Advice from America!

 

    A Success Story for Expats in Malta

 

In response to my tales of woe regarding Maltese work and residency, here’s a story about two people who became American citizens after a lot of trial and error.  Their names have been deleted (I hope):

Hi Ilene,

              Well...the story of Green cards and citizenship.  The Green thing was back in 1984...I got mine thru a job offer in the States, Y got his thru our marriage.  We had to go back to London for our Interview at the American Embassy.  Cut a long story short, I got mine but not Y, as my attorney did not get his Interpol/FBI clearance.  A friend of ours in California, got it sorted for us in a few days...but the American Embassy said it was too late and Y had lost “his number” place in the waiting,that he could not go back to the States and would probably have to wait another year to reapply.  We had our house, jobs etc.,  Soooo   X phoned the chief consulate everyday, made visits to the Embassy every day, sat on the steps being a pest...and finally in a week, the consulate said “a number had become free”-- and he would give it to Y!!!

             The citizenship thing...we both applied together, as, again to cut a long story short.  We lived in the Bahamas for two years, without getting permission from the USA government (didn't know!) therefore, should have lost our Green card residency.  But for some reason, they were lenient and just gave us a warning.  If you leave the country, as a GC holder you have to go back every three months to maintain residency and the right to work.  Well, the citizen thing,  you have to document every time you've left the country, and for how long etc.,  I got notification of my interview, duly did all the stuff and got citizenship...Y didn't until over a year later...so we were sweating a bit that they'd refuse him...but didn't!

              It's all a hassle but if you are determined to stay in the country of your choice...then looking back, it's worth it in the end!!

              Hang in there!  Luv, X

Thanks a lot, X and Y,  for your inspiring story.

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Steve--Thanks. Well, Im already a pain in the arse. so now I just need the determination--Ilene

[Steve H.]

There you have it Ilene, you just need Sheer Bloody Minded Determination, and to become a pain in the a*se. ;)

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Never be too sure of anything, my friend....xx Ilene

[Alexandra Claes]

I am sure this is Dee?!:)