http://forums.immigration.com/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:06:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.immigration.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://forums.immigration.com/ http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306439&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:41:41 GMT I was granted green card in 2007 (dated 2006). After I got my green card some friends told me that if I wanted to travel I would need a national passport and not a refugee travel document as I had done previously. I did not think about it much, and got a national passport; even though I have no... I was granted green card in 2007 (dated 2006). After I got my green card some friends told me that if I wanted to travel I would need a national passport and not a refugee travel document as I had done previously. I did not think about it much, and got a national passport; even though I have no intention of returning to the country of origin. I traveled on the national passport to Europe only once. Recently when I was talking to someone else I was told that I should not have applied for the national passport as that can become an issue for my citizenship. I am not sure what to do. I can immediately apply for a an RTD as I do not mind the cost. But should I tell USCIS that I had been misled into believing that after getting my GC I could not apply for an RTD and had to travel on a national passport? I am worried about it and do not want it to become an issue in the future. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. ]]> Political Asylum in USA mfondini http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306439 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306432&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:31:44 GMT Hi Guys I am eligible to apply for citizenship. I want to add my last name into my current legal name SO in other words I want to change my legal name. But I do not want to face any hurdles/delays. In that case I can change the same later on as well. N-400 guide... Hi Guys

I am eligible to apply for citizenship. I want to add my last name into my current legal name SO in other words I want to change my legal name. But I do not want to face any hurdles/delays. In that case I can change the same later on as well. N-400 guide (http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf) says the following:

there are only two ways that USCIS can issue your Certificate of
Naturalization under a new name:
1. If you present proof that you have already changed your name according to the legal requirements that apply to persons living in your State, USCIS can issue the Certificate of Naturalization with your new name. Such proof might include a marriage certificate or divorce decree showing that you changed your name when you married or divorced. It might also include some other State court order establishing that you changed your name.
2. If you are going to take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization Ceremony that is held in Court, you may ask the Court to change your name. If the Court grants your request, your new name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization.

Questions:
1. I am interested to change my name but I do not want to face any hastle/delays in my citizenship. Is it OK to apply for name change alongwith your citizenship application?
1. Should I complete Form 'N-400' - Part '1' - Subpart 'D' with my 'new name' and mail it to the USCIS?
2. OR, should I check 'NO' in this section for now and make a request for name change at the time of interview/oath ?
3. OR should I get my name changed after recieving my citizenship? ]]> Political Asylum in USA Singh6 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306432 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306423&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:26:38 GMT Hi all: My fp appointment date is nov 30th . So i just wondering if i can take the fp before the appointment date? Thx!!!!! If i can , so just walk in? Or what? 11/02/09 N-400 MAILED 11/04/09 RECEIVED DATE 11/09/09 RECEIPT LETTER 11/13/09 FP NOTICE MAILED Hi all:
My fp appointment date is nov 30th . So i just wondering if i can take the fp before the appointment date? Thx!!!!! If i can , so just walk in? Or what?




11/02/09 N-400 MAILED
11/04/09 RECEIVED DATE
11/09/09 RECEIPT LETTER
11/13/09 FP NOTICE MAILED
11/20/09 FP NOTICE RECEIVED
11/30/09 FP APPOINTMENT DATE ]]> Political Asylum in USA realfang http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306423 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306370&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:20:21 GMT Hello folks,
I've just received an email from the USCIS telling me that a welcome notice has been sent to me. Does it mean that my greencard has been approved? I applied for just two months ago at the Nebraska Service Center. ]]> Political Asylum in USA Bouki http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306370 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306363&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:19:14 GMT My officer started the information with the biographical information. She verified whatever that was writtenon the I-589. Then she asked whom and what did i work for back home. I answered it correctly. She verified that again. It was an international organization that i worked for. She asked... My officer started the information with the biographical information. She verified whatever that was writtenon the I-589. Then she asked whom and what did i work for back home. I answered it correctly. She verified that again. It was an international organization that i worked for.

She asked many times if i applied for any adjustment or extension for my visa.

Then the officer, like i expected myself, was massively focused on why i didnt apply anytime before this. I told her what my reality was. She didnt seem too satisfied with my answer on this one.

