I-751 Petition Filed at CSC

[elwintro 0]

Hello VJers!

I mailed off my I-751 petition to the USCIS California Service Center yesterday (5/1/09) using Express Mail at the local USPS post office, requesting delivery confirmation and a return receipt so I'll know for sure when my package arrived.

My petition plus all the evidence totaled to a three-inch high, 3lbs 11oz monster. Here's a breakdown of all that I sent (I basically just cut and pasted this list from my cover letter):

• Check for $545
• Cover letter giving a breakdown of all the evidence
• I-751
• Attachment to I-751 for Part 3, item 9 listing my legal permanent residences since obtaining conditional resident status
• Form AR-11 Change of Address electronic confirmation
• I-551 Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
• Kansas Drivers Licenses – Myself and my spouse
• Birth Certificates of our two children
• Baptism certificates of our two children
• Proof of joint ownership of our house

• Deed
• Mortgage loan application
• HUD-1 settlement statement
• Title insurance policy
• Statement from moving company (signed by my spouse)
• AmTrust Bank mortgage statements
• WellsFargo mortgage statements
• County's yearly property valuation statements (2008 & 2009)
• Home warranty policy we got from our sellers

• Joint checking account statements (2006-2009)

• Voided check showing both our names

• Joint savings account statements (2006-2009)
• Joint loan for $2000 to help build our credit rating (July 2007-Dec. 2007)
• 2007 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)
• IRS Transcript

• 2008 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)

• Proof of joint ownership of our vehicle

• Kansas Title
• Kansas registration, and registration renewal
• Post-purchase application for a Missouri title (vehicle was originally purchased in 2006 when we still resided in Missouri)
• Kansas Motor Vehicle Accident Report (12/01/2007)
• Subpoenas to appear in court as witnesses for the city, in conjunction with the accident
• Proof of joint homeowner and auto insurance policies

• Geico auto insurance statements (07/2006 – 02/2008)
• Nationwide auto insurance statements (02/2008 – Present)
• Nationwide homeowner’s policy (02/2008 – Present)
• Insurance claim for storm damage (09/2008)
• Employment

• Employment offer from current employer (dated Jan, 2007)
• Employer Benefits summary – lists spouse as life insurance beneficiary
• Medial insurance cards for all family members
• Pay stubs (2007-2009)

• Utility Bills

• City water bills
• Atmos Energy gas bills
• Comcast Cable
• Verizon Wireless service contracts

• Health Insurance Claims for All Family Members

• Dental
• Medical

• Joint Lease of an Apartment (02/2007 – 02/2008)

• NOTE: Temporary residence in KS when I secured employment. Permanent legal residence during this time was still in MO.
• Lease
• Utility bills
• Move out statement

• Pictures covering the period from our marriage through to the present time

Some other notes:

As it seems to be a confusing question for folks, for Part 5 on the I-751, "Information about your children - List all your children", I listed my two US citizen children. For their A#, I wrote 'N/A', and for their address/immigration status, I wrote, "U.S. Citizen/Address as in Part 1."

My Green Card expires 5/16/09 (i.e., in 14 days), so I'm hoping I'll get my NOA1 by then. Fingers crossed!

If anyone has any questions about my I-751 packet, I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck to all.

[-B&T- 1]

Looks perfect!Good luck.

[Vijay 0]

Hi,

I thought the children table in I-751 is for children who might have obtained the permanent residence through the same person. I am going to leave it blank, since she was born here and didn't get permanent residence when I obtained.

Hello VJers!

I mailed off my I-751 petition to the USCIS California Service Center yesterday (5/1/09) using Express Mail at the local USPS post office, requesting delivery confirmation and a return receipt so I'll know for sure when my package arrived.

