Calling USCIS

[bigdog 376]

If you can file for your USC and ROC isn't done, this seems the logical way. Seems the whole system is real slow now.

[together4evr 360]

Time does matter for some people. If people can go ahead applying American citizenship without 10 years green card, there is not a matter anymore. I don't like attorney to do everything for me (they charge too much and they can mess up ur case), but throwing $100 or $200 to get the best result and save u time and other troubles are not bad. U spent $600 to get 10 years green card but failed, and u r ok about that?

I put my 10 years green card in the safety box in the bank because I'm really worried to lose it. Whenever I think about how much stress and patience and time I spent on that card, no money can compare. I hope other people will keep their card or American passport in the safest place. It makes me sad to see there are some topics in here that people keep losing their card.

All foreigners are required to carry their green card with them at all times. Putting it in a safe deposit box is illegal. You must keep it with you everytime you are on the street.

[Sean86 31]

Is it possible to apply for USC without first getting an answer on your i-751 application ?

[cathy2904 97]

Is it possible to apply for USC without first getting an answer on your i-751 application ?

Yes, you can. Your naturalization application can't be approved while your ROC is pending so it forces USCIS to make a decision on your ROC case. That is why people are recommending this course of action for the OP.

[LilyAnn 0]

All foreigners are required to carry their green card with them at all times. Putting it in a safe deposit box is illegal. You must keep it with you everytime you are on the street.

It is absolutely not true. I don't listen to you. Do it urself.

Edited January 9, 2013 by LilyAnn

[cathy2904 97]

It is absolutely not true. I don't listen to you. Do it urself.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f1903a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=f1903a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times.

[LilyAnn 0]

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f1903a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=f1903a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times.

Where is the part to say it is ILLEGAL not to have green card in your possession??? I said it is not true because the other person said it is illegal. Keeping green card in ur possession is necessary though I'm afraid of thief.

Edited January 9, 2013 by LilyAnn

[cathy2904 97]

Where is the part to say it is ILLEGAL not to have green card in your possession??? I said it is not true because the other person said it is illegal. Keeping green card in ur possession is necessary though I'm afraid of thief.

Well it's a federal law so I guess not carrying it is against the law so that is what makes it illegal.

I don't actually carry mine at all times. I just carry a good copy of it. I have figured that where I live and my age/gender/race make it very unlikely that I will be randomly challenged to prove my immigration status. And I have my DL of course for ID purposes. Like you, I am afraid of losing my card so I keep it safely at home where I can access it quickly. I am prepared to risk a fine for not carrying it as being cheaper and a lot less hassle than replacing my card. When I go away from home I always take it with me.

[Steve D. 22]

Where is the part to say it is ILLEGAL not to have green card in your possession??? I said it is not true because the other person said it is illegal. Keeping green card in ur possession is necessary though I'm afraid of thief.

Maybe if you go ahead and apply for citizenship, you don't have to carry it, willing or not for 10 years.

I'm just giving suggestions too.

[And_Sam 44]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I am certain that if and when the time comes that we can apply for his naturalization then that is what we will do. I'm not planning on getting a lawyer because truthfully I feel we are capable on our own to handle our file. I am very aware of the organization of the paperwork that was sent in with his I795 and the RFE. The RFE pretty much gives you exactly what they wanted so I organized it the way they spelled it out in the notice. In fact, after talking to people with what I did submit in with his file, it was more than sufficient but just lacked on the mutual living arrangements. (he is not on the mortgage or title of the house) In the RFE I included a letter stating that after discussing getting my husband on the title with the loan officer, it was recommended to refinance the house to include him and at the time it wasn't feasible, but there were plenty of evidence of him living there by his mail, insurance policies, driver's license, bills in his name, bank statements, etc.

What really bugged me was on the RFE it clearly stated that if we haven't heard or had anything done with the RFE after 60 days that I should call and talk to an immigration officer. Which I did and it was the officer who stated that it was 60 days from the date of the sign confirmation that the response to the RFE was received at VSC. I would have thought it was 60 days from the DATE of the notice. How would they have known when I sent it back in unless by me telling her????

[Steve D. 22]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I am certain that if and when the time comes that we can apply for his naturalization then that is what we will do. I'm not planning on getting a lawyer because truthfully I feel we are capable on our own to handle our file. I am very aware of the organization of the paperwork that was sent in with his I795 and the RFE. The RFE pretty much gives you exactly what they wanted so I organized it the way they spelled it out in the notice. In fact, after talking to people with what I did submit in with his file, it was more than sufficient but just lacked on the mutual living arrangements. (he is not on the mortgage or title of the house) In the RFE I included a letter stating that after discussing getting my husband on the title with the loan officer, it was recommended to refinance the house to include him and at the time it wasn't feasible, but there were plenty of evidence of him living there by his mail, insurance policies, driver's license, bills in his name, bank statements, etc.

What really bugged me was on the RFE it clearly stated that if we haven't heard or had anything done with the RFE after 60 days that I should call and talk to an immigration officer. Which I did and it was the officer who stated that it was 60 days from the date of the sign confirmation that the response to the RFE was received at VSC. I would have thought it was 60 days from the DATE of the notice. How would they have known when I sent it back in unless by me telling her????

It's quite a common tactics for USCIS to issue RFE not because there is a lack of evidence, but a way to "buffer" a process of ROC application. Then again it's a hit-or-miss thing as some of the VJ filers here got their ROC approved without a hitch in less than half year. Some, like us, got delayed till the end of time if they are willing to do it.

Anyway, I suggest you respond to that RFE, give them what they want, and when 18th of this month comes, file for your N-400 and force them to make a decision on your ROC.

Good luck!

[LilyAnn 0]

Well it's a federal law so I guess not carrying it is against the law so that is what makes it illegal.

I don't actually carry mine at all times. I just carry a good copy of it. I have figured that where I live and my age/gender/race make it very unlikely that I will be randomly challenged to prove my immigration status. And I have my DL of course for ID purposes. Like you, I am afraid of losing my card so I keep it safely at home where I can access it quickly. I am prepared to risk a fine for not carrying it as being cheaper and a lot less hassle than replacing my card. When I go away from home I always take it with me.

I made a copy and kept it at home and in my car. Don't worry too much. Is there a fine for not carrying it all the time? I have never heard about it. Whenever I'm on the street, I'm super afraid to lose it (because as a woman, I put the card and carry it in the purse). Good thing is I don't go out often. I have lived in the US for almost 12 years, nobody has never asked me to prove my immigration status.

[LilyAnn 0]

Maybe if you go ahead and apply for citizenship, you don't have to carry it, willing or not for 10 years.

I'm just giving suggestions too.

Thanks for head up. I'm thinking to apply American citizen couple months later.

[And_Sam 44]

It's quite a common tactics for USCIS to issue RFE not because there is a lack of evidence, but a way to "buffer" a process of ROC application. Then again it's a hit-or-miss thing as some of the VJ filers here got their ROC approved without a hitch in less than half year. Some, like us, got delayed till the end of time if they are willing to do it.

Anyway, I suggest you respond to that RFE, give them what they want, and when 18th of this month comes, file for your N-400 and force them to make a decision on your ROC.

Good luck!

Thanks. I did send in the response of the RFE that was signature confirmation on arrival on 11/16/12. I hope it's what they wanted considering that it was 2 inches thick. First mistake on the I-751 package was only submitting the first page of our checking/saving accounts. I since then included ALL the pages along with arrow tags showing both paychecks being direct deposited, direct deposit of joint income tax returns etc....

Looking up info for the N-400 now.