Spanish/Latin names and citizenship [multiple merged threads]

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

I have 3 first names and 2 last names - only problem is that people mistake my other first names as middle names.... when filling out any forms I always have to put "OBS! NO MIDDLE NAME" or similar. Some computer systems here are antiquated  (many actually) and won't accept too many characters in a field and then it'll get cut off or put as middle name.

[little immigrant 801]

I wouldn't say that middle names are considered nothing in the US. I added a middle name since oath because I never had one and always wanted one.

 

However, I don't see anything wrong with restoring your name as it was before. Also there are many people in the US from Latin countries who have two surnames. 

 

You'll file I-90 to replace your Green Card and change your name on it. I'm not sure how it goes about reverting back to the maiden name. I had changed my name after I got married a second time with the I-90 and the divorce and new marriage certificates. If I was in your shoes, I would probably send the divorce certificate and birth certificate with translation showing the maiden name.

Edited October 6, 2017 by Andrina

[BuiQuang 95]

4 hours ago, aloma said:

 

 

Finally I found in the US the middle name is nothing and is not even part of the legal name to the point that social security does not give importance for it to be an initial or misspelled. Therefore, since I am going to burn about 2000 usd to change my surname back may as well put my first name as it should too so would be first: Ana María, NO middle name, last: González Rodriguez.

wrong.  middle names are important.  social security cares.  my brother immigrate check yes for SS card on DS230, SS did not send him card.  we went to office and they say they did not issue becuz of similar name to someone already has SS card but different birthday.  

 

 

[Asherbabe876 10]

38 minutes ago, BuiQuang said:

wrong.  middle names are important.  social security cares.  my brother immigrate check yes for SS card on DS230, SS did not send him card.  we went to office and they say they did not issue becuz of similar name to someone already has SS card but different birthday.  

 

 

My middle name is misspelt on mine and I was still able to complete transaction and get a learners permit 

[aloma 8]

Thank you for your answer

41 minutes ago, BuiQuang said:

wrong.  middle names are important.  social security cares.  my brother immigrate check yes for SS card on DS230, SS did not send him card.  we went to office and they say they did not issue becuz of similar name to someone already has SS card but different birthday.  

 

 

However, here is an extract from the SSA website. 

 

1. Middle name and suffix

We do not consider the middle name or suffix part of the legal name. Whether the middle name or suffix is included, omitted or incorrectly shown on evidentiary documents submitted with an SS-5 (Application for a Social Security number Card) does not matter.

NOTE: Both the middle name and suffix, even if not part of the legal name by SSA’s definition, should be used to resolve situations where the identity of the applicant or number holder is in question.

 

and the link : https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212001

[aloma 8]

Thank you for your answer

4 hours ago, Andrina said:

I wouldn't say that middle names are considered nothing in the US. I added a middle name since oath because I never had one and always wanted one.

 

However, I don't see anything wrong with restoring your name as it was before. Also there are many people in the US from Latin countries who have two surnames. 

 

You'll file I-90 to replace your Green Card and change your name on it. I'm not sure how it goes about reverting back to the maiden name. I had changed my name after I got married a second time with the I-90 and the divorce and new marriage certificates. If I was in your shoes, I would probably send the divorce certificate and birth certificate with translation showing the maiden name.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding but I am not getting divorced and don't plan to do it either. I just don't want or need my husband's name behind my name. I am happily married. Thank you for your time regardless

Edited October 6, 2017 by aloma

[aloma 8]

4 hours ago, Suss&Camm said:

I have 3 first names and 2 last names - only problem is that people mistake my other first names as middle names.... when filling out any forms I always have to put "OBS! NO MIDDLE NAME" or similar. Some computer systems here are antiquated  (many actually) and won't accept too many characters in a field and then it'll get cut off or put as middle name.

Thank you for your answer. Does it happen often? And when you call to fix it do you have to "battle" a whole lot? 

[BuiQuang 95]

24 minutes ago, Asherbabe876 said:

My middle name is misspelt on mine and I was still able to complete transaction and get a learners permit 

cuz DMV don't go by SS card.  not purpose of SS card.

[Asherbabe876 10]

1 hour ago, BuiQuang said:

cuz DMV don't go by SS card.  not purpose of SS card.

I said other transactions so it’s not just with the dmv

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

2 hours ago, aloma said:

Thank you for your answer. Does it happen often? And when you call to fix it do you have to "battle" a whole lot? 

Well sometimes you can't correct it - if it's the computer system char's limit...  but when it can be fixed I sometimes have to battle... but it was mostly int the beginning so that all the important stuff  had the right name, especially SSC... thy wrote my three names a as one at first.. I was so dumbfounded by that cause I had had a specific conversation about the name, and she assured me it's no problem... then got the card.. "sigh" went back.. spoke to another lady that had it fixed for me and it came out right... after that it was fine cause GC and SC had them so the DL (with the note "NO MIDDLE NAME") came out correctly from the start. It was a hassle to connect my credit reports... but only cause I started building credit before I got my SSN (still had maiden name) - so I had the hardest time getting Equifax to connect my file.. I had to put in a federal complaint of them not adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act - after attempting to get them to do it by myself for 6 months... it took them now 3 days to fix it... SMDH..