My petition plus all the evidence totaled to a three-inch high, 3lbs 11oz monster. Here's a breakdown of all that I sent (I basically just cut and pasted this list from my cover letter):

• Check for $545
• Cover letter giving a breakdown of all the evidence
• I-751
• Attachment to I-751 for Part 3, item 9 listing my legal permanent residences since obtaining conditional resident status
• Form AR-11 Change of Address electronic confirmation
• I-551 Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
• Kansas Drivers Licenses – Myself and my spouse
• Birth Certificates of our two children
• Baptism certificates of our two children
• Proof of joint ownership of our house

• Deed
• Mortgage loan application
• HUD-1 settlement statement
• Title insurance policy
• Statement from moving company (signed by my spouse)
• AmTrust Bank mortgage statements
• WellsFargo mortgage statements
• County's yearly property valuation statements (2008 & 2009)
• Home warranty policy we got from our sellers

• Joint checking account statements (2006-2009)

• Voided check showing both our names

• Joint savings account statements (2006-2009)
• Joint loan for $2000 to help build our credit rating (July 2007-Dec. 2007)
• 2007 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)
• IRS Transcript

• 2008 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)

• Proof of joint ownership of our vehicle

• Kansas Title
• Kansas registration, and registration renewal
• Post-purchase application for a Missouri title (vehicle was originally purchased in 2006 when we still resided in Missouri)
• Kansas Motor Vehicle Accident Report (12/01/2007)
• Subpoenas to appear in court as witnesses for the city, in conjunction with the accident
• Proof of joint homeowner and auto insurance policies

• Geico auto insurance statements (07/2006 – 02/2008)
• Nationwide auto insurance statements (02/2008 – Present)
• Nationwide homeowner’s policy (02/2008 – Present)
• Insurance claim for storm damage (09/2008)
• Employment

• Employment offer from current employer (dated Jan, 2007)
• Employer Benefits summary – lists spouse as life insurance beneficiary
• Medial insurance cards for all family members
• Pay stubs (2007-2009)

• Utility Bills

• City water bills
• Atmos Energy gas bills
• Comcast Cable
• Verizon Wireless service contracts

• Health Insurance Claims for All Family Members

• Dental
• Medical

• Joint Lease of an Apartment (02/2007 – 02/2008)

• NOTE: Temporary residence in KS when I secured employment. Permanent legal residence during this time was still in MO.
• Lease
• Utility bills
• Move out statement

• Pictures covering the period from our marriage through to the present time

Some other notes:

As it seems to be a confusing question for folks, for Part 5 on the I-751, "Information about your children - List all your children", I listed my two US citizen children. For their A#, I wrote 'N/A', and for their address/immigration status, I wrote, "U.S. Citizen/Address as in Part 1."

My Green Card expires 5/16/09 (i.e., in 14 days), so I'm hoping I'll get my NOA1 by then. Fingers crossed!

If anyone has any questions about my I-751 packet, I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck to all.

[Dakine 26]

Hello VJers!

I mailed off my I-751 petition to the USCIS California Service Center yesterday (5/1/09) using Express Mail at the local USPS post office, requesting delivery confirmation and a return receipt so I'll know for sure when my package arrived.

My petition plus all the evidence totaled to a three-inch high, 3lbs 11oz monster. Here's a breakdown of all that I sent (I basically just cut and pasted this list from my cover letter):

• Check for $545
• Cover letter giving a breakdown of all the evidence
• I-751
• Attachment to I-751 for Part 3, item 9 listing my legal permanent residences since obtaining conditional resident status
• Form AR-11 Change of Address electronic confirmation
• I-551 Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
• Kansas Drivers Licenses – Myself and my spouse
• Birth Certificates of our two children
• Baptism certificates of our two children
• Proof of joint ownership of our house

• Deed
• Mortgage loan application
• HUD-1 settlement statement
• Title insurance policy
• Statement from moving company (signed by my spouse)
• AmTrust Bank mortgage statements
• WellsFargo mortgage statements
• County's yearly property valuation statements (2008 & 2009)
• Home warranty policy we got from our sellers

• Joint checking account statements (2006-2009)

• Voided check showing both our names

• Joint savings account statements (2006-2009)
• Joint loan for $2000 to help build our credit rating (July 2007-Dec. 2007)
• 2007 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)
• IRS Transcript

• 2008 Federal and State Taxes – Married, Filing Jointly

• Supporting documents (W2, etc.)

