=***= NEWS = ***=
- For those of you who prefer to send a hard copy of your N-400 to USCIS.
THE NEW N-400 IS HERE!
SINCE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025,
THE PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE N-400 IS
NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED BY USCIS.
MAKE SURE TO USE THE 01/20/2025 EDITION FROM NOW ON.
To access the
NEW N-400
(computer fillable and printable pdf format)
click here.
- 03/14/2025: MendoVoice's Sydney Fishman published an article titled:
"How to Combat Misinformation and Fact-Check
ICE Sightings in Mendocino County."
To read this article, click here.
- 02/10/2025: MendoVoice's Sydney Fishman published an article titled,
"Mendocino County's Immigrant Communities Targeted"
To read this article click here.
- 02/04/2025: Ukiah Unified School District published its January and February Newsletter online. In that newsletter UUSD made the following statement regarding its stance on
Immigration and schools.
Schools Are Safe Spaces for All Students
"We want to reiterate that Ukiah Unified remains committed to ensuring that all students and
families feel safe and welcome at school - regardless of immigration status.
While recent federal policy changes have raised concerns, we want to reassure you that schools are not a priority for immigration enforcement. Every child has the right to attend school, and
our district does not collect immigration status information. Student record remain protected under federal law.
Our schools are places of learning, growth, and community. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to your school office or the district."
- The Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) reminds everybody that all persons living in the United States
have rights that are protected by the United States Constitution.
- To learn more about these rights, the ILRC addresses these right click here.
- The ILRC offers a "Know Your Rights Toolkit" for communities to prepare
for potential Immigration raids.
- To access ILRC's "Know Your Rights Toolkit", click here.
- The American Civil Liberties' Union (ACLU) has a lot of information related
to current immigration issues.
- To visit the ACLU's website, click here.
- Remember that if you need a lawyer or attorney for an immigration issue get one that is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
- To visit AILA's website, click here.
- To find a immigration lawyer who is a member of AILA, click here.
US Citizens! To register to vote,
click here.
The new N-400 Application fee is $760
Also, there is a new version of the N-400 application.
The 20 page version of the N-400application is
no longer be accepted by USCIS
You need to submit the 14 page (Edition: 04/01/2024 Expiration: 02/28/2027) version
of the N-400.
For more information and up-dates about any
USCIS Office closures, nationwide,
click here
******************************************
The N-400 application fee is $760.
For more information about
this fee increase,
click here.
- 04/01/2024: To access the NEW computer fillable N-400 version (pdf format),
click here.
- 09/20/2023: N-400's that are filed in the San Francisco's region are processed
within 6 months now. Applicants should not wait to study their questions in order to pass their interview / test.
Currently the majority of the N-400 applicants who submitted their application in the Spring of 2024
are being interviewed.
- 12/14/2022: For those who applied for their citizenship (N-400 applicants) on or after December 12, 2022,
your receipt will extend the validity of your Legal Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for three years
from the date it expired.
So if you applied as your green card was to expire on , for example December 28, 2022 and you
applied for citizenship on December 12, 2022, no worries, your green card will have three more years of
validity added to it by the receipt for your N-400 application.
If your green card expired three years ago and
you applied after December 12, 2022, then it is still expired and renewing may be advised.
- 12/14/2022: All N-400 interviews are now taking place at 630 Sansome Street.
- Health wise: whether vaccinated or not, you may (if you want to) wear a mask in order
to enter the USCIS building and you may wear it inside the USCIS building too.
=***=***=***=***=***=
====================================
--- Other Frequently Asked Questions---
Once USCIS has received your N-400,
the following questions may come up.
- 1. I have not received my receipt yet, what is going on?
Normally, you should get your receipt in the mail within 60 days.
If you have not received your receipt after 90 days call me 1 - 707 - 462 -1661 or e-mail me.
- 2. I received my biometrics (fingerprints) appointment notice and missed the appointment,
what should I do?
You need to, either, check of a little box on your biometrics notice and return by mail
the whole notice to the address found near that little box, or you can come and meet with me so I can help you.
