OldUser

Congratulations!

Receiving work card in such short timeframe is amazing news. A year ago work cards used to take close to 6-9 months to receive. I'd think AOS would be taking close to a year with some exceptions. Good luck!

Yes

Yes, re-enter as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the trickier re-entry may be.

This is not how it works. USCIS schedules you for appointments. You don't get to choose dates, only can ask to reschedule appointments (cannot guarantee it will be granted). It's unlikely you'd get interview for I-751 within 6-7 months of filing, but biometrics may be scheduled in this timeframe by USCIS. Ideally, one should not leave the US until biometrics are reused / taken. If leaving before that, it's advisable to monitor USCIS account, case status and mail for updates. If appointment is scheduled, it's recommended to drop everything and come to the US for the appointment to ensure there is no denial of I-751. Good luck!

Again, there is no guarantee biometrics will be reused for either I-131 or I-751.

Who told you this? Nobody can predict with 100% your biometrics will be reused and you won't have interview. You should always assume you have to attend both. When you don't have to, it's a nice bonus. Not having interview for GC is likely going to increase the chance of interview for I-751. USCIS wants to interview immigrants at least a few times during the process.

Where is this information from? Re-entry permit is linked to your LPR status, not GC.

No issue for you. Just use your passport to enter Mexico. Use your passport + GC + extension letter to board the flight to the US.

Federal agencies, including USCIS can see your entire criminal history including sealed and expunged records. It's best to say yes and provide details of how / when it got expunged. Saying no can be perceived as misrepresentation making you inadmissable, e.g. blocking you from receiving GC. Sometimes it's not the charges that make people inadmissable but saying "no" when "yes" should be said in I-485.

Always tell the truth. Expunged doesn't mean you weren't charged. If anything you can answer "Yes" and explain how it was expunged and any documentation you have of that. I can probably see where your hesitation comes from. Are you worried you never told employer about that and now you have to disclose it to lawyers and USCIS? Well, if you don't, you may get in bigger trouble.

These seem unnecessary and excessive

I don't believe so. In addition, you never have to disclose residences on the N-400, only citizenships.

What are you bringing so far?

The child doesn't need N-400. The child will become a US citizen once you become a US citizen if he continues living with you in your custody. Of course you have to list the child in your N-400 application. You can get the child US passport as soon as you naturalize. There will be separate fees for your and your child's passport. Sometimes, US passport is not enough proof of US citizenship. This is when certificate of citizenship is needed. You will get certificate of naturalization when you become a citizen. The child would not get the same. You'd have to file N-600 to get their proof of citizenship. N-600 optional but I highly recommend it. Here are some reasons to file for child's N-600:

1. Child may become a citizen by operation of law if he's an LPR and is in your custody when you naturalize. N-600 would be highly advisable after he becomes a citizen though. 2. It depends on your comfort level and case. Did you have any interactions with law enforcement in the last 5 years? 3. Whichever makes you more comfortable. There's few bugs with online forms but people file successfully online. It's also cheaper. 5. It shouldn't be. But IO can always review entire immigration history.

I'd apply for I-131. You never know what the future holds. If you have I-131 pending, and you happen to have an emergecy requiring travel - you at least get a chance of expediting it. If there's no I-131 - there's nothing to expedite. In terms of travel dates, it doesn't matter much. I put "To be determined" and got combo AP / EAD card when I went through AOS.

But some of them are clearly not qualified to make an informed decision? Somehow we're OK with airlines violating people's right to freedom of movement (Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.") It's like trusting medical facility receptionists making a determination whether somebody's needs to be operated or not... Either they need better training or don't burden them with responsibilities they cannot carry out. Either way, just ranting, not really proposing a solution other than knowing your rights and having Carrier Information Guide printed. To OP: I'd definitely place a complaint and ask airline to train their staff better. Not sure if it would have any effect, but maybe one day somebody will take it seriously.

Not necessarily a jerk. People get out of status and occasionally picked up by ICE. He's only telling what he knows based on his limited knowledge.

I totally get your point. Airline performing regular flights to certain destinations either have to train up their staff or hire a small team of specialists / lawyers who they can refer to in case of a question. They don't have to be on the ground, can be called on a phone. In ideal world (my version) the airlines should not be carrying out duties of immigration / border control. Only verify identity and signal the authorities if the person is on some sort of list. The passenger should know the country's laws and have some insurance (in case if denied entry and has take a flight back) or be liable for their actions. I don't understand why carriers were made responsible for immigration. They should be responsible for transporting people from point A to B, safely and on time. Everything else is extra.

There is no shortage of incompetent airline employees... Travelling with I-551 stamp, extension letters (for I-751, N-400) has risk of facing such airline employees. Sorry you had to go through this. Thank you for sharing the story.

The reason why I'm saying this, is because for 3 year rule you'd need to prove there was no break of marital union and no break in continuous residency.

Then 3 years from the date you returned from the long trip.

You can file 4 years and 1 day from the day you returned from the trip lasting over 6 months. If this is the only issue, did I just save you attorney fees?

Tax implications of being US LPR, travel and work restrictions while waiting for GC, restricted time outside of the US once she becomes LPR, medical insurance.