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I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney, who does work for YC and startups. AMA

199 points proberts | 4 comments | 16 May 25 15:05 UTC | HN request time: 0.848s | source

I'll be here for the next 5-6 hours. As usual, there are countless topics given the rapidly changing immigration landscape and I'll be guided by whatever you're concerned with. Please remember that I can't provide legal advice on specific cases because I won't have access to all the facts. Please stick to a factual discussion in your questions and I'll try to do the same in my answers.

Edit: I am taking a break now and will return later this afternoon/evening to respond to any comments and answer any questions. Thank you everyone for a great and engaged AMA so far.

1. wallyrabbitbun ◴[16 May 25 16:58 UTC] No.44007616[source]▶
Hey Peter,

Currently living in the US, I applied for a green card via marriage (partner is GC holder) in March 2023. I received my AP and EAD over a year ago, but there has been zero movement on the I-485..

What are the options here?

Given the current political climate, I'm not comfortable leaving the US until I have the I-485. Is this fear warranted? Would really like to travel overseas, but don't want to end up getting detained on re-entry..

I understand the above is specific to my case, but perhaps you can answer in a general sense for anyone else who finds themselves in a similar position..

replies(1): >>44008322 #
2. proberts ◴[16 May 25 18:13 UTC] No.44008322[source]▶
Without knowing all the facts, the delay probably is simply the result in the backlog in that green card category. Is your spouse eligible to become a U.S. citizen because this could speed up the process for you. Again without knowing all the facts, regarding travel, you are fine to travel; just carry your passport, advance parole, and marriage certificate (in your back pocket).
replies(1): >>44008458 #
3. wallyrabbitbun ◴[16 May 25 18:28 UTC] No.44008458[source]▶
He is eligible to become a citizen actually. What's the best way to move forward with a citizenship application?
replies(1): >>44009012 #
4. proberts ◴[16 May 25 19:31 UTC] No.44009012{3}[source]▶
It's super easy (the form is N-400 and instructions are on the USCIS website) and doesn't require the assistance of an attorney unless the applicant has a criminal record or has been outside the U.S. for extended periods of time while a green card holder (that is, more than 6 months at a stretch).