaning your case .You will download the form from his website

i cant believe this!! july, 06? are you kidding me? so not only they are slow, they are going backwards! this is bunch a bs let me tell you. what happens when the 1 year extension expires? am i supposed to get an infopass app. to get a stamp or something? this is all really screwed up!

I did not believe until today we have the technology for timetravel - but apparently USCIS does! It is outrageous.

I wonder if all of us stalled at NSC should start contacting respective congresspeople with these dates, as well as the fact we are stuck with NSC. I have already contacted mine, and just sent off the new dates.

I have contacted USCIS today and all I could find was that USCIS goes back from time to time to process older applications ?%#$#&^$^*#%$# bunch a ####### like usual !

NO, there is no mistake the date is July5,2006

What's going to be next month January 1,2005 ???????

I have also contacted my Congressman and he had a different answer from Nebraska .FBI apparently is taking a long, long time to check fingerprints ,names ....etc. 13months +

To me the list with these A.S.S.H.O.L.E.S involved in processing our applications is growing by the day and there is no way you can pinpoint one or the other .THIS IS JUST ONE BIG COVER UP

Thanks for the info. I'm going to be contacting my congressman today. (If I ever get off hold with the IRS for requesting tax transcripts for the N-400).

Sorry but I wasn't able to reply to your e-mail ,did you change your Forum ID ?

No, not yet .I'm waiting for my passport to arrive from Canada( the old one was expiring in two months ) this week and then for sure I will go to the Federal Building and demand an explanation why is taking so long

i cant believe this!! july, 06? are you kidding me? so not only they are slow, they are going backwards! this is bunch a bs let me tell you. what happens when the 1 year extension expires? am i supposed to get an infopass app. to get a stamp or something? this is all really screwed up!

I did not believe until today we have the technology for timetravel - but apparently USCIS does! It is outrageous.

I wonder if all of us stalled at NSC should start contacting respective congresspeople with these dates, as well as the fact we are stuck with NSC. I have already contacted mine, and just sent off the new dates.

I have contacted USCIS today and all I could find was that USCIS goes back from time to time to process older applications ?%#$#&^$^*#%$# bunch a ####### like usual !

NO, there is no mistake the date is July5,2006

What's going to be next month January 1,2005 ???????

I have also contacted my Congressman and he had a different answer from Nebraska .FBI apparently is taking a long, long time to check fingerprints ,names ....etc. 13months +

To me the list with these A.S.S.H.O.L.E.S involved in processing our applications is growing by the day and there is no way you can pinpoint one or the other .THIS IS JUST ONE BIG COVER UP

Thanks for the info. I'm going to be contacting my congressman today. (If I ever get off hold with the IRS for requesting tax transcripts for the N-400).

I see that you are from Cleveland ,OH also.

Ms.Malak is the one taking calls regarding immigration matterr.She is representing our Congressman ,Dennis Kuchinich

216.228.8850

i cant believe this!! july, 06? are you kidding me? so not only they are slow, they are going backwards! this is bunch a bs let me tell you. what happens when the 1 year extension expires? am i supposed to get an infopass app. to get a stamp or something? this is all really screwed up!

I did not believe until today we have the technology for timetravel - but apparently USCIS does! It is outrageous.

I wonder if all of us stalled at NSC should start contacting respective congresspeople with these dates, as well as the fact we are stuck with NSC. I have already contacted mine, and just sent off the new dates.

I have contacted USCIS today and all I could find was that USCIS goes back from time to time to process older applications ?%#$#&^$^*#%$# bunch a ####### like usual !

NO, there is no mistake the date is July5,2006

What's going to be next month January 1,2005 ???????

I have also contacted my Congressman and he had a different answer from Nebraska .FBI apparently is taking a long, long time to check fingerprints ,names ....etc. 13months +

To me the list with these A.S.S.H.O.L.E.S involved in processing our applications is growing by the day and there is no way you can pinpoint one or the other .THIS IS JUST ONE BIG COVER UP

I think all applications for July 2006 were approved already that is 100% a lie from Nebraska center to be processing these applications they already did, Does anyone thinks the same? The december 2006 are probably half way done, but no way the july 2006 are being processed now, these applications has been already approved, Let s make sure we call them at least 20 times on monday so they know that we are waiting, and what about make it to the news someone needs to do something, or may be we should try to contact the first lady she would probably do something cause obviousy senators and governors aren,t dooing much or better said anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Pushing back the processing date to July 2006 means that all you folks who filed back in January 2007 are now within the posted processing time -- which means you have no basis to make a service request (as little good as that would do anyway).

No kidding ! After 13 months of waiting now I'm back within the normal processing time and therefore I should not make a service request ?Wrong ,I will go there ASAP and see what the hell is going there

I'm wondering how did you figure out this ? Or maybe you are one of those considering that N-400 has a higher priority over I-751

Hmmm....every day I get to read more and more incredible things here

I think we should demand a refund for the I-751 filing fees if we end up submitting the N-400 prior to adjudication of the I-751.

Nice try but I would go one step ahead and ask them to quit the lousy job they are doing

Bunch of SOB

I think all applications for July 2006 were approved already that is 100% a lie from Nebraska center to be processing these applications they already did, Does anyone thinks the same? The december 2006 are probably half way done, but no way the july 2006 are being processed now, these applications has been already approved, Let s make sure we call them at least 20 times on monday so they know that we are waiting, and what about make it to the news someone needs to do something, or may be we should try to contact the first lady she would probably do something cause obviousy senators and governors aren,t dooing much or better said anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Pushing back the processing date to July 2006 means that all you folks who filed back in January 2007 are now within the posted processing time -- which means you have no basis to make a service request (as little good as that would do anyway).

No kidding ! After 13 months of waiting now I'm back within the normal processing time and therefore I should not make a service request ?Wrong ,I will go there ASAP and see what the hell is going there

I'm wondering how did you figure out this ? Or maybe you are one of those considering that N-400 has a higher priority over I-751

Hmmm....every day I get to read more and more incredible things here

hello

Mine was sent on 04/2/2007 and I am still waiting..... I checked on the processing times at USCIS website for NSC and it says they are processing for July 5 2007.

I hope it gets processed sooner.

You got it wrong ...July 5 2006

I just found the article Immigrants sue to speed citizenship applications and was not surprised but still annoyed by the over 500 (mostly ignorant) reader comments that followed the story...I guess it's a sad commentary on the USA Today readership....or maybe the popular in general (?).

The citizens of the US are as dumb as dirt.

I beg to differ with you. I am a US Citizen and I am very intelligent. Generalized judgments such as this will only serve to show one's own immaturity.

I assume you are here because you are engaged/married to a US Citizen?

You won't get to much approval from most of us with that fantastic idea to go ahead and waist another $600 filling N-400. Aren't you just feed up submitting all these applications and having to wait years to be processed ?

I said it before only a lawsuit will wake them up.

I feel that we're dealing with a bunch of retards that think is ok to just drag this BS for years and years

As for being a US Citizen ….good for you !!!!!!