Then she verified if i was persecuted and was there any medical report. When i gave her the date and said yes to the medical report, She verfied the doctor's name on the written. She also verifed the amount of money i paid for the medical service. The medication the doctors prescribed me and the nature of my bodily injury was also verfied.

Then she asked me few question that totally left me surprised. I was nowhere linked to be answering those questions. I simply told her, "mam, i dont know".

She then said that was it. Had me sign at couple of pages and said the interview was over. SHE DID NOT GIVE ME A CHANCE TO SAY THE LAST STATEMENT.

She didnt ask for any original documents and all this ended within about 1 and half hour.

What are your impressions guys?

Best- Dev ]]> Political Asylum in USA Devastation http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306363 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306287&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:09:54 GMT I have been in US for 9 months, and soon I can apply for a green card as a derivative asylee. However, problems come. I wonder that after I have sent my application for green card, there is an interview for the status change or not. If there is , can somebody tell me some details about what to... I have been in US for 9 months, and soon I can apply for a green card as a derivative asylee. However, problems come. I wonder that after I have sent my application for green card, there is an interview for the status change or not.
If there is , can somebody tell me some details about what to bring and what to prepare? ]]> Political Asylum in USA zodiacking http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306287 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306245&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:28:28 GMT Here is my interview experience. I got up at 5 am, got ready and left house at 6:45. I reached at Newark Office at 7:30 and people were in line to get in. I had appointment at 8 and when I submitted my application it was 7:45. Now waiting game was started. Around 9:20 I heard my name and I ran to... Here is my interview experience.
I got up at 5 am, got ready and left house at 6:45. I reached at Newark Office at 7:30 and people were in line to get in. I had appointment at 8 and when I submitted my application it was 7:45. Now waiting game was started. Around 9:20 I heard my name and I ran to the door. Interviewer was a white nice looking lady, asked me to follow her. My heart started beating little faster. As soon as we reached her office she asked me to raise right hand for oath. After oath she asked me to sit down and I started praying in my head. She asked for Passport and GC. Than she started asking me about my birth date, last visit out of usa. While I was answering her I was trying to understand her face and I figured that she defiantly was not Monday morning person . She had no expressions on her face and she looked little tired too. Anyway, at this time I started feeling little nervous I did tell her that I am feeling little nervous and she said that is fine. Than she started the test and asked me to read following sentence

How many senators do we have? After my right answer she asked me to write and I wrote "We have 100 hundred senators" and after looking at my answer she told me " no I want you to write One hundred, so I did in second line. After this she started with history and civic questions which I answered correctly
1) What is the name of the National anthem?
2) What major event happened on September 11, 2001?
3) What is freedom of Religion?
4) What ocean is on the West Coast of the US?
5) Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
6) What is the rule of law?
7) What is freedom of religion?

After this test she speeded up and went thru my application and asking me mostly yes or no questions. I think she was going thru these questions because that was part of the interview. Also instead of asking me questions she was telling me like "ok you live at this address since 20xx, you still work at same place since 20xx" etc

My application was on 3 years, she didn't ask me to see any originals. She never asked me how I have received my GC. With application I had sent our tax transcripts from last 3 years, copy of spouse's Naturalization Cert., utility bill, mortgage statement etc.

She went thru my entire application so quickly (I guess she wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible ) and asked me to sign some papers. After that she gave me the paper which said I have passed the test and she congratulated me handed me the oath letter and asked me to wait about an hour for your name to be called. At this moment I was so surprised and I couldn't believe that I made it. By nature I am very funny person and I was holding my self not to say anything for all the time but in the end I couldn’t and I asked her can I jump now and she finally laughed .