• Proof of joint ownership of our vehicle

• Kansas Title
• Kansas registration, and registration renewal
• Post-purchase application for a Missouri title (vehicle was originally purchased in 2006 when we still resided in Missouri)
• Kansas Motor Vehicle Accident Report (12/01/2007)
• Subpoenas to appear in court as witnesses for the city, in conjunction with the accident
• Proof of joint homeowner and auto insurance policies

• Geico auto insurance statements (07/2006 – 02/2008)
• Nationwide auto insurance statements (02/2008 – Present)
• Nationwide homeowner’s policy (02/2008 – Present)
• Insurance claim for storm damage (09/2008)
• Employment

• Employment offer from current employer (dated Jan, 2007)
• Employer Benefits summary – lists spouse as life insurance beneficiary
• Medial insurance cards for all family members
• Pay stubs (2007-2009)

• Utility Bills

• City water bills
• Atmos Energy gas bills
• Comcast Cable
• Verizon Wireless service contracts

• Health Insurance Claims for All Family Members

• Dental
• Medical

• Joint Lease of an Apartment (02/2007 – 02/2008)

• NOTE: Temporary residence in KS when I secured employment. Permanent legal residence during this time was still in MO.
• Lease
• Utility bills
• Move out statement

• Pictures covering the period from our marriage through to the present time

Some other notes:

As it seems to be a confusing question for folks, for Part 5 on the I-751, "Information about your children - List all your children", I listed my two US citizen children. For their A#, I wrote 'N/A', and for their address/immigration status, I wrote, "U.S. Citizen/Address as in Part 1."

My Green Card expires 5/16/09 (i.e., in 14 days), so I'm hoping I'll get my NOA1 by then. Fingers crossed!

If anyone has any questions about my I-751 packet, I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck to all.

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

I blew it and did so also and USCIS sent a RFE for $80 for biometrics for my child. They stopped my wifes process until I finally had to get my senator to fix the problem. Took an extra couple months.

Some people get away with it. I didn't even tho I had my daughters BC and US passport and explained she was a US citizen in the original cover letter.

USCIS missed it!

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

Edited May 2, 2009 by Haole

[ready4ONE 5,400]

Hello VJers!

I mailed off my I-751 petition to the USCIS California Service Center yesterday (5/1/09) using Express Mail at the local USPS post office, requesting delivery confirmation and a return receipt so I'll know for sure when my package arrived.

My petition plus all the evidence totaled to a three-inch high, 3lbs 11oz monster. Here's a breakdown of all that I sent (I basically just cut and pasted this list from my cover letter):

Some other notes:

As it seems to be a confusing question for folks, for Part 5 on the I-751, "Information about your children - List all your children", I listed my two US citizen children. For their A#, I wrote 'N/A', and for their address/immigration status, I wrote, "U.S. Citizen/Address as in Part 1."

My Green Card expires 5/16/09 (i.e., in 14 days), so I'm hoping I'll get my NOA1 by then. Fingers crossed!

If anyone has any questions about my I-751 packet, I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck to all.

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

I blew it and did so also and USCIS sent a RFE for $80 for biometrics for my child. They stopped my wifes process until I finally had to get my senator to fix the problem. Took an extra couple months.

Some people get away with it. I didn't even tho I had my daughters BC and US passport and explained she was a US citizen in the original cover letter.

USCIS missed it!

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

Really really glad we read this! Yikes! We had my two children, wife's step children, and also our own child listed. The instruction sheet for I-751 from USCIS indeed says:

Conditional Resident Children

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

But that is hardly making it clear that they won't be able to figure out that many would add all children of the marriage, even if they are USC's. So... Fixing our form, and glad we had a delay getting insurance documentation [the final touches to our submission.] We would definately have sent off our I-751 with the three kids listed, although none need to remove conditions...

How hard would it be on the actual I-751 form to change the language to: List all children who you intend to remove conditions with this Petition? Classic USCIS...

Edited May 2, 2009 by ready4ONE

[Dakine 26]

Hello VJers!