No matter what, do not go to Santa Rosa's Application Service Center (ASC) to get
your biometrics taken if you don't have an actual appointment there.
- 3. My interview is coming up!!
What should I do?
a. To check out the Naturalization Interview process, click here.
b. E-mail me dgengoux@uusd.net
or call me: 1 - 707 - 463 - 5217
or the number that is on my business card to set up an appointment
and I can give you an overview of the interview process..
- 4. I went to my interview and the officer said that I passed pending a supervisor's decision,
what does that mean?
Patience is key. Several things can impact the final decision in this situation.
a. The officer needs more information about something.
The officer may request that information from you and therefore you will be given some amount
of time to provide that information to the officer in question.
b. The officer is new and he or she wants a second opinion about
something related to your application.
He or she will then ask his or her supervisor to review your file and render a decision.
c. Perhaps "Red Flags" came up during the interview that require further investigation on USCIS' part.
Other possibilities may come into the picture too.
Usually things work out in your favor so be patient.
- 5. I went to my interview and I didn't pass,
what should I do?
You should call me or e-mail me and then we can meet and see what happened.
Remember that you have two chances to pass the interview, so make the first chance count.
Do not wait to contact me because sometimes there is a timeline that you have to meet in order to
appeal the decision taken during your interview.
Also, remember to keep all USCIS documents and or paperwork.
Now, I'm not a magician and
I can't solve every situation but,
if you wait too long then things get worse.
- If you didn't pass the English portion of the interview,
you will have roughly two months to brush up
on your English skills.
- If you didn't pass the civics portion of the interview,
you will have roughly two months to brush up
on that part of the interview.
- If you didn't pass the interview because of other issues,
lack of sufficient information, legal issues, etc..
Come see me. You may be afforded an appeal.
Time will be short!
- 6. I submitted my N-400 and now I'm moving and my mailing address is going to change,
what should I do?
a. Call: 1-800-375-5283 and up-date your mailing address.
You do not want USCIS notices to be delayed or
lost because of your change in address.
b. You can also change your address online
though the USCIS Address Change process.
To do so, click here.
c. You can come and see me or e-mail me and I'll help you.
- 7. I applied for Citizenship and my Green card expired. Now I want to travel abroad.
What should I do?
Several options are available.
a. Don't travel until you are a citizen and have your US passport.
b. If you applied for citizenship and
your green card expired within 6 months.
You will need to renew your green card.
The receipt generated by USCIS will allow for
a 37 month extension on your green card and this with also allow you to travel abroad if necessary.
The cost of renewing your green card is currently $465 ((i-90 processing fee).
You will need to give back your green card to USCIS when you are sworn in as a US citizen.
As of, April 16, 2025, 80% of i-90s (Green Card Renewal) are processed within 16.5 months.
According to USCIS website N-400s (application for Citizenship)
are processed within 6.5 months (San Francisco's office)
c. If you applied for citizenship and your green card
expired after 6 months:
You will be able to set up and info pass appointment in San Francisco and get a stamp in your current nation's valid passport.
(Remember, traveling abroad during the pandemic may be risky.
Travel may be restricted at anytime depending on the pandemic)
- 8. I applied for Citizenship and my green card was stolen.
What do I do?
a. Report the theft of your green card to your local law enforcement agency
(Police Department, Sheriff department, etc...)
b. Get a signed copy of that report.
c. If you applied through Ukiah Adult School's Citizenship program, I should have a copy of your green card on file.
Come see me and I'll give you a copy of the copy of your green card.
d. Check question 7 (above) to find out if you can get a stamp in your nation's passport or
if you have to get a whole new green card ($540).
e. Remember to make photocopies of all of your important documents and place them in various safe locations
in other words do not put all your eggs in the same basket!
***= CONGRATULATIONS! =***
You passed your interview / test and you were sworn in.
===You are now a US Citizen===
What should you do next? Good question!
- A. You should register to vote.
To do so come see me or, click here.
- B. On your N-400, Part 12, page 2. Titled Social Security Update:
Check of "yes" on 12a
Type in your Social Security Number on 12b
Give USCIS permission to share your information with Social Security on and check off "yes" on 12c
This will allow USCIS to change your Social Security Status on your behalf.
