Figured Old School was the best place for this.

So my wife has had her conditional green card for a year and a half. She's more American than most people, but she still isn't a citizen (Been in the US for 11 years). Has anybody else gone through this experience? Is it pretty easy from here out? I see that we might have another interview to remove the conditional status, but we've done one before and it wasn't too bad.

I just wanted to start a thread for discussion on the process.

4/23/2010 11:00:27 AM

not to kick off your thread into chit chat territory, but in what way is she more American than most people? i'm sure she's very deserving of US citizenship, but i don't think that characterizing existing US citizens as less than American is a good way to justify it

4/23/2010 12:02:05 PM

^ Sorry. Meant to say something along the lines of... She's gone through the US school system and knows way more about US government than a majority of US Citizens. I meant nothing along the lines of patriotism and more along the lines of education and the internal struggles she's faced just to stay within this country.

4/23/2010 12:40:58 PM

Being 'American' in outlook or attitude or education is not a reason she should be made (or should have been made) a US citizen.

Being married to a US citizen is. And a very good reason.

4/23/2010 12:55:34 PM

I'm not trying to start a debate about the merits of a citizen and who should be able to be considered such. I'm sorry I made the initial comment and was purely saying that she deserves it.

On a side note. This whole damn process has been quite the wallet lightener.

4/23/2010 1:06:39 PM

Short answer--while you've passed the bigger hurdle, I wouldn't say it's "easier" from here on out. It very well could be a long time before she gets citizenship. It will be expensive, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more interviews even past removing conditional status. Especially since her status is based on marriage (I'm assuming), they'll want to make sure you guys stay together. If you split (or it's a sham marriage) the basis for her status as an LPR will dissolve.

On one hand, she's got a green card, and is living in the US--she'd have to screw up big time to get that taken away from her. On the other hand, she doesn't have citizenship yet. So, all that good moral character stuff still applies. In my immigration law class, one of my classmates had been a LPR for 17 years and still didn't have citizenship. My point is, don't expect a lot of things to happen quickly, as far as citizenship goes. And PLEASE make sure you file things on time for removing the conditional status. Once that 2 year period is up they may take the green card away. So, get those forms ready now, because in a few months, you're going to need to submit them. You want your filling to go within 90 days before your 2 year period is up!

4/23/2010 1:21:09 PM

Why are you sweating about getting a citizenship anyway? Having a green card is all she need to stay in this country. I don't see any difference in quality of life after I became a citizen.

4/23/2010 1:34:12 PM

^ I think the security of knowing you can't be deported without trial would be a nice benefit of citizenship.
Being able to enter and exit the country without question.
Being able to spend as much time out of the country as you want without question.
Visit other countries without a visa. US Passport.
Voting rights. SS Benefits long term.
Your family members can petition for status.
No more dealing with USCIS.
Government jobs, School PTA involvement.

4/23/2010 1:55:28 PM

Quote :

"Your family members can petition for status. No more dealing with USCIS."

2 big reasons right there

4/23/2010 2:11:01 PM