My long journey ends here. I started fighting with USCIS in 2003. It's been 17 years of paying USCIS various fees, doing a million biometrics appointments, 6+ RTD applications, 15+ visa applications to visit countries where I could visit without a visa if I was an American, multiple delays and waiting in Secondary across airports in US when arriving from abroad!, of further examination by various airlines because of carrying an RTD, multiple years of being unable to travel on school outings (lost out on visits to Brazil, South Africa, Peru), years of losing out on job opportunities because RTD not accepted everywhere, of living under the hegemony of CBP, etc.
A few notes:
a) When you are qualified for a new immigrant status, do not wait to apply, no matter what! Do not be like me - I was eligible to apply for my green card for over threes years, but I didn't apply. Waiting those three years has cost me a lot.
b) Just try to be patient. Each person has their own journey to follow...I have friends who became citizens long ago, when we came at the same etc. You just have to be patient, as your time will come in good time.
There is a numbness, fatigue I have from fighting the system. I'm unable to celebrate today.
Good luck to everyone on your journey. I'm cheering for you.