angel_28

As I live in San Diego County, I always carried mine with me at all times. I crossed the border regularly, and travelled as well to AZ (before the whole issue came up with AZ). I was asked for it many times at border patrol checkpoints, and by border patrol agents while waiting to get on public transportation at stops near the border.

It feels wierd opening my wallet and not seeing it anymore now that I am a US citizen, but my recomendation would be to keep it in your wallet. You just never know when you will need it.

Hello, all, hopefully you can help.

I filed an I-130 in 2005 to bring my wife from mexico, I know the wait is long (7-9 yrs per our atty). I will take my oath next week and want to know what should be done next to make the process faster

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi all, received my oath letter last week and i am scheduled on the 3rd.

I know I can take my wife, but is it OK to take pictures? Nothing on the letter about that, just do dress properly.

Well I arrived at 2:30 for my 2:45 appointment. Plenty of parking at this location so I knew there was no worry about that.

I am currently on crutches and the security guard opened the door and asked me what I was there for. He seemed polite at first but then got upset that I was taking a while to go through the metal detector. Oh well, he told me where to go and thanked him.

About 10 people in the waiting area and kind of wierd with nobody tehre to tell you waht to do, just a sign to wait till called and to complete a form stating if you wish to change your name. I got called in at 2:46 and then the fun stuff:

Walked in to his office and my file and pics were there on his desk. He introduced himself and told me to take the middle chair. Sat down and was asked for my GC, license, letter and passport. I have never had a passport so he made a note in my file.

Asked me to stand and raise my right hand and swear.

He proceeded to review my file and verify information on the computer screen (name, dob, address, etc.) Asked if I was renting or own, when I answered that i rented he asked how much and who lives with me. I said I live alone and he asked about my wwife. Told him my wife lives in Tijuana since she is not allowed to live in the US, just visit pending our petition.

Wento over all questions on the application and focused on my speeding tickets, and if there was anyone injured? on thos incidents and if I was incarcerated. Told him just went to traffic school and paid fine, no points on my record.

After making several notes in red ink he then printed took out a sheet of paper and told me to verify my name, A#, address and signature then to sign and print my name. It was time to continue to the civics part of the interview.

Asked me to read "When is Columbus day? and then write "Columbus day is in October.

The questions asked were:

1. What does the president's cabinet do?

2. How many justices on the Supreme Court?

3. What did the Declaration of Independence do?

4. Name one branch of the government

5. We elect a Senator for how many years?

6. If the president and and VP can no longer serve, who becomes president.

Aced all of it except he then asked me waht other name we call Great Britain, at which part drew a blank, then mentiones United Kingdome and then said I know what it is in Spanish, told me to answer in Spanish to which I said "Inglaterra" then it came to me and told him England.

He smiled and congratulated me. He approved me for naturalization but nothing iss final yet, stil has to go through final review and I will recieve my oath letter in 1-3 months. Reminded me that I was not a US citizen and that I should not register to vote or get a passport. Told him I was well aware and thanked him.

Guess the waiting game goes on...

Hello all, well after 37 years as a LPR (yes 3 years) I finnaly have my interview this Thursday in Chula Vista. The interview letter recommends taking an extra set of picturs and wanted to know if I really should? I already have all the paperowrk I sent in (copies and originals) as well as my Selective Service record. Anything else I'm missing or might take just in case? Anyone here have any experience in the Chula Vista office?

Just got back from the post office. I sent the packet priority with delivery confirmation

Thank you all for your responses. Now it's time to wait.

Today is the day I mail off my form and documentation. I have double checked everything a hundred times.

i was planning on sending it priority mail to the phoenex lockbox. What are your experiences? Has it really gotten lost in the mail?

I was in and out since we lived in a border town. I went o college in San Diego and worked everyday crossing the border everyday.

i now have 5 years of steady residence and prrof of it with lease and utility bills to back it up. All that time i have paid taxes as well, since 1991.

just one question,

how long did you live in Mexico? be careful with that. Someone with more experience should chime in if you lived more than a year without returning to the US.

I lived in Mexico for several years and was under "commuter" status. Status was changed when i began to live full time back in 2005. This status was used to cross the border everyday for school and then work.

First time poster here and just wanted to say what a great forum!

Well after 36 years I am finnaly going to apply for citizenship.

I got my PR when I was 1 year old but was then taken back to Tijuana at around 13 years old.

After living in TJ for a while, i finally have my 5 years of continous residence and will apply as soon ss I get my tax refund.

I plan to write a brief letter explaining why i go to Mexico almost twice a month for more than 24 hours, do you think that is a good thing to do?

I'm kind of nervous and scared about being denied. I always have considered myself a USC, but never applied since I knew I was not a resident.