- C. Should I travel abroad with my Certificate of Citizenship or
should I apply for a US Passport?
** NEVER TRAVEL ABROAD WITH YOUR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP! **
1. You should apply for a US Passport.
There are two ways to do that: I can help you if you want me to.
- a. Apply through the Department of State, to do so click here.
You will need to complete Department of State Form DS-11 (pdf format)
or you can use the computer fillable DS-11 version
(it will require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader),
Or you can pick one up at your post office.
You can also complete it in the electronic kiosk found in the lobby
of most local post offices.
- b. Apply through the United States Post Office's website.
To do so, click here.
The DS-11 has to be printed and submitted in person at a Post Office.
Submit your DS-11 at your local post office, click here.
- Ukiah
The Ukiah Post Office accepts "Walk-ins"
Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 10:00am
The Ukiah Post Office accepts passport appointments
Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
To schedule a passport appointment at
the Ukiah Post Office, click here.
You can also schedule your $15 passport photo shoot at
the Ukiah Post Office
Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 10:00am
- Willits
The Willits Post Office accepts "Walk-ins"
Tuesday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
The Willits Post Office accepts passport appointments
Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm
To schedule a passport appointment at
the Willits Post Office, click here.
You can also schedule you $15 passport photo shoot at
the Willits Post Office
Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
- Mendocino
The Mendocino Post Office accepts "Walk-ins"
Wednesday through Friday from 9:00am to 10:00am
The Mendocino Post Office accepts passport appointments
Monday through Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm
To schedule a passport appointment at
the Mendocino Post Office, click here.
You can also schedule your $15 passport photo shoot at
the Mendocino Post Office
Monday through Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm.
- Lakeport
The Lakeport Post Office accepts "Walk-ins"
Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00am to 11:00am
The Lakeport Post Office accepts passport appointments
Monday through Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm
To schedule a passport appointment at
the Lakeport Post office, click here.
You can also schedule your $15 passport photo shoot at
the Lakeport Post Office
Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm
You will need to take with you your original Certificate of Citizenship
to prove that you are a US Citizen,
your complete DS-11 (Do not sign the DS-11 yet!),
your passport sized (2" by 2") photo (the Post
Office can take your photo for $15 (by appointment)),
and your two checks (one check for $130 made
out to: US Department of State and the other
check for the amount of $35 which will be for the Post Office).
You may want to bring a10" by 12" envelope too.
2. If you have children who were not born in the US and
are not US citizens but have a green card and are under
the age of 18, you should get them US Passports so they derive citizenship from you.
you will need to use a DS-11.
The birth Certificate of said child will probably have to be translated and I may be able to do that
depending on the language.
To learn more about all this visit the Department of State's website by clicking here
***=***=***=***=***=***=***
General Questions
- 1. I lost my Certificate of Citizenship. What should I do?
If your certificate of citizenship is lost, stolen or somehow destroyed you can file USCIS Form N-565.
The process fee for that form is $555. If you already have your US Passport then you shouldn't worry about
it too much because a US Passport is proof of Citizenship.
Make sure that you have copies of your passport and your certificate.
Come see me and I can make copies of those documents for you.
================
- 2. What should I do if I a man who is between the age of 18 and
25 and I have not registered with Selective Service?
I can help you register or you can do it online, click here.
===================
- 3. How can I renew my Green card?
There are Three ways to renew you green card
a. You can come see me. I'll give you arough draft copy of Form i-90 and I'll help you fill it out
b. You should read the instructions related to Form i-90.
To do so (pdf format), click here.
Then, you can fill it out on the computer and print your i-90.
To do so on your computer (pdf format), click here.
c. You can, also, create an account with USCIS and file your i-90 electronically. To do so click here.
The cost to renew your Green card is $465.
The cost to renew online is $415.
Also, right now, due to the length associated with the
processing of i-90s (as of 01/29/2025, the i-90
processing time is 18.5 months!), applicants will receive
a letter which will extend their Green Card's
validity for 36 months from the date of the Green Card's
expiration date.
===================
- 4. Can I legally be a dual citizen?
