Just learned from an anonymous source (not you Noni) that the CNMI's first lady just recently got her US citizenship. This source then asked why only now when she and our dear governor have been married for over 20 years.
He said could it be:
1. That she chose to be on an IR (immediate relative) status all these years?
2. That finally her husband came to his senses to give her that status?
3. That she chose not to renounce her Filipino citizenship (mind you that in the Philippines there is dual citizenship option for Filipino-Americans and others)
The Reveler
8 comments:
Citizenship or a green card?
it's terrible to say... but often any paperwork for citizenship is held onto and used as some sort of tool to ensure the woman/wife doesn't go anywhere.
Citizenship.
Maybe Josie finally took the plunge because she didn't want to lose her Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) after one year, or be forced to move to Guam or the mainland, if her husband passed away or was in danger of doing so.
Sadly, the reason most eligble people don't get their green cards and citizenship is cost (over $1000 for LPR government application fees alone, even if you do it yourself) and income.
For people who earn below the federal poverty guidelines, the only way they can qualify for LPR is to get a sponsor with higher income, who will pledge to reimburse the federal government should the LPR applicant ever get public assistance in the next ten years. So the "sponsor" has to really trust the green card applicant, and hopefully have a good income or small household or both.
As more U.S. citizens with alien parents turn 21, this will happen more often. It works out better sometimes just to sponsor one parent first, the one with the longer life expectancy.
Any way, hearty congrats to the First Lady of the CNMI!
The petition for citizenship is done by the LPR. The spouse has no role in that.
It is the Green Card where the spouse has to petition. Those who don't (for "control" of the alien spouse), like those who divorce as soon as they get the LPR are clearly acting selfishly and not in the best interests of the family.
Those who want to save money (and are in no rush to go to the mainland or travel) can do so by waiting at least two years after marriage to petition for LPR. That way the green card will be issued for 10 years rather than two.
Of course not everyone wants U.S. citizenship. Many are quite proud and satisfied to remain as is.
Those people are called terrorists and liberals. George W Bush and Jesus tell me that those people hate Freedom.
a comment from sblogger...interesting...hmmm....
My spouse of 18 years is in no rush to become a U.S. citizen. Congratulations Mrs. Fitial!
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