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GJen

Will people know I'm a citizen now that I don't have a greencard?

By GJen in Passports, etc. - What to do now that you are a US citizen

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GJen Proficient

GJen   9

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Venezuela
 Timeline
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SO I have a quick question for y'all!

Now that I am a US Citizen, what do I do if the police ever stop me? before I knew I would hand them my driver license and if they ask for it, my greencard to prove that I'm living legally in the US before, but what about now that I don't have a greencard? Will they know I'm a citizen now? I'm not fixing to carry my passport everywhere I go! lol... Thanks.

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JimmyHou Experienced

JimmyHou   611

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Egypt
 Timeline
Posted

SO I have a quick question for y'all!

Now that I am a US Citizen, what do I do if the police ever stop me? before I knew I would hand them my driver license and if they ask for it, my greencard to prove that I'm living legally in the US before, but what about now that I don't have a greencard? Will they know I'm a citizen now? I'm not fixing to carry my passport everywhere I go! lol... Thanks.

Once you tell them you are a citizen a police officer may not ask for proof of your citizenship. This is true in all states. This obviously doesn't apply to border crossings where you are expected to have a passport or to applications (like drivers licenses in some states) where you need to show proof of citizenship.

A police officer to my knowledge shouldn't care about your legal status. Just tell them you're a citizen and if they question it further, say you'll have your attorney provide the necessary documents.

Some states have now allowed officers to ask for proof of the immigration status of non-citizens. Arizona has the strictest and most well-known policy.

For a review of each step of my N-400 naturalization process, from application to oath ceremony, please click here.

aaron2020 Grand Master

aaron2020   11,651

Posted
Filed: Country: Vietnam (no flag)
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

Once you tell them you are a citizen a police officer may not ask for proof of your citizenship. This is true in all states. This obviously doesn't apply to border crossings where you are expected to have a passport or to applications (like drivers licenses in some states) where you need to show proof of citizenship.

Some states have now allowed officers to ask for proof of the immigration status of non-citizens. Arizona has the strictest and most well-known policy.

Hi,

Arizona can kiss our asses. Federal laws trumps state laws. SCOTUS and the courts have gutted the Arizona experiment.

It's illegal for a police officer to demand proof of US citizenship when a person is stopped. Citizenship or the lack of status has no bearing on why the officer can stop a person. (If you are speeding - how does status matter?) https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-if-youre-stopped-police-immigration-agents-or-fbi

If you are asked about status, you do not have to volunteer an answer. The officer can not make a demand. He can ask, but he can not demand an answer.

Once in custody, the police can inquire about status.

Edited by aaron2020
JimmyHou Experienced

JimmyHou   611

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Egypt
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

Once you tell them you are a citizen a police officer may not ask for proof of your citizenship. This is true in all states. This obviously doesn't apply to border crossings where you are expected to have a passport or to applications (like drivers licenses in some states) where you need to show proof of citizenship.

Some states have now allowed officers to ask for proof of the immigration status of non-citizens. Arizona has the strictest and most well-known policy.

Hi,

Arizona can kiss our asses. Federal laws trumps state laws. SCOTUS and the courts have gutted the Arizona experiment.

It's illegal for a police officer to demand proof of US citizenship when a person is stopped. Citizenship or the lack of status has no bearing on why the officer can stop a person. (If you are speeding - how does status matter?) https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-if-youre-stopped-police-immigration-agents-or-fbi

If you are asked about status, you do not have to volunteer an answer. The officer can not make a demand. He can ask, but he can not demand an answer.

Once in custody, the police can inquire about status.

The Arizona law was tweaked, but is still in effect. If you are pulled over for any reason, you can be asked about your immigration status. The Supreme Court upheld the part of SB 1070 that allowed officers to inquire about immigration status but struck down 3 other parts of the law.

As I said above:

"Once you tell them you are a citizen a police officer may not ask for proof of your citizenship. This is true in all states."

"Some states have now allowed officers to ask for proof of the immigration status of non-citizens. Arizona has the strictest and most well-known policy."

So you can tell them you're a citizen, tell them you're not a citizen (in which case they can demand proof of status), or tell them that you're not going to answer (in which case they can let you go or find some other reason to arrest you).

Edited by JimmyHou

For a review of each step of my N-400 naturalization process, from application to oath ceremony, please click here.

NYCNY Newbie

NYCNY   2

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted (edited)

I can totally relate to the feeling of needing a proof of citizenship with me all the time. Therefore I got a US Passport Card when I applied for the passport. It costs $30 only if you are already a US passport holder or you request for it with your new US passport application.

See here for more information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/card.html

Another option is the Enhanced Driver's License if your state offers it.

Edited by NYCNY
TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,598

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

In general and not specifically to your question, see these:

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

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