Question to applicants from the former Soviet countries

[AMarina 0]

Hi there!

Don't mean to sound paranoid, but how are people who grew up in the countries of the former Soviet Union supposed to answer the question about any association with the Communist Part on N-400 form? I have never been a party memeber (luckily, it collapsed by the time I was a teenager), but just like everybody else, I was a member of the pioneer organization. If anybody else had to deal with a similar issue, please share your experience! I mean, it's easy to check the "no" box, but since the question reads "Have you ever been a member of or in any way associated (either directly or indirectly) with....", do we have to answer "yes"? (I'm concerned this in itself will bring up some extra background checks and who knows what other problems...)

[YuAndDan 153]

The same way my Wife from Mainland China did for her green-card, and for her K-1 visa, she was never a member of the party and stated this for visa, and green-card.

This came up on form DS-230 part 2 that you filed to get your visa, answer N-400 the same way.

[Moldovandish 0]

Since I was not a party member, I said no. The pioneer thing was a mandatory thing that everyone had to do - not a free will decision like the one to join a party, so I don't think that counts.

[Stella08 0]

Since I was not a party member, I said no. The pioneer thing was a mandatory thing that everyone had to do - not a free will decision like the one to join a party, so I don't think that counts.

Were you automatically made members or did you have to sign up for membership? I can understand that many people joined out of pressure. But a lot of people did the same thing during the Third Reich, too. And they couldn't use that excuse. I think I would answer "Yes" if I had been a member as a teen. I'm sure IOs know the circumstances under which you had to become a member. And since they probably have an idea what life was like in the former Soviet countries, maybe they would get suspicious if you just answered "No" because being a member of the Pioneers for example was just something somebody growing up in those countries had to do. You always can attach a separate sheet and explain your membership (e.g. your age, mandatory etc.) I don't think having been a mandatory member of the Pioneers would cause any problems in your citizenship process. As long as you didn't hold any high ranking position and didn't make a career in a Communist party. What could be a problem, though, would be lying on your application form.

Just my 2 cents.

[AMarina 0]

Thanks for the replies, everybody. I see all the points, and since Pioneers is not officially a wing of the party, am tempted to state "no". I guess, I'm just looking for a confirmation that somebody with a similar background has done this and had not problems - anybody like that out there?

[KyngSilva 0]

Like Stella stated...If it was something you HAD to do, then put yes and explain it. If indeed you joined them out of your own free will and they were a communist part, then write yes and explain. If you tempted to say no, then be ready for why you said no if it comes up during your interview. That's pretty much all you can do. Oh and cross your fingers =). Good luck with your journey.

[Stella08 0]

On the N-400 they don't just ask about membership of any parties, they also ask about memberships in any clubs, organizations etc. So, even if the Pioneers aren't part of a party, they're definitely part of an organization. As I said, if you were a member as a teen or adult, I would put "Yes" on my application and explain. I would rather be open and honest and show good moral character than trying to hide something that can be easily explained. I figure it would be much harder to explain why you lied or omitted an important fact on your application. Plus, just because somebody "got away" with stating "No" where there should have been a "Yes", doesn't mean you get as lucky. There are always people who get away with things and others who don't. I wouldn't mess around with something as important as citizenship.

[KyngSilva 0]

Well said Stella!!!!

[Stella08 0]

Well said Stella!!!!

Thank you

[NickD 203]

I agree with Stella08 and was strong advice from our attorney to do so with a letter of explanation. Not so much as being a part of an organization as filling out the form in the most honest way. Kind of like it's a lie detector test. Ha, even when we have had bad government leaders, very few are punished for the actual crime, but for perjury.

It's also human nature not to completely trust a person even if they tell you a little white lie and not talking about a surprise birthday party.

[T and M 1]

What a great topic!!! Yet ANOTHER reason why citizenship is better than PR status. Only with citizenship can you enjoy the First Amendment right to free association!

I agree with the others...if you are a from a Communist country (or formerly Communist country), and were associated with Communist organizations (freely or otherwise) you should probably answer yes, and hire a lawyer. It probably depends on WHICH Communist Party. The Chinese Communist Party might cause fewer issues that the Cuban Communist Party, for example. And if you are lucky enough to have grown up in a more democratic country like Italy or France where 1/3 of the population voted for the Communist parties in the 1960s and 1970s, that's going to be a tough one, because you can't claim that it was forced upon you. I guess a lawyer is the best thing.

Or perhaps you just check yes and see what happens. Maybe nothing. After all, the Cold War is over.

Edited January 22, 2009 by Thomas and Milena

[Moldovandish 0]

My interview is on Monday and I will let you know what happens.

Maybe if someone got to be sworn into Comsomol, that would be different. You have to look at each case individually.

[KyngSilva 0]

I wouldnt worry about it. Just tell the truth and you'll be fine.

[another1 2]

What did you answer on the same question on your I-485? I am from one of Former Soviet union countries and in my I-485 I answered "NO", I used attorney during AOS and she filled out my form, she knew where I was from and she is from former Soviet Union as well. I haven't had any problems (yet). This question was confusing for me too

Edited January 23, 2009 by another1