Hello All,
History: I moved to US through marriage and had a conditional green card. We got divorced and as the process was long drawn, I filed I-751 to remove conditions on my GC but couldnt submit the divorce decree which USCIS asked for. They denied I-751 and terminated my conditional status. For 3 years I was without green card (though I am considered a resident as long as I am in US). Eventually I reapplied and got I-751 approved and have a 10 year GC now. I also applied for citizenship and was approved but delayed taking oath.This led them to cancel my N-400, and now I had to reapply the N-400 (which is under process). During past 8 years I was here, I was initially supported by my spouse, after divorce I worked for 2 years and currently I am unemployed but actively looking for work. For the past 2 years I am on Medicaid and also receive food stamps. I was receiving them for about 1 year (about 4 years back).
I am planning to travel outside US end of December and will be flying back to US in February end. I am concerned of these risks:
1) With new president taking office in Jan 20,2025, and given the history that last time he made rules to consider medicaid and food stamp use as public charge offenses, would I be stopped by CBP because I am on medicaid/food stamps.
2) Will the time period (3 years) between when my conditional green card was terminated till I got 10 year GC , come up and cause an issue with CBP on re entry to US ? Or my N-400 denial (though I was approved but I delayed taking oath) be considered against me. Even if that is construed as I do not want to be a citizen (though I have reapplied and want to be), can that be taken as intent to be not a US resident (GC).
3) If CBP officer denies my entry, what are my rights and options. Can I request a court appearance or CBP officer can deny that ? I am told I have a right to attorney, but if my flight lands at 1 am on saturday and CBP decides to deny entry by 2 am, there is on attorney who can come at that time, thus CBP has enough time to send me back.
I am pretty nervous thinking about these. Pls help.