I mailed off my I-751 petition to the USCIS California Service Center yesterday (5/1/09) using Express Mail at the local USPS post office, requesting delivery confirmation and a return receipt so I'll know for sure when my package arrived.

My petition plus all the evidence totaled to a three-inch high, 3lbs 11oz monster. Here's a breakdown of all that I sent (I basically just cut and pasted this list from my cover letter):

Some other notes:

As it seems to be a confusing question for folks, for Part 5 on the I-751, "Information about your children - List all your children", I listed my two US citizen children. For their A#, I wrote 'N/A', and for their address/immigration status, I wrote, "U.S. Citizen/Address as in Part 1."

My Green Card expires 5/16/09 (i.e., in 14 days), so I'm hoping I'll get my NOA1 by then. Fingers crossed!

If anyone has any questions about my I-751 packet, I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck to all.

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

I blew it and did so also and USCIS sent a RFE for $80 for biometrics for my child. They stopped my wifes process until I finally had to get my senator to fix the problem. Took an extra couple months.

Some people get away with it. I didn't even tho I had my daughters BC and US passport and explained she was a US citizen in the original cover letter.

USCIS missed it!

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

Really really glad we read this! Yikes! We had my two children, wife's step children, and also our own child listed. The instruction sheet for I-751 from USCIS indeed says:

Conditional Resident Children

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

But that is hardly making it clear that they won't be able to figure out that many would add all children of the marriage, even if they are USC's. So... Fixing our form, and glad we had a delay getting insurance documentation [the final touches to our submission.] We would definately have sent off our I-751 with the three kids listed, although none need to remove conditions...

How hard would it be on the actual I-751 form to change the language to: List all children who you intend to remove conditions with this Petition? Classic USCIS...

Yeah! I wanted to list my child for additional evidence of valid relationship and Part 5 is the only place to do so on the form. I obviously screwed up as it cost us stress and time getting it straighted out.

USCIS could definitely make the instructions a bit clearer.

When it says "List ALL your children" in Part 5 what would you do?

[ready4ONE 5,400]

We listed all three children, and wrote 'US citizen' for each in the Address/Immigrations status box. It seems to me idiotic not to make the Section 5 clearer as to only listing children you intend to use this Petition to Remove Conditions language.

Really sorry you went through this, but also very glad we read your post so we did not fall into the same trap!

[Dakine 26]

We listed all three children, and wrote 'US citizen' for each in the Address/Immigrations status box. It seems to me idiotic not to make the Section 5 clearer as to only listing children you intend to use this Petition to Remove Conditions language.

Really sorry you went through this, but also very glad we read your post so we did not fall into the same trap!

Yeah I did that also but they didn't takt notice. They sent the letter asking for the additional $80 biometrics fee for biometrics. They put my wifes case on hold and didn't send the letter for her biometrics. They did send 1 year extension letters for both wife and child. After numerous letters and phone calls they still couldn't get things straighten out and I call my senator who got things rolling again right a way.

DONT put US citizen kids on the form at all. Put them and their BCs in the evidence and cover letter.

[elwintro 0]

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

No, I disagree with your interpretation of the I-751 and the instructions. Part 5 says to list all your children, and the instructions sheet reminds you: "please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed". There is nothing which says to ONLY include conditional resident children applying with you. You are interpreting the form and instructions in the light of your own bad experience.

When the government says to "list all your children", then you list ALL your children. Take the instructions at face value and don't over-think them.

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

I have been thoroughly reading through this fourm's archives for the past few weeks. I saw all your posts in a different thread detailing your problem on this matter. By the sounds of it, you filled out the form correctly in accordance with the USCIS's instructions (although I would have to see your original I-751 to be sure of this), but it was whoever adjudicated your petition that messed up. You were the unfortunate victim of a clerical error. I suggest you accept that fact, and stop scaring the ####### out of people here with your malformed interpretation of the I-751 and its instructions.

[elwintro 0]

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

I blew it and did so also and USCIS sent a RFE for $80 for biometrics for my child. They stopped my wifes process until I finally had to get my senator to fix the problem. Took an extra couple months.