Yes! Depending on your native country's policies regarding that topic.
Not all countries allow dual citizenship.
- To read the United States' official policyon dual citizenship,
click here.
- To find out if your native country allows
dual citizenship,
click here.
====================
- 5. I might have some questionable acts of poor moral character
in my past and they might impact my plan to file my N-400.
What should I do?
Remember, I'm not a lawyer, nor a "Notario" or taxi driver, I'm a teacher.
I would recommend that you contact:
Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa, 987 Airway Court, (707) 578-6000.
To visit Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa's immigration related website,
click here.
Since October 2, 2024,
Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa offers free immigration legal services
on the first Wednesday of each month at the North Coast Vision Family Center, 102 Scott Street in
Ukiah from 10:00am to 4:00pm (for more information see posters below)
If you need a lawyer make sure that he or she is part of the
American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA).
To find an AILA Member,
click here.
====================
- 6. My US Passport is about to expire,
what should I do?
Complete a Form DS-82. You can pick one up at your local post office.
Or you can complete that form on the electronic kiosk found in the lobby of most local post offices.
Or you can use your computer and the internet to complete in the computer fillable DS-82.
You can come and see if you need help.
=====================
- 7. My US passport expired long ago,
what should I do?
Use From DS 11 to get a new passport and follow the above mentioned instructions found under C-b.
======================
- 8. Oh.... I need to travel outside the country ASAP and
my US Passport expired 15 years ago (or more),
what should I do?
Fill out form DS-11 (To get the PDF form version of the DS-11 and print it),
click here
To use the computer fillable DS-11,
click here).
If you have fewer than 14 days ahead of your travel date and you need a US Passport as fast as possible you may be
able to use the Get-Fast passport process offered in San Francisco's Passport Agency.
You will need to prove that your are traveling outside the country and that you have a US Passport and that your are a US Citizen.
You will need to schedule an appointment before you go to San Francisco's Passport Agency office.
To set up an appointment you will need to
call: 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793
(between 8:00am and 10:00pm Eastern Standard Time).
For more information:
click here.
---- WARNINGS and advice -----
- WARNING: If you are an undocumented parent and someone tells you that you can become a
US citizen once your child is diagnosed with Autism, you are being misinformed and mislead.
This is NOT true! There is no pathway to citizenship through having a child diagnosed with Autism.
This is a scam!
- WARNING! There is no guest Worker Program!
- WARNING! Federal agencies such as USCIS, the IRS, Social Security, or any other,
will never call you to ask for money! It's a scam!
Do not give them money over the phone!
- WARNING! All of the USCIS Forms are free.
Do not pay someone to give you a FREE copy of a USCIS form.
The cost is related to the processing of said form by USCIS or if you have hired a preparer then
additional cost is agreed on by yourself and the preparer in question.
To download USCIS' forms and applications for free,
click here.
**************************
- WARNING! Marijuana (cannabis)
is NOT legal throughout the United States.
It is illegal at the Federal level. Using it or working in a company that processes cannabis
or working in a cannabis dispensary can be very problematic for all USCIS benefit applicants.
To watch a video titled,
"What Every Noncitizen Must Know About Cannabis and Immigration"
from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC),
click here.
This issue impacts your moral character and therefore it is seen as if you were on parole or probation and therefore you will need five years of no involvement in that industry before applying for citizenship.
See the infographic below.
************************
- Advice: If a person prepares your application for you for freeor for a fee,make sure that
they complete and sign the preparer's section of said form otherwise,if an error is found during processing or during the interview
it may create unwanted difficulties for you at that point in time.
- Advice: Make sure to save your money order'sreceipt or your cashier's check receipt.
- Advice: If you have a passport from you native country,
I recommend that you up-date it when it needs to be up-dated.
You never know when things may change in your native land and you might have to go back and conduct family related
business there (inheritance, so forth....)
- Advice: Never give personal information to anyone who calls you.
Unless you know them or unless you called them in the first place.
- Advice: Make copies of all of your important documents
(Driver's license, green card passport, etc...) and keep them in various safe places,
in other words do not put all of your eggs in the same basket!
=====================