I came out of her office and sat down on the chair front of the windows so I don't miss my name. Around 11:20 a lady called me at window and asked me to look at the information on the certificate. Oath started at around 11:40 and finished at 12:30.
There were no questions regarding asylum or how I got my GC. Also no question regarding visiting COP. I never visited anyway. It was normal citizenship interview like other GC holders

Guys, this is my today’s experience. It was nice and now I finally am US Citizen. I would like to thank you all the members of this forum for your help and support which helped me to get thru and also thanks to Mr. Rajeev Khanna for this forum.
Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions. If I have miss anything I will add to this thread later on. Good luck to all of you and God Bless America.
Good night. ]]> Political Asylum in USA Aniket19 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306245 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306184&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:44:31 GMT Dear all, I applied for political asylum and did interview before 2 months ago. After the interview, IO gave me a mail out notice and told me to expect the result on mail. But I didn't get anything for the last 60 days. What u guys advise me to do? By the way, I have a valid F-1 visa status and I am in school now. Thank you ]]> Political Asylum in USA talfam http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306184 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306141&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:41:44 GMT Guys, with just few days remaining for my interview, my heart beats faster. Please advice me on what to expect and how to cope with the tricky questions imposed by IO. Also, my interview is sheduled at San Francisco asylum office- does anyone know what is the approval rate of this particular... Guys, with just few days remaining for my interview, my heart beats faster. Please advice me on what to expect and how to cope with the tricky questions imposed by IO.

Also, my interview is sheduled at San Francisco asylum office- does anyone know what is the approval rate of this particular office?

Thank you, and god bless you all.

Dev ]]> Political Asylum in USA Devastation http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306141 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306112&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:18:03 GMT I'm a derivative of an asylee, and I've been considering studying abroad with one of the programs with my college (none of them are in COP). One of the program I'm considering is an academic year program which means I would have to be abroad for around 8 months. I will still be registered as a full-time student at my school and paying regular tuition, and of course my permanent home's with my parents in the States. I will be keeping my bank accounts and everything as well. I'll be eligible for citizenship in October of 2011 and I would rather not have my clock reset because of studying abroad, but if I'm considered a full-time student at my school for all intents and purposes while I'm abroad, will it be enough grounds to say that I'm safe from breaking my residency even though I'll be away for more than 6 months? Or is it safer to fly back and spend Christmas break home so that I won't be abroad for more than 6 months at a time? ]]> Political Asylum in USA EirwenPR http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306112 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306081&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:16:33 GMT i didnt know register with the selective service system till not long ago. so what can i do and how to fix it? please help!!!!!!!! i didnt know register with the selective service system till not long ago. so what can i do and how to fix it? please help!!!!!!!! ]]> Political Asylum in USA realfang http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=306081 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305964&goto=newpost Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:46:29 GMT Dear Friends, It is my turn today to share Citizenship interview experience with you guys, which was indeed a pleasant one. Citizenship Journey started on 8/3/09 with submission of application via Fedex Overnight. My interview was at 8:30AM, reached there around 7:30AM, submitted the... Dear Friends,

It is my turn today to share Citizenship interview experience with you guys, which was indeed a pleasant one.

Citizenship Journey started on 8/3/09 with submission of application via Fedex Overnight. My interview was at 8:30AM, reached there around 7:30AM, submitted the interview letter at the receptionist window and name was called by a courteous immigration officer at ~ 8:15AM. He just interviewed lady from India and escorted her back to waiting room before calling in my name.

After approaching his office and before sitting, asked me to take the oath to tell truth. As soon as we sat he asked for my GC & DL and said "Let's have the tough part of the interview first". I was like "??????". He then said "What does the cabinet do?". "sighhhh..."I thought and answered "Advises the President"; which he wrote with red pen on paper where he read the question from. He then asked 5 more questions which I answered all correctly. "Good you passed the test" He said. Now Lets move to the second part. "Can you read this sentence?". Columbus came to America (or something of that sort). He said "Good, you part second part too. Now last and final. Write down here (on a piece of paper) Columbus day is in October". I wrote that and test finished. "Very Good, so you cleared the exam".

Application review process started after successful completion of the test. Started going over all the pages in order and marking information with red pen. He said "You just went to India once ?". "Yes, for 13 days including travel time" I replied, and he moved forward to next section. Note that, I visited COP just once with my renewed NP and for very genuine reason. I had my passport, reason for the visit and documents related to it available but was never asked for. Went over the traffic ticket information. I had printout from DMV and Traffic ticket payment records from online. I offered him the papers, he simply punched them and added to the file without even reviewing or asking about any tickets. Then he asked section H very clearly and I responded "YES" to all; asked me to sign section 13 and 14. Took my pictures from a small ziploc bag (which I did not used during application submission, seems like USCIS takes good care for you picture :) ) and asked to write first and last name on both of them.

