Travel to and return from Iraq as PR | Impact on Citizenship?

[Quarknase 1,072]

Hi Members,

 

First I hope I chose the right forum - if not, please move to a more appropriate category

 

Hoping for some insights/experience after my coworker scared me with a statement that I never heard before (but also don't want to ignore):

 

I am a Permanent Resident and planning some visits to Baghdad while I'm waiting for my Citizenship and eventually petition my Iraqi Fiancé to join me in the US.

My coworker advised against it and said visits to Iraq would have negative impact on my citizenship application, as well as create a high risk of being admitted back into the US while I'm only a Greencard holder. I have Global Entry and never had any issues returning from international trips, but I also didn't travel to Iraq before - we always met in third countries.

 

Any insights/opinions with back-up?

[dilip 187]

Although Iraq is not in the list of 7 travel ban countries, I am sure, how safe it to travel there?  How long are you planning to go there?  Do you have to go or can you wait until citizenship is done?  

[Quarknase 1,072]

I will be in Baghdad and with his family, so I will be fine.

We don't really have another way to meet as  frequently as we'd like to - likelihood of him getting a visitor visa to US is rather small

Plus I want to spend time with his family as well, whom I've only met over video calls so far.

My concern is not about traveling to Baghdad, but rather if I will be able to return to the US and if this will negatively impact my citizenship application.

[Boiler 45,466]

Reasonable to assume enhanced background checks.

[dilip 187]

https://www.politico.com/interactives/2018/trump-travel-ban-supreme-court-decision-countries-map/

 

Iraq has been removed, so it seems you will be allow in the USA, but there might be secondary interview.  How long are you planning to stay.  I would not stay for long time,  say not more then 15 days.  What will be the reason of going to visit Iraq will be asked by IO at airport.  Are you ready to answer that you went to visit your Fiancé ?   

[Quarknase 1,072]

I'm okay with background checks and secondary during return - nothing to hide, simply going to spend time with my Fiancé's family and possibly get married.

Of course I'm ready to answer accordingly. I was planning to stay for a month, simply because I rather want one long stay than multiple short stays (it's a long journey to get there).

I'm just wondering if there could be any impact besides secondary? Would they be able to revoke my Greencard/deny Citizenship for being engaged to, and visiting, my Iraqi Fiancé? And possibly get married? It sounds absurd to me that this could have an impact at all, but want to cover my bases before we make a decision that could negatively impact us in the long run.

[dilip 187]

15 hours ago, Quarknase said:

I'm okay with background checks and secondary during return - nothing to hide, simply going to spend time with my Fiancé's family and possibly get married.

Of course I'm ready to answer accordingly. I was planning to stay for a month, simply because I rather want one long stay than multiple short stays (it's a long journey to get there).

I'm just wondering if there could be any impact besides secondary? Would they be able to revoke my Greencard/deny Citizenship for being engaged to, and visiting, my Iraqi Fiancé? And possibly get married? It sounds absurd to me that this could have an impact at all, but want to cover my bases before we make a decision that could negatively impact us in the long run.

The discussion is becoming more personal in nature .    The immigration journey is complicated and each case is different.  So, I am not sure anyone on this board and myself would be able to  answer your questions about what will happen in the future in your case when you apply for citizenship .  In my opinion, I do not see any reason for your Greencard to be revoked if you visit Iraq

 

When are you expecting to get your citizenship?  During KI or K3 ( after citizenship), they do background check of the person going to come in this country.  Hope, your Fiance's background is clean and will stay clean.

 

 

 

[Quarknase 1,072]

22 hours ago, dilip said:

The discussion is becoming more personal in nature .    The immigration journey is complicated and each case is different.  So, I am not sure anyone on this board and myself would be able to  answer your questions about what will happen in the future in your case when you apply for citizenship .  In my opinion, I do not see any reason for your Greencard to be revoked if you visit Iraq

 

When are you expecting to get your citizenship?  During KI or K3 ( after citizenship), they do background check of the person going to come in this country.  Hope, your Fiance's background is clean and will stay clean.

 

 

 

With the first part I was only responding to questions and comments (background checks and reasons why I'm going, and if I'm ready to answer questions.

 

I wouldn't see a reason either (to revoke Greencard after visit), was only concerned after my coworkers comment - you don't know what you don't know, right? Hehe. Hence I figured I'd ask experienced folks in this helpful forum.

 

Citizenship anytime between probably Q2 and Q4 2020 - processing times leave lots of room for guessing

K3 is obsolete from what I read here. Background checks are not a concern. My only question/concern circles around impact of visits to Iraq.

 

Thank you!!!

[dilip 187]

5 minutes ago, Quarknase said:

With the first part I was only responding to questions and comments (background checks and reasons why I'm going, and if I'm ready to answer questions.

 

I wouldn't see a reason either (to revoke Greencard after visit), was only concerned after my coworkers comment - you don't know what you don't know, right? Hehe. Hence I figured I'd ask experienced folks in this helpful forum.

 

Citizenship anytime between probably Q2 and Q4 2020 - processing times leave lots of room for guessing

K3 is obsolete from what I read here. Background checks are not a concern. My only question/concern circles around impact of visits to Iraq.

 

Thank you!!!

Since, Iraq is not a nation of banned list countries, my guess is that your citizenship will not be impacted.  Keep documentation, the places you visited and pictures and if asked during citizenship interview, you have all the documents.    

 

All  we all take risk in our life and if the risk is calculated, it is not a risk.  So go ahead, visit and enjoy.

[Quarknase 1,072]

On 7/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, love_my_wife said:

Some of my relatives and friends had no issues getting non-immigrant visa (Tourist) to USA in spite of their travel to Iraq. In fact, there were no concerns raised about their travel to Iraq.... I have friends who are on non-immigrant work visas in US and who have recently been to Iraq and back without issues! So, if non immigrant visa folks aren't having issues, then I think it should be fine for LPRs...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It definitely puts my overthinking mind at ease