US CBP LAX

[Just Paul 4,595]

56 minutes ago, David & Paulyn said:

Off topic, but I see in your timeline that you received your green card 20 days after you arrived. Did you pay the Immigrant Fee prior to being admitted to the US?

Yes - we paid right after we picked up the visa.

[David & Paulyn 22]

Just now, Paul & Mary said:

Yes - we paid right after we picked up the visa.

Thank you. Yes, that is what we plan to do because I read they will ask us to surrender the GC when they administer her oath.

[Just Paul 4,595]

5 minutes ago, David & Paulyn said:

Thank you. Yes, that is what we plan to do because I read they will ask us to surrender the GC when they administer her oath.

I might be a bit confused after reading your other posts and timeline. . . 

As I recall if you are citizen ( previously CR1/IR1 or K1) when she arrives then she doesn't need the green card.  She becomes a Citizen upon arrival. She just applies for a passport.

[David & Paulyn 22]

1 minute ago, Paul & Mary said:

I might be a bit confused after reading your other posts and timeline. . . 

As I recall if you are citizen ( previously CR1/IR1 or K1) when she arrives then she doesn't need the green card.  She becomes a Citizen upon arrival. She just applies for a passport.

She will be admitted as a LPR as per INA 320. She will be mailed an appointment letter to appear at a USCIS field office to take her Oath. From what I understand, even those who automatically acquire citizenship upon arrival must take an oath of allegiance. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[David & Paulyn 22]

Ok, I found this: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/adopt_ref/adoption-FAQs/child-citizenship-act-of-2000.html

 

Quote

If your child acquired citizenship pursuant to Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you do not have to apply for a certificate of citizenship for your child before applying for your child’s U.S. passport.

 

[David & Paulyn 22]

4 minutes ago, David & Paulyn said:

Ok, I found this: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/adopt_ref/adoption-FAQs/child-citizenship-act-of-2000.html

 

 

And this:

 

Only children residing in the United States are eligible to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your child automatically acquired U.S. citizenship pursuant to this Section, he or she may obtain a certificate of citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or apply for a U.S. passport from the U.S. Department of State. If your child has not obtained a certificate of citizenship, you will need to present the following when applying for your child's U.S. passport:

• Proof of the child’s relationship to the U.S. citizen parent. For the biological child of a U.S. citizen, this generally will be a certified copy of the foreign birth certificate (and a translation if the birth certificate is not in English). For an adopted child, you must submit a certified copy of the final adoption decree (and a translation if the decree is not in English);
• Proof the child is admitted as a lawful permanent resident, such as the child’s foreign passport with a I-551 stamp, or the child's permanent resident card (green card);
• Proof of identity and citizenship of the U.S. citizen parent(s);
• Evidence the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent;
• Completed Form DS-11 and supporting documents. 

If your child obtained a certificate of citizenship from USCIS, you must submit it with your child’s passport application as proof of citizenship.

[Just Paul 4,595]

That would be correct - because this is an IR-2 via adoption!

[David & Paulyn 22]

29 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

I might be a bit confused after reading your other posts and timeline. . . 

As I recall if you are citizen ( previously CR1/IR1 or K1) when she arrives then she doesn't need the green card.  She becomes a Citizen upon arrival. She just applies for a passport.

So, yes, you are correct. Does that mean I do not need to pay the $220 Immigrant Fee?

[Just Paul 4,595]

Just now, David & Paulyn said:

So, yes, you are correct. Does that mean I do not need to pay the $220 Immigrant Fee?

NO don't pay for it!  Have a fiesta when you get the passport. Lechon ain't cheap!

[David & Paulyn 22]

Just now, Paul & Mary said:

NO don't pay for it!  Have a fiesta when you get the passport. Lechon ain't cheap!

Ok. Sounds like a plan! Thank you!!

[Just Paul 4,595]

I'd pay extra to get the passport expedited.

[David & Paulyn 22]

1 minute ago, Paul & Mary said:

I'd pay extra to get the passport expedited.

Yes, that is my plan since she will need this to demonstrate citizenship.

[David & Paulyn 22]

28 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

That would be correct - because this is an IR-2 via adoption!

Which leads me back to my original question. Will she still use the Visitor Lane at LAX?

[Just Paul 4,595]

19 minutes ago, David & Paulyn said:

Which leads me back to my original question. Will she still use the Visitor Lane at LAX?

Yes - still use the visitor lane.   1) She  doesn't have an US Passport yet and 2) she needs to be inside the US to become a Citizen.  Once she has been admitted and walks past the last checkpoint she will be good.

 

I doubt there will be any issue at LAX.  IR2 is pretty straight forward. 

[David & Paulyn 22]

1 minute ago, Paul & Mary said:

Yes - still use the visitor lane.   1) She  doesn't have an US Passport yet and 2) she needs to be inside the US to become a Citizen.  Once she has been admitted and walks past the last checkpoint she will be good.

 

I doubt there will be any issue at LAX.  IR2 is pretty straight forward. 

Ok, thank you.