Approved Naturalization with 10 months outside the US

[hopefulls 8]

Hello everyone

 

I just want to provide an update and also to warn those who mislead and provide wrong information. I know in some cases, you are trying to be helpful but none of us are immigration officers but yet you tried to forced your opinion and try to scared people. Last year, there was a BIG debate about my situation. I was pregnant and decided to have my baby overseas, I left the US June, 2019. My son was born in December 2019 in Italy, vaccination is not given until the child is 3 months so I decided not to travel until he was vaccinated. My return was scheduled for April, 2020, as we are all aware Covid-19 hit Italy and the entire world, I had multiple flight cancellations which delayed my return. After many attempts, I finally made it back to the US May 31, 2020. I was NOT questioned by immigration upon my arrival as to why I was outside the country for so long as a green card holder, STANDARD entry. Bear in mind, while I was in Italy, I had TWO interviews scheduled for my naturalization, I requested BOTH to be cancelled, one was in September, 2019. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and didn't want to travel. Then a month or so later, a 2nd interview was scheduled for January, 2020, again I didn't want to travel with my newborn less than a month old without vaccination, I requested the 2ND cancellation. While in Italy, my 3RD interview was scheduled, I knew that I would be pushing my luck so amidst Covid-19, I made all the effort to return to the US especially with the fact that I was VERY close to reaching my 1 year outside the country. I had my naturalization interview, no drilling, the officer was actually friendly. She asked why I was outside the country for that period of time, I told her I was pregnant, had my son plus Covid-19 delayed my return by a month. I also took with me a printout from USCIS website that basically says, for any stay beyond the 6 months exception can be granted if the individual does not give up their resident. I never did, our condo was vacate the entire time, my address never change. I did quit my job as I could no longer work with the time difference but besides that my intention from the beginning was never to abandon my green card status. She said, she could not approved my case that day (August 14th) and that she will need to speak with her supervisor. Today I received a notification that my naturalization has been approved!!!!

 

For those who have unique situation like myself, explore USCIS website and get answers there. A lot of people had said that I will not be accepted back inside the country because I abandoned my green card and that if I am allowed my naturalization will be denied NEITHER of that happened. I might be an exceptional case but don't provide people who are seeking answers your opinion, provide facts that they can seek out themselves.

 

Good luck to all those who are still waiting

[millefleur 5,046]

**One duplicate thread removed**

 

 

Thanks for sharing and congrats!

[aslam khan 5]

Congratulations!!!

what a relief for you and thanks for sharing, it will help other not to lose hope;