Applying for i-485 on my own

[Myshambar 0]

Argh. Well that is a bit of a disappointment. We were already planning on maybe using the lawyer her brother used, so maybe it would be best just to do that.

[Darnell 8,479]

She has been saying she is a citizen, yes.

And the list specifically says the i-765, i-131, and g-1145 are optional.

Alrighty ! Carry On !

[Myshambar 0]

Welp, thank you for the knowledge, it has definitely helped illuminate me a lot more on this subject. Unfortunately, I think we're just gonna go with our gut on this one and use the lawyer/advocate. I really appreciate all the help, thanks so much!

[Darnell 8,479]

studying the guide and the forms will be useful for you, as you'll find the lawyer will ask you to do it also.

Suggest you do a final review on everything prior to him/her sending it out.

[hmh33 117]

To be clear: her future in the US is in grave peril. Falsely claiming US citizenship is just about the worst possible thing she could do in terms of immigration consequences. You need a top notch lawyer. Many don't have what it takes. Choose one with a great track record and directly relevant experience - don't choose one just because her brother used him/her and they seemed to do okay with that case.

[Cathi 5,777]

If she ever claimed to be a US citizen at any time ever in the US it carries a lifetime ban with no waiver or appeal. She needs VERY good attorney.

And just to add, if she arrived on a tourist visa she does not have a legally issued SS number, tourists are never given SS numbers.

Edited March 30, 2013 by mimolicious

[Hypnos 6,577]

And just to add, if she arrived on a tourist visa she does not have a legally issued SS number, tourists are never given SS numbers.

That is the case now, but 20-odd years ago they used to hand them out like confetti.

Tourists could easily obtain them back then because the SSA did few / no checks into people who applied for them. It's very much different today.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Hypnos

[Gosia & Tito 199]

She has been saying she is a citizen, yes.

And the list specifically says the i-765, i-131, and g-1145 are optional.

What are the circumstances she's been saying she is a citizen??

It would only matter if she obtained a benefit representing being a citizen. If there is no record of her 'saying', then there is a chance.

It looks like you need a very good immigration attorney, but again, if you can give some details about when/how she stated to be a citizen, we could help best

Edited March 30, 2013 by Gosia & Tito

[Gosia & Tito 199]

That is the case now, but 20-odd years ago they used to hand them out like confetti.

Tourists could easily obtain them back then because the SSA did few / no checks into people who applied for them. It's very much different today.

Correct, many years ago, a tourist could get a SSN claiming for example he/she needed to open a bank account, and often did not had the restriction to work written on it (even though it was not really valid to work). And before the I-9 checks were placed, many foreigners who were already working with no authorization (in the same company) were not required to submit to the I-9 once it was implemented -I do know of a few such cases first hand

Edited March 30, 2013 by Gosia & Tito

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

She has been saying she is a citizen, yes.

And the list specifically says the i-765, i-131, and g-1145 are optional.

This requires a lawyer to be involved. I would suggest filing the I-130, I-485, and the other forms on your own. While conferring with the lawyer.

[Hypnos 6,577]

It would only matter if she obtained a benefit representing being a citizen. If there is no record of her 'saying', then there is a chance.

This is not the case.

Laurel Scott addressed it specifically in one of her chats recently; you need only have applied for a federal or state benefit, you do not necessarily have to have received it.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Hypnos

[Gosia & Tito 199]

This is not the case.

Laurel Scott addressed it specifically in one of her chats recently; you need only have applied for a federal or state benefit, you do not necessarily have to have received it.

Thanks for the info and correction.