Divorce name change /becoming a dual citizen and traveling

[catfrances 3]

Hi,

If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. I can't find all the answers to a few questions I have and I am feeling overwhelmed

I got divorced in WA last year, (after being married just under 3 yrs), I have a permanent resident card that is due to expire 2020. I am from the UK and my husband was American. When we got divorced the paperwork said I would change my name (although we didn't request this).

So I was really hoping to fly home for 2 weeks this September but I have not changed my name on any records, ie: perm card, passport, bills etc. I don't care about changing my name and the reason I have not is because I can not afford to do it.

• Does anyone know (if I don't do it), will I be denied entry back to the USA or even into the UK, as immigration must know I got divorced even if I have not changed my details?
• The other issue is...i was hoping to find out about becoming a citizen in the USA, but if I do this can I still keep my UK citizenship (which I do not want to give up), meaning would applying to become an American citizen make me dual? Does this have any benefit other than you can vote and not have to renew your 10yr card?

I just can't find the answers to tie all this together and I am on my own trying to figure it out.

Thank you SO much for ANY help.

Emma

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

• Does anyone know (if I don't do it), will I be denied entry back to the USA or even into the UK, as immigration must know I got divorced even if I have not changed my details?
• The other issue is...i was hoping to find out about becoming a citizen in the USA, but if I do this can I still keep my UK citizenship (which I do not want to give up), meaning would applying to become an American citizen make me dual? Does this have any benefit other than you can vote and not have to renew your 10yr card?

1) I don't think they are that sophisticated. If you have a passport and greencard in the same name, that will suffice. Just don't buy a ticket in a different name.

2) You will remain a British citizen even if you become a Yank. Since you divorced, you will not be eligible until five years from the date on your greencard..."resident since xxxxxxx". You may send in your application 90 days before that date, but it must be after that date that you take the oath.

[Mithmeoi 29]

• The other issue is...i was hoping to find out about becoming a citizen in the USA, but if I do this can I still keep my UK citizenship (which I do not want to give up), meaning would applying to become an American citizen make me dual? Does this have any benefit other than you can vote and not have to renew your 10yr card?

Yes you can keep your UK citizenship. The advantage to becoming a US citizen is you can stay outside the states for as long as you want and you'll get a US passport.

[catfrances 3]

Thank you for your quick response, I appreciate it.

Edited June 14, 2013 by catfrances

[John and Camie 39]

I'm sorry to hear about your divorce, and I hope you experience a smooth journey to Naturalization. x