When Can Battered Spouse LPR File for Citizenship? I have a record of one domestic violence arrest before I got my permanent residence. My spouse actually lied to the police and caused my arrest. However, I got my green card after the arrest through an approved I-360 (self petition battered spouse). Can I apply for Citizenship after five years?— Anonymous …
July 5, 2010: Relief From Removal With Pending I-130 Petition
Relief From Removal With Pending I-130 Petition Is there a chance to stop deportation if I show the judge an I-130 petition filed by my lawful permanent resident wife for me and her application to become a U.S. citizen? I also have a United States citizen daughter. I came to the United States with a tourist visa and overstayed my …
June 28, 2010: No Derivatives for Immediate Relatives
No Derivatives for Immediate Relatives The question of children accompanying their parent, while the parent is being sponsored by a United States citizen seems to remain unclear. Some say the children under the age of 18 are able to accompany their parent, but others disagree. So here is my question: When a United States citizen child over 21 years of …
June 21, 2010: Can A Person Give Up Their U.S. Citizenship?
Can A Person Give Up Their U.S. Citizenship? If I want to willingly give back my Naturalization, can I do it? If so, how can it be done?— Anonymous Generally, a native born or naturalized United States citizen may lose their citizenship by voluntarily relinquishing it through an act of expatriation. For example, a person may make a formal renunciation …
June 14, 2010: Three Years or Five Years Until Naturalization?
Three Years or Five Years Until Naturalization? I’ve been a legal resident for 3 years, through the marriage to a US Citizen; however, we got divorced after my second year of residency. I do have conditions removed from my residency. Is there a way to obtain my citizenship before the 5 years requirement? Are there any exceptions to that rule?— …
June 7, 2010: Moving After Adjustment Approved, How to Follow Up?
Moving After Adjustment Approved, How to Follow Up. I filed an I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status. I was told that I passed my interview at USCIS in Oakland Park, FL. I since moved to Georgia. My address change form was received by USCIS. Can you tell me if my file follows me or if I need to inform my …
May 31, 2010: K-1 Fiance’ Overstays Visa, Can She Now Adjust?
K-1 Fiance’ Overstays Visa, Can She Adjust Now? Hello, I brought my girlfriend here on a fiance’ visa. I got cold feet and she wound up overstaying the visa. I came to my senses, and married her. We live in the U.S. and understand she cannot leave until she adjusts her status. What form is necessary to adjust her status? …
May 24, 2010: Is Marriage Fraud a Permanent Bar to Residency?
Is Marriage Fraud a Permanent Bar to Residency? My application for permanent residency was denied with an allegation of marriage fraud from my prior marriage. I was married to that woman in 2002 and applied for permanent residency that same year. However, after 3 years our marriage ended in annulment because she was still married to another person when we …
May 17, 2010: Cancellation of Removal Requirements
Cancellation of Removal Requirements To apply for cancellation of removal, the person has to have 10 years in the United States. What if the person came in February of 2000, left again months later, but came back in May of 2001. Do 10 years count from 2000 or 2001?— Anonymous Based on the facts stated in your question, I am …
May 10, 2010: Will Husband be Admitted as Visitor if I-130 Pending?
Will Husband be Admitted as Visitor if I-130 Pending? I am a green card holder since 2006. I have petitioned to bring my husband and son to the U.S., but I was not able to comply with the documents needed. My husband has a tourist visa even before the petition. He wants to visit his sister in the U.S. who …