Some people get away with it. I didn't even tho I had my daughters BC and US passport and explained she was a US citizen in the original cover letter.

USCIS missed it!

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

So, reading through your post history, and looking at the signature you have on your posts, it sounds like your daughter was a foreign-born step-child of yours who gained US citizenship when you adopted her here in the US (I believe there is some form of legislation in place which provides for that). Is that correct?

If that's right, then perhaps this was the source of confusion for the adjudicator who was reviewing your petition.

[Dakine 26]

Looks good BUT!!

You shouldn't have listed the US citizen children in Part 5. Yeah it says list "all" children but if you read instructions you list children that have to have conditions removed.

No, I disagree with your interpretation of the I-751 and the instructions. Part 5 says to list all your children, and the instructions sheet reminds you: "please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed". There is nothing which says to ONLY include conditional resident children applying with you. You are interpreting the form and instructions in the light of your own bad experience.

When the government says to "list all your children", then you list ALL your children. Take the instructions at face value and don't over-think them.

You should have posted BEFORE you mailed it!!!

Goodluck!

I have been thoroughly reading through this fourm's archives for the past few weeks. I saw all your posts in a different thread detailing your problem on this matter. By the sounds of it, you filled out the form correctly in accordance with the USCIS's instructions (although I would have to see your original I-751 to be sure of this), but it was whoever adjudicated your petition that messed up. You were the unfortunate victim of a clerical error. I suggest you accept that fact, and stop scaring the ####### out of people here with your malformed interpretation of the I-751 and its instructions.

I suggest you check out part 5. Where is a place to designate your child is a US citizen? A US citizen doesn't have any immigration status.

[elwintro 0]

I suggest you check out part 5. Where is a place to designate your child is a US citizen? A US citizen doesn't have any immigration status.

They are a US Citizen, which is what you're supposed to write in the "Immigration Status" column. Look, if Part 5 of the I-751 was not designed to hold a list of both US Citizen children and conditional resident children, why do they have "A# (if any)" as one of the columns? Your interpretation of the nature of Part 5 of the I-751 just does not make sense to me in light of how that part of the form has been designed, its wording, and the wording of the relevant section of the instructional document.

You still have not answered my question regarding your daughter, and how she acquired US citizen status. Was she a foreign-born child who gained citizenship when you adopted her? Did she have an A#? Did you write her A# in the A# column in Part 5 of the I-751?

You make out in your posts that your daughter was a natural-born US citizen, but that is unclear.

Can you please clarify these points?

[Dakine 26]

I suggest you check out part 5. Where is a place to designate your child is a US citizen? A US citizen doesn't have any immigration status.

They are a US Citizen, which is what you're supposed to write in the "Immigration Status" column. Look, if Part 5 of the I-751 was not designed to hold a list of both US Citizen children and conditional resident children, why do they have "A# (if any)" as one of the columns? Your interpretation of the nature of Part 5 of the I-751 just does not make sense to me in light of how that part of the form has been designed, its wording, and the wording of the relevant section of the instructional document.

You still have not answered my question regarding your daughter, and how she acquired US citizen status. Was she a foreign-born child who gained citizenship when you adopted her? Did she have an A#? Did you write her A# in the A# column in Part 5 of the I-751?

You make out in your posts that your daughter was a natural-born US citizen, but that is unclear.

Can you please clarify these points?

Yeah that's probably where the problem started. My daughter acquired her US citizenship thru me adopting her. Yes I put her A# and also put US citizen under immigration status.

At the same time instructions state :

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

Doesn't say anything about listing kids that are US citizens.

The form and instructions need to be coordinated a bit better. If I had to do it again I wouldn't put any US citizen children in Part 5.

To me if they wanted to know about the kids in the form they'd be asking for age and other info also.

[elwintro 0]

Thanks for answering my questions.

Yeah that's probably where the problem started. My daughter acquired her US citizenship thru me adopting her. Yes I put her A# and also put US citizen under immigration status.

Yes, I would say this right here is why the USCIS goofed up. I'm sure it looked odd with your daughter listed in Part 5 with an A# and and immigration status of 'US Citizen', plus a foreign birth certificate. Did she have a Naturalization certificate from when she received citizenship? Did you include that with your petition?

