I came in the US legally 10 years ago,was married with an US citizen for 2 years.Have full custody of my 3 young US citizen children but can not be legal because I ended my marriage before the 3 years required by immigration law.
I thought about going back to my country (France) but I can not get permission from their father (who I can not blame ) to take my children with me...
So, I am "stocked" here and beside the fact that I am home sick my life as an illegal single mom is extremely difficult.
Attorneys tell me that my case does not fit in any exception,so who can help?
I live in Tampa Florida .
2006-11-08 06:39:03 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
There seems to be a lot of dissenting views here on how long you needed to be married to become a citizen, so I looked it up. You are correct on the 3 years. However, if you have been a permanent resident for 5 years, even without being married, you can apply for citizenship. You should have been issued a green card when you came here 10 years ago. I read that it is valid for 10 years, so I am I correct in assuming that yours has expired? Is that why you are now illegal? You can get the green card renewed for another 10 years. From what I read I believe you will have to get your green card renewed in order to apply for citizenship. For the sake of your children, you need to go through all of the hassle so that you can stay with them. They need their mother. I know this must be really tough on you.
I have included a link below to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website. You can also contact they by phone toll free at 1-800-375-5283. Call the number, I'm sure they can give you much better answers that anyone here on Yahoo. If I can be of any more help, or if you just need someone to talk to, just post me a note as additional information and I'll be happy to give you my email address. Good luck and God bless.
2006-11-08 07:32:58 · answer #1 · answered by FabMom 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thank goodness FabMom gave you a good answer! Common sense and experience of the UK system suggests that there ought to be a way around your problem, and that after checking with the links FabMom gave you, you should definitely be looking at a new lawyer. It would be difficult to deport you if you have sole custody of the kids, so in the end they should regularise you. Over here, when people are caught up in bureaucracy, their Member of Parliament can often help get things sorted; not sure how it works over there, but maybe your local Congreeman might be able to help. But try FabMom's links first.
Good luck!
2006-11-08 19:07:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your story is quite sad. It would appear that you made some very poor choices in your life.
As with all illegals, the day of reckoning will come. Usually when you least expect it.
The attorneys you have met with have not been up on the law. Spend a little more and find yourself a properly documented, immigration attorney. They have specialized training for which you may benefit.
Let this be a lesson to all that when one chooses to delay proper steps in becoming a citizen or comes into our nation illegally, that life will become more difficult and complex in the long run.
Please, illegals read this poor woman's post and think hard about the situation you have placed yourself and your family in and make good decisions before someone else decides your fate.
2006-11-08 15:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by Patriot 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You have to start back from the beginning. You have to reapply as a citizen of France to become an immigrant in the States. You might have to leave the country temporarily to do this.
Also...change your attorney, a good attorney would know the answer to this right away.
2006-11-08 15:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Querida 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you have to be married to the U.S. citizen for 2 years in order to qualify for a permanent green card and get you citizenship 3 years after that. So, I don't know where you came up with that 3 years married rule.
2006-11-08 14:42:24 · answer #5 · answered by Michael R 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Hello:
Have you seen your Embassy to see if they could help you. I don't see no problem with you going back to France, the problem, maybe are the children. If you have custody of your kids you could get permission from the father and then you could go for a visit. You have a serious problem and I advise you to see a lawyer or your Embassy as soon as possible because your ex husband could report you to the Immigration Dept. and they could deport you with out the kids.Please get help soon,, good luck to you.
2006-11-08 15:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
What you need to do is go to the immigratino website and call the 1-800 number there. They will be able to get you started in the right direction.
2006-11-08 14:47:56 · answer #7 · answered by mvngs 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're illegal, so you basically have no rights here. You used an American citizen to have anchor babies in this country and then on top of that you violated that and got a divorce. Just because you have children here doesn't mean you can stay. Go back to your own country they'll help you more than we will.
2006-11-08 15:02:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 6⤋
Actually my dear, it's only a 1 year marriage requirement. I have a feeling you are trolling for the other side.
2006-11-08 14:41:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
this is not the place for an illegal to ask for help, didnt you catch the election results?
2006-11-08 14:43:46 · answer #10 · answered by bush-deathgrip 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