Eligible for citizenship, but divorced

[TBoneTX 45,330]

Keep the faith.  Be sure to return with your update!

[Sviat87 2]

Good luck! I have an almost identical case. Are you taking a lawyer with you?

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

On 2/13/2018 at 2:24 PM, Brother Hesekiel said:

The one and only thing that *could* become an issue at the interview is the fact that you filed for RoC jointly, stating that you are being happily married, living under one roof, whereas your marriage was already falling apart. As you probably know, there's only 2 ways to file for RoC:

 

1) jointly, if happily married, living under one roof, or

2) alone, with a waiver, after divorce.

 

Based on your statement, you didn't really meet # 1. But, perhaps you just stated it a bit vague. Perhaps you didn't have marital issues 'til RoC had been adjudicated, yes?

 

That being said, the I.O. will most likely just look at your divorce decree, note that you divorced in February of 2017, so way after you received your unconditional, 10-year Green Card. It's really best if you don't get into details of this. Keep your answers short and to the point. Don't poke the sleeping lion with a stick and you should be fine.

 

Sometimes, less is more. Looks to me like your case qualifies for this.

 

 

There is no requirement to be happily married. What matters is that they were married at the time, even if they were miserable. 

 

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

On 10/5/2018 at 3:41 PM, mojo89 said:

My interview is next week, and I guess we'll see how it goes. Sigh....

You do not need to be nervous. I did my citizenship under the 5 year rule. I was still married to my ex spouse at the time, but I was away at school at that point. The Immigration officer asked if I was still married - I said Yes, Sir. Then he said "oh, ok you're filing under the 5 year rule and that's why you do not have any evidence of your marriage here. I said again - Yes, Sir. 

Then he administered the test, asked me the yes/no questions. He didn't want to rain on my parade. Back then, the field Milwaukee field office was not even busy. I remember it was EMPTY. The guards were playing checkers. I swear. Everyone just wanted to chat. 

 

You'll be fine. Have  the divorce decree handy but I would not turn this into a I-751 2.0 interview. This is your naturalization interview. 

[mojo89 7]

I HAVE PASSED MY CITIZENSHIP INTERVIEW! I am recommended for naturalization. 

 

It was a 20 minute ordeal in total, and it was very straight forward. Passed my 6 questions, and the English portion of the test was cake. In regards to the divorce he only confirmed I am indeed divorced and that's it. I did not take my lawyer with me, and as long as you are honest and have nothing to hide, you don't need one. I'm glad I hired one just in case to have in my back pocket, but honestly could have saved $2500 to put towards my home repairs or something. Overall, I wish I did not stress so much. After it was done I walked out to the front lobby and literally broke down on my knees crying and balling my eyes out. I love this country so much and having this final step done means the world to me. 

[little immigrant 801]

Congratulations! What a relief. But I told you you'll be fine. 🌹

[Illiria 980]

Yay congratulations 

[TBoneTX 45,330]

This is momentous news.  Let us know when your oath is scheduled, and be sure to tell us all about that, too!

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

Congrats.  I'm glad I read till the end and not just the first post.  I almost posted that you have nothing to worry about. I guess that I was right.

 

After the oath and with certificate of citizenship, it's time to pay the ex-inlaws a visit.  And watch them stew in their misery.  

Or better yet, tell your ex that you are having a hard time and have to go on welfare and that he's responsible for paying it all back.

 

I would have fun with this.  But I'm cruel and sick person.  I rarely forgive and never forget people who have done me wrong.

Edited October 15, 2018 by Eric-Pris