At the same time instructions state :

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

Doesn't say anything about listing kids that are US citizens.

It doesn't say anything about not listing them either. In fact, the language used by the USCIS on the I-751 and on the instructions is inclusive -- Part 5 on the form says "List all your children", and the instructions say to "make sure to include any conditional resident children". The word "include" in this context indicates that the conditional resident children you list may not be the only immigration category of all the children listed in Part 5. Remember: "US Citizen" is an 'immigration category', even for naturally-born citizens.

The form and instructions need to be coordinated a bit better.

I heartily could not agree more! It's confusing indeed.

If I had to do it again I wouldn't put any US citizen children in Part 5.

To me if they wanted to know about the kids in the form they'd be asking for age and other info also.

Not necessarily. I think you did the right thing, but, if you had to do it over again, I would recommend adding an attachment to Part 5 of your I-751 explaining explicitly your daughter's status and how she came to be a US Citizen, and not just putting it in the cover letter. The cover letter really doesn't mean anything in relation to your petition. If you really want to explain something regarding the details of your case, add it as an attachment to your petition, and sign and date it. This is per the USCIS General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing:

"If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter."

I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but I really do think you are giving people on these forums bad advice on this matter.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

Thanks for answering my questions.

Yeah that's probably where the problem started. My daughter acquired her US citizenship thru me adopting her. Yes I put her A# and also put US citizen under immigration status.

Yes, I would say this right here is why the USCIS goofed up. I'm sure it looked odd with your daughter listed in Part 5 with an A# and and immigration status of 'US Citizen', plus a foreign birth certificate. Did she have a Naturalization certificate from when she received citizenship? Did you include that with your petition?

At the same time instructions state :

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

Doesn't say anything about listing kids that are US citizens.

It doesn't say anything about not listing them either. In fact, the language used by the USCIS on the I-751 and on the instructions is inclusive -- Part 5 on the form says "List all your children", and the instructions say to "make sure to include any conditional resident children". The word "include" in this context indicates that the conditional resident children you list may not be the only immigration category of all the children listed in Part 5. Remember: "US Citizen" is an 'immigration category', even for naturally-born citizens.

The form and instructions need to be coordinated a bit better.

I heartily could not agree more! It's confusing indeed.

If I had to do it again I wouldn't put any US citizen children in Part 5.

To me if they wanted to know about the kids in the form they'd be asking for age and other info also.

Not necessarily. I think you did the right thing, but, if you had to do it over again, I would recommend adding an attachment to Part 5 of your I-751 explaining explicitly your daughter's status and how she came to be a US Citizen, and not just putting it in the cover letter. The cover letter really doesn't mean anything in relation to your petition. If you really want to explain something regarding the details of your case, add it as an attachment to your petition, and sign and date it. This is per the USCIS General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing:

"If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter."

I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but I really do think you are giving people on these forums bad advice on this matter.

I didn't realize Haole's child had special circumstances leading to the confusion. At first we listed all three children in Section 5 of the I-751 [first two mine from first marriage, and our third child who we had together, born in USA thus also a US Citizen.] After reading Haole's experience, and also double checking the wording of the instructions, we removed the children and reprinted the I-751 listing none of the kids...

I think not listing children is absolutely correct according to the instructions, although it clearly fails to "list all children" per the actual form. The instructions absolutely indicate, and I quote:

Conditional Resident Children

In Part 5 of the form, please make sure to include any conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed, or they may file separately. Please remember to provide their A-number.

That is the sum total of instructions regarding this I-751 section, emphasis added. I would agree, it seem's Haole's unique situation added to the adjudicator's confusion, and may list children who are US Citizens because logically the form is asking for 'all children' without issue, section 5 is really to list "conditional resident children applying with you in order to have their conditional basis removed" I believe we are quite safe leaving the section blank, since none of our kids are filing to remove conditional status.

Bad USCIS form, combined with a slow adjudicator, and seems putting kids not filing to remove conditions is most likely to lead to trouble.