Anyhow.. Most often when it's just a matter of a store card or something not so important.. I just put ,my first first name... since now it's all connected through my credit file.. and SSN...so a bunch of variations of my name are being reported anyhow... it's basically just important when you need those ID docs.. You will have an easier time than me with your last name cause yours isn't hyphenated.. mine is.. and that's another thing the antiquated US computer systems don't like.. 

[aloma 8]

8 hours ago, Asherbabe876 said:

My middle name is misspelt on mine and I was still able to complete transaction and get a learners permit 

Yes, you are absolutely right. If you look at the extract of SSA and the link they say it does not matter if you have it, omit it, initialize it, or if it is misspelled the middle name name "does not matter" to them as is not part of your legal name just used if your identity is in doubt. I live in FL and they have the true ID system. You bet that the DL, SSC and passport/immigration documents have to match

[aloma 8]

5 hours ago, Suss&Camm said:

Well sometimes you can't correct it - if it's the computer system char's limit...  but when it can be fixed I sometimes have to battle... but it was mostly int the beginning so that all the important stuff  had the right name, especially SSC... thy wrote my three names a as one at first.. I was so dumbfounded by that cause I had had a specific conversation about the name, and she assured me it's no problem... then got the card.. "sigh" went back.. spoke to another lady that had it fixed for me and it came out right... after that it was fine cause GC and SC had them so the DL (with the note "NO MIDDLE NAME") came out correctly from the start. It was a hassle to connect my credit reports... but only cause I started building credit before I got my SSN (still had maiden name) - so I had the hardest time getting Equifax to connect my file.. I had to put in a federal complaint of them not adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act - after attempting to get them to do it by myself for 6 months... it took them now 3 days to fix it... SMDH..

Anyhow.. Most often when it's just a matter of a store card or something not so important.. I just put ,my first first name... since now it's all connected through my credit file.. and SSN...so a bunch of variations of my name are being reported anyhow... it's basically just important when you need those ID docs.. You will have an easier time than me with your last name cause yours isn't hyphenated.. mine is.. and that's another thing the antiquated US computer systems don't like.. 

Thank you thank you for your detailed answer. Oh boy I am sorry to read you went through so much hassle. You bet that even if I explain it, I will have to get it fixed somewhere. For example in the very brief time I had my real name in the US before I married I got addressed and received letters as Ms. Second last name. When I went for my marriage license my full name was spelled right. I explained the lady I have two surnames passport in hand and all. Marriage certificate again good spelling throughout. They put our marriage announcement online in Dayton Daily and says my hubby married Ms. Second last name. I said to him there, you married somebody else. 

Edited October 6, 2017 by aloma

[Asherbabe876 10]

4 hours ago, aloma said:

Yes, you are absolutely right. If you look at the extract of SSA and the link they say it does not matter if you have it, omit it, initialize it, or if it is misspelled the middle name name "does not matter" to them as is not part of your legal name just used if your identity is in doubt. I live in FL and they have the true ID system. You bet that the DL, SSC and passport/immigration documents have to match

See. thank you. I only comment on stuff that I’m sure about. I’m glad you got so much detailed answers 

😉 good luck 

Edited October 7, 2017 by Asherbabe876

[aloma 8]

Hello everyone,

 

I have been with a dilemma for over half year now.  I am from Spain where no one changes their name upon marriage (it is law) and people have two surnames. We also do not know what a middle name is. Basically, I have a two word first name (found that out when I learned that the middle name is not part of the legal name of someone in the USA per Social Security office) which right now is separated as a first and a middle name in the American documentation. Also, due to misinformation 7 years ago, I put in the USA my husband's last name instead of my two surnames because I came on a fiance visa and we thought that I had to change it (I know this is not true, we just were misinformed back then).

 

Fast forward 7 years and I am thinking of doing the citizenship. I am also thinking of changing my first name back (put my real first name which right now is separated as first and middle), leaving empty the middle name field, and changing my surname back (bringing back my two Spanish surnames). I am NOT getting a divorce just as an FYI because every time I explain the story people thinks I am getting divorced or something. However, I am terrified of what could happen if I change my name back to its original. Will the second word of my first name or my first surname be confused with a middle name all the time? Will I have issues because Americans will confuse the format of my name? Will I have to do frequent calls to correct my name 2000 times in each entity? Will USCIS question the validity of my marriage when I state on the citizenship form I want to change my name back to its original? Do I even have to explain why I want my name back to its original? Will it be an issue for my future children to also have a two word surname- no hyphen-? Will it be too much hassle and money to change it everywhere?

 

However, if I do not change it I will always have this sadness of not being able to be who I am. Additionally, I do not feel very comfortable with two passports and two different names and I have all my family back in Spain so I am going to use my original identity there.

 

Everything is so messy and I do not know what to think anymore. Sooo hazy. Anyone who reverted back to their maiden name during citizenship but still happily married? Anyone with a two word first name and a two word surname but no middle name? Could you share your experiences?

 

Thank you in advance for your time!

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Several similar-themed threads have been merged, including some moved from the US Citizenship main forum.  Please start no more threads on this topic.  Wait for replies here.

Edited January 25, 2018 by TBoneTX