And there comes final long awaited words which were like music to the ears "I am approving your application, are you feeling better now?". I was like "Yes. Thank you." and in my mind "dude, are you kidding me ? :)". Printer did its intended operation and there comes N-652, "Here is the proof that your application is approved today". He ticked out 2 options "# 1 "and section "A) Congratulations ......". Gave me another piece of paper about information on oath ceremony to review and asked if I have any question, to which I quickly reviewed and said "No". He then quickly mentioned about time it takes for ceremony to occur (4-5 hours and parking related stuff) and welcome to bring family and guests at the ceremony. I inquired about if he is going to give me Oath letter same day :) (yeah rite, you wish :) ) or I will get in mail, to which he responded that I should get it in mail and oath could be any time between now and January.

After all this he closed my file which was about 4-5 inches thick and I bet has all my application and papers submitted to USCIS till date. He started talking about housing market and economy and we chatted around 7-10 minutes on this topic. I think this took more time then actual review of the application :). He then escorted me back to the waiting area and wish good luck. I thanked him again, wish him nice day & weekend and left.

Remember that every case, individual situation, immigration officer and information submitted in application is unique. So please don't compare and apply one's situation and outcome of case to yours. Keep your response & answer simple, clear and to the point. Avoid offering long answers and explanations unless asked for, this can warrant for more questions. Go over your application before interview to ensure you remember what you have written and submitted with application.

So folks this is my interview experience, hope this will help some. I would like to thank each one of you for your contributions to the forum, sharing experiences and making it a successful community. This has been a great journey, it still reminds me of those GC days and long waits in 2005. Hope I will get my oath letter and oath ceremony done soon.

Wish you all, best of luck to achieve this important goal in land of the free and the home of the brave!.

Cheers and God bless all. ]]> Political Asylum in USA jattasylee http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305964 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305928&goto=newpost Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:22:44 GMT Hello guys,

I just stumbled upon this forum. it is nice to be in a community that can relate to what you are going through.

I was hoping you would give me some advice/tips/thoughts or prayers on my pending affirmative asylum case.

in a nut shell, I'm still in status (OPT), and had my interview two months ago. the officer assured me that she will send me a response in two weeks and we all know it didn't happen, otherwise I wouldn't be writing these words :)
a little over a month ago my lawyer called the asylum officer, who said she made a decision, but the case has been "referred or sent" to the Asylum Headquarters for further analysis. she said she initially didn't realize that step was necissary, but her supervisor requested it. no time frame was given.

my status will lapse in couple months, my passport just expired and it is next to impossible to renew it at the current circumstances and I do not wish to stay in the country illegally but also can't go anywhere else.

any advice/tips, on checking the status of my application or getting more information or just about anything.

any help is appreciated. thanks in advance ]]> Political Asylum in USA gigi06 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305928 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305889&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:15:41 GMT dear all,

I hold asylee status and with a pending i485. One year after USCIS has accepted my i485 application and RFE for medical, I recently got a reply to my second SR that i appear to be Inadmissible under 212(a)(3)(B) of the INA, which doesn't make sense to me.

But i want to visit my girl friend and planning to request RTD. So,i need your opinion on this:

1. is it safe to travel abroad while USCIS is saying that i appear [/B]to be Inadmissible under 212(a)(3)(B) of the INA?
2. If it is not safe or advisable, what the risks?
3. Will my request for RTD trigger something else, or get denied?

BTW, i am not travelling to my COP, not even close.

Thanks for you opinion. ]]> Political Asylum in USA kkebero http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305889 http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305872&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:55:55 GMT hi guys finally the day has come so near when i have to send my n400 application please share your exp regarding what documents we need to send with n400application.i live in new york if there is anybody who live in the same area and can share the time line .please also share where i have to send... hi guys
finally the day has come so near when i have to send my n400 application
please share your exp regarding what documents we need to send with n400application.i live in new york if there is anybody who live in the same area and can share the time line .please also share where i have to send my application. ]]> Political Asylum in USA sukhipatiala http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=305872