What does it take to become a US Citizen? (money)

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by freetohope

Most Americans I speak to think that once you get married, you automatically become a citizen...they have no clue what it takes to do this....all the thousands of dollars spent, the time spent on paperwork and driving down to the USCIS office, waiting in line to get fingerprinted for the 10th time...the time spent on the phone (3 hours once on hold) to finally get a human being on the phone who is reading off a script ...the same exact words they have on their website and who will not really answer your question....despite you paying taxes for years prior and paying thousands of dollars on the forms. What I am saying is....the immigration process needs a major makeover!

??? What are you talking about?
It was filling out one form, 600+$ check, electronic fingerprinting in town on a Saturday with no waiting as appointments are set right and one trip to Atlanta for interview and swearing in. Again scheduled interview was about 10minutes late and I had to hang around for an hour for the swearing in ceremony. It took from October to the first week of December. My US passport took two weeks by regular application.

[violent cello]

Originally Posted by Threestep

??? What are you talking about?
It was filling out one form, 600+$ check, electronic fingerprinting in town on a Saturday with no waiting as appointments are set right and one trip to Atlanta for interview and swearing in. Again scheduled interview was about 10minutes late and I had to hang around for an hour for the swearing in ceremony. It took from October to the first week of December. My US passport took two weeks by regular application.

I think the poster may have been talking about starting the process, i.e. the permanent residency application. Getting your info into the USCIS system takes a lot longer and costs a lot more.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by 1979

Why? Becoming a citizen is very easy. The test has been made more simple, and our quotas are higher than ever, in spite of a poor economy.

Forget the test, that has nothing to do with how hard or easy it is to become a citizen. Becoming eligible to apply for citizenship is the hard part, mostly the requirement for five years of continuous legal residence.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by 1979

Why? Becoming a citizen is very easy. The test has been made more simple, and our quotas are higher than ever, in spite of a poor economy.

If you bother to actually compare the two tests - basically the same questions. Can you take it? Please consider that you will be under considerable pressure and have run the gauntlet by the time you get to your actual immigration officer. S0 - what is the answer?

Can you post an official link showing an increase in quotas and where? Thank you.

[Buburuza 1313]

after 3 years residence in usa ,if married to an american citizen.But i do not want to apply,i think my european community passeport is at time better and our economy stronger (germany)

[mr&mrssunshine]

all i can say as a UK citizen who has spent the last 25 years coming to the US-who desperately wants to emigrate LEGALLY is it is a shame that is it so hard for honest people trying to do the right way whilst so easy for those who do it illegally.

the process for us to just get a visa is just entering year 3, has cost quite a few bucks and is yet to end. we own a home in the US and pay taxes etc on it
we are happy to pay what it costs.
we want to come and contribute to our new society (wife nurse-me business owner)
we want to pay taxes , create jobs maybe
just be allowed to live in a land we love
we would be willing to sign anything waiving rights to benefits and to pay for medical help
but can we get in - hell no


now if i jumped the Rio Grande !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

frustrating

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by Buburuza 1313

after 3 years residence in usa ,if married to an american citizen.But i do not want to apply,i think my european community passeport is at time better and our economy stronger (germany)

You have not been in touch with what is going on at home lately? You can request dual citizenship prior to applying for US citizenship. Otherwise all you can do is keep up with your GC, report your moves, do not leave over one year without filing reentry permits first, ... Short - live on a short leash.

[Eduardo983]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

all i can say as a UK citizen who has spent the last 25 years coming to the US-who desperately wants to emigrate LEGALLY is it is a shame that is it so hard for honest people trying to do the right way whilst so easy for those who do it illegally.

the process for us to just get a visa is just entering year 3, has cost quite a few bucks and is yet to end. we own a home in the US and pay taxes etc on it
we are happy to pay what it costs.
we want to come and contribute to our new society (wife nurse-me business owner)
we want to pay taxes , create jobs maybe
just be allowed to live in a land we love
we would be willing to sign anything waiving rights to benefits and to pay for medical help
but can we get in - hell no


now if i jumped the Rio Grande !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

frustrating

Why is that? do you want to be less wealthy? lower your quality of life?

I´d stay in Europe...

[Kindofcool]

There are a lot of people who are here legally, but did it through fraudulant means. The most common being via sham marriages. I also have seen that it can take about 10 years for family members to petition for other family members.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

all i can say as a UK citizen who has spent the last 25 years coming to the US-who desperately wants to emigrate LEGALLY is it is a shame that is it so hard for honest people trying to do the right way whilst so easy for those who do it illegally.

the process for us to just get a visa is just entering year 3, has cost quite a few bucks and is yet to end. we own a home in the US and pay taxes etc on it
we are happy to pay what it costs.
we want to come and contribute to our new society (wife nurse-me business owner)
we want to pay taxes , create jobs maybe
just be allowed to live in a land we love
we would be willing to sign anything waiving rights to benefits and to pay for medical help
but can we get in - hell no


now if i jumped the Rio Grande !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

frustrating

It's really too bad there isn't a better kind of immigration system. The current system is terrible - and it's very unfair. Why should someone who happens to have a family member here have it so easy, while someone who would like to come here and fit in, become part of the American people be denied any chance?

Too bad immigration cannot be based on a willingness and ability to adapt to our culture and an appreciation of this country. Yet -- immigration is extremely high, the USA has more immigrants than any other nation on earth, but too bad so many are just coming for the money and handouts and have zero respect for our laws and they are allowed to do so.