US Resident returning to US - Green Card Expired

[Marylin]

Really? My underline. Your choice as to your priorities. :eek: "If the citizernships you hold " seem more than enough" why bother with G reen card and U.S. citizenship? :confused: :rolleyes: on recentr july 4th, I watc hed brand new U.S. citizens take their oaath and wave their U.S. flags. It was heart warming to watch. Many in that group (most)? were so eXcitied to know they now were citizens of the country hey chose to be a parrt of. One has to wish them well and applaud hem. IMO> We can only guess what they might have suffered to get to this point Some dreamed of it for years..

 

Oh my! I seem to have started something that really, really isn't me at all! I LOVE America. I am so proud to be even a green card holder. I tear up every time I sing the Star Spangled Banner. My country of birth no longer exists. I am grateful for the opportunity to call America home, to have a homeland again, and will defend her to anyone.

 

But right now, this moment in my life, taking on something as complex and, yes expensive, as citizenship was something that I could have done without. But I will see it through, even at the expense of the cruise, because it means a great deal to me.

 

I was in my original post voicing my concerns and nothing more. Putting my worries on paper, hoping that cc members would have advise (and thanks to everyone who have helped ease my concerns) was my only intention, not to be judged.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Marylin, Thank you for coming back with further comments. My post #19 was not intended to be judgmental. It was based on your posts and how you presented your desire for citizenship.

 

I do wish you well. At times it is not easy to have dual citizenship. I remember bursting into tears at O'Hare after a customs/immigration officer welcomed me back to the US after I had returned home from my father's funeral. He assumed I was returning from vacation. After I explained, he smiled gently and apologized, and offered sympathy. His closing words were I bet you're glad to be home. Welcome home! I never forgot his words.

 

 

Good luck!

[Marylin]

thank you for responding. I am not sure that I will ever have a Country that feels like home again. But I will never leave America again, it is my new home 💕

[MrsUsman]

What they put in your passport should be an I-551 stamp. That is more than just work authorization; it's proof of your permanent residence status. However' date=' it is also something that is easily forged, so give yourself extra time to clear immigration on return as they will likely want to check their system for your A number to make sure you are really you. If you are disembarking in the U.S., and clearing Immigration on board, that may mean that you'll be asked to stand aside while they check. If you clear on shore, or if you are flying into the U.S., you may be sent to secondary inspection. It takes extra time, but is not a matter to be concerned about.

 

I second the suggestion that you call the cruise line ahead of time to make sure they're familiar with your documentation. Also ask for a contact to use at the time of boarding if the boarding agent is unfamiliar with the I-551 stamp. I've seen that happen with airline agents, so it's not impossible that a cruise line agent would have the same problem.

 

Finally, if you find that your naturalization is approved at a time that is too close to your sailing date for you to get a U.S. passport, I'd suggest you ask USCIS to defer your swearing-in until a date after you return. You aren't a citizen until you're sworn in, so that process is how you can get at least a little bit of control over timing.[/quote']

 

This! My husband has same visa as you...you should be good.

[sail7seas]

This! My husband has same visa as you...you should be good.

There usually are Immigration Officials in the terminal during embarkattion. Agents can inquire from them. these Officials were present clearingtthe ship when it arrived and disembarked tthe guests from the cruise previous to yours. Said Official will advise the Agent (and you) if you would have any issue re-entering u.S. at the end of your cruise.. That, of course, would mean, you cannot board.

[Marylin]

UPDATE: I have, in writing, from Royal Caribbean that my I-551 visa will not be denied boarding. (just a thought - as we are going on a re-positioning cruise ending in Australia - will RC even care how I get back into USA?) I am relieved that, at least, the start of our cruise is secured.

 

Then there is the issue with the timing of my US Citizenship test & ceremony. As the status on-line hasn't changed since April, I made an appointment with USCIS and was told that with the current backlog, my test would most likely be around October or November YIKES - that is when we are on the cruise & staying in Australia - but he also said that it was possible for a Supervisor to change the dates. So off I went again today and spoke to a Supervisor who confirmed that they can move testing dates. He said he felt confident that given how long my paperwork has been in, I should have the test & ceremony before October - but if I hadn't hear anything by September, to go back in and request a change of date. I am cautiously optimistic that all will work out!

 

To respond to those who were critical of me and my reasons for becoming a US Citizen - let me respond that I am not defined by the green card or passport I carry.

