Should I apply for citizenship?

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

2 hours ago, OldUser said:

The lookback is usually 5 years to determine eligibility for naturalization. If you've been back now for 6-7 years, this should not be an issue at all. Make sure to have evidence of your marital status, e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree etc. Don't volunteer any of this information or paperwork during interview, unless asked to.

 

You can also look into hiring an attorney to represent you and go to the interview with you if that makes you feel more secure. Your case doesn't require an attorney by the looks of it, but it never hurts.

I second the idea of an attorney. Not because I think that your case needs one but because you might tend to overshare and volunteer information that is not asked for 😉 don't get me wrong, honesty is important but every piece of information you give the IO can lead to follow up questions that otherwise wouldn't have been asked.

An attorney can work with you and prep you for that interview to make it easier and straightforward.

[Rebuilt 9]

22 hours ago, Nat&Amy said:

The question about your absence might never come up, but in case it does, you need to be prepared to answer. I can see it is a difficult and traumatic experience for you but remember, much of what happened was beyond your control and CBP let you in (after your truthful answers to their questions). It is not like you re-entered the country illegally or misrepresented yourself, so take a deep breath and be confident. You will be fine!

I am not sure I am prepared to relive everything. It seriously has been in my mind for years. And what actual palpable proof I can provide? The death of my father? A completely idle husband who kept lying to me over and over? The intimate details of our relationship and how things degenerated after he got out of the Army? His addiction? I am a mess right now just typing all of this. He used me and my parents in every sense of the word throughout pretty much the entirety of our marriage, and I got nothing to show for it, other than my word, and this continuous state of anxiety and hypervigilance over everything.

 

Edit: and my obvious intent to return to this country and remain here. 

Edited January 3, 2023 by Rebuilt

[Rebuilt 9]

19 hours ago, Letspaintcookies said:

I second the idea of an attorney. Not because I think that your case needs one but because you might tend to overshare and volunteer information that is not asked for 😉 don't get me wrong, honesty is important but every piece of information you give the IO can lead to follow up questions that otherwise wouldn't have been asked.

An attorney can work with you and prep you for that interview to make it easier and straightforward.

At the very least I need to talk to one and explain my case, yes.