Confused ?!

[Mommierose]

Hello ,
I'm new to this and don't understand all the terms used . I arrived in this country in 1968 from (West) Germany . I have what was then called a green card . Never have been in any major trouble , paid my taxes and worked since I was 15 . I have beebn married 14 years this Sept. . We have 3 daughters all born here . My husband is a retired Air Force Reservist . I was married to him for 2 years before he retired . I want to change my status to US citizen . I am having a difficult time . I am getting conflicting info . from people . What are my best options ? Can my status be changed because I am married to a military person . Do I really have to pay close to $ 700.00 ?
HELP. Any answers would be helpful . I've been here so long you'd figure it would be easier . Thank you , Rose

[Marie]

Why wouldn't you be able to get citizenship because you are married to a military person?

I don't see why you couldn't apply and yes the fee is 675$ :cry:

[discoviking]

Your situation is similar to mine. I arrived from Norway in 84, and had a green card since then. I applied last year based on 5 or more years of legal residence, rather than 3 or more years married to a US citizen, and got my citizenship in February this year.

Are you concerned about your husband being in the Air Force because you have been stationed with him on bases overseas at various points of your marriage? I don't think this breaks the residency requirement, but you may want to check with Laurel Scott or another qualified immigration lawyer to be sure.

You are definitely eligible to apply for citizenship based on your length of residency, assuming you have been residing legally in the US since 68, which seems to be the case based on your post.

Unfortunately the application fees were increased last year, so you will have to pay the $675 fee when you apply.

[Mommierose]

The information I'm getting from people is that since my husband was in the military at the time we were married that my status should have automatically changed . ( We never lived overseas, always in the states). I was hoping if not that then at least because I have lived here so long and legally that it all could be expedited more quickly . If not is the N 400 the only option left to me then ?

[mymexicanman]

not sure but no status ever changes AUTOMATICALLY.
Since your husband is American and ur german (like myself) where did u meet ?
I dont think you should be having any trouble becoming american citizen.
Du kannst mich gerne anrufen.
Sag einfach Bescheid...

Why are you in such a rush ? u said u want it to be expedited...

In order to become USC the only route is naturalization.... right guys ?

[Marie]

I agree, nothing happens automatically.

You'll have to do the N400

[discoviking]

Yes, you do not automatically get US citizenship, you have to file a N-400. File it based on 5+ years of legal residency since you have been here so long. You should not have any issues, but it will take a few months.