 

I am defined by the person I am, by the contribution I make and the gratitude I show. I am proud, and grateful to be called Australian, English - and hopefully soon American. I am so grateful that these nations approved of me, and gave me the opportunity to be a part of their society. I will, however, always be a Rhodesian. The land of my birth, my homeland. You change allegiance but not your heritage.

 

And as a final comment - as the Committee Chairperson of a Boy Scout Troop, I have held my hand on my heart every month for the past 6 years and pledged allegiance to the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty & justice for all. And I meant every word, every time.

 

Time to start planning our bucket list cruise & vacation!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Thanks for the update. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.

[LHT28]

You are almost there

Hope you get the appt before the cruise then you can relax

 

Best of luck

[sail7seas]

UPDATE: I have, in writing, from Royal Caribbean that my I-551 visa will not be denied boarding. (just a thought - as we are going on a re-positioning cruise ending in Australia - will RC even care how I get back into USA?) I am relieved that, at least, the start of our cruise is secured.

 

Then there is the issue with the timing of my US Citizenship test & ceremony. As the status on-line hasn't changed since April, I made an appointment with USCIS and was told that with the current backlog, my test would most likely be around October or November YIKES - that is when we are on the cruise & staying in Australia - but he also said that it was possible for a Supervisor to change the dates. So off I went again today and spoke to a Supervisor who confirmed that they can move testing dates. He said he felt confident that given how long my paperwork has been in, I should have the test & ceremony before October - but if I hadn't hear anything by September, to go back in and request a change of date. I am cautiously optimistic that all will work out!

 

To respond to those who were critical of me and my reasons for becoming a US Citizen - let me respond that I am not defined by the green card or passport I carry.

 

I am defined by the person I am, by the contribution I make and the gratitude I show. I am proud, and grateful to be called Australian, English - and hopefully soon American. I am so grateful that these nations approved of me, and gave me the opportunity to be a part of their society. I will, however, always be a Rhodesian. The land of my birth, my homeland. You change allegiance but not your heritage.

 

And as a final comment - as the Committee Chairperson of a Boy Scout Troop, I have held my hand on my heart every month for the past 6 years and pledged allegiance to the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty & justice for all. And I meant every word, every time.

 

Time to start planning our bucket list cruise & vacation!

All Best Wishes. Good luck.

[wishIweretravelling]

I'm glad that things seem to be sorting out for you.

 

And I am sorry that you were made to feel that you had to explain yourself about your seeking of citizenship. I know someone of your same national origin who took many years to decide to naturalize because, much as he loved the U.S., it hurt his heart to speak the renunciation part of the oath of citizenship. Even though he knew that a renunciation takes effect only if the country of origin recognizes it. And even though he no longer had a home country, as Zimbabwe did not recognize his Rhodesian citizenship. I expect that only someone who has taken up life in a new country can truly understand what it means to leave behind your country of origin.

[Marylin]

I'm glad that things seem to be sorting out for you.

 

And I am sorry that you were made to feel that you had to explain yourself about your seeking of citizenship. I know someone of your same national origin who took many years to decide to naturalize because' date=' much as he loved the U.S., it hurt his heart to speak the renunciation part of the oath of citizenship. Even though he knew that a renunciation takes effect only if the country of origin recognizes it. And even though he no longer had a home country, as Zimbabwe did not recognize his Rhodesian citizenship. I expect that only someone who has taken up life in a new country can truly understand what it means to leave behind your country of origin.[/quote']

 

 

Thank you! It is very difficult to explain. I appreciate your understanding ❤️

[Essiesmom]

Just another thought here. I don't believe they give you a passport at your naturalization ceremony. I suspect there are many naturalized citizens who do not have passports. You would have to apply for it, as it would take several weeks. So even if your ceremony takes place before your cruise, it is doubtful you would have a passport in the time frame. EM

[Marylin]

Just another thought here. I don't believe they give you a passport at your naturalization ceremony. I suspect there are many naturalized citizens who do not have passports. You would have to apply for it, as it would take several weeks. So even if your ceremony takes place before your cruise, it is doubtful you would have a passport in the time frame. EM

 

Yes! I am hoping that I will have time to send in the passport application and then have my son courier it over to Australia - we are staying until December so there will be time for me to get it for the return trip. I also have my I-551 visa that is valid through to 12/312017 that is sufficient to get me back into the country - my biggest concern is being away when the test interview is scheduled.