Q & A October 9, 2005
Q & A 1.
Q&A 1.
What to do if You Have Used a Westernized Name Before Applying
for Naturalization?
Chen Reader Asks:
My family of three immigrated to U.S. 4.5 years ago. I am currently
thinking to apply for naturalization. However, I have a problem
regarding my name.
My Chinese passport and green card both showed my real Chinese
name. However, when I applied for the social security number long
time ago I thought it was better to use an English first name, therefore,
I gave myself an English name and put down mine and my husband’s
last name on the application form. Because I did not understand
the format of a western name, the last name and first name got reversed.
Later on, all my documents display my social security name, including
the drive license, credit cards and property deed, etc.
I was told I could change and correct my name when I applied for
naturalization. My questions are:
1. Should I put down my real Chinese name as the legal name and
the social security card’s name as “have ever used other
name“ on the form?
2. How should I explain my names to the examiner?
3. Should I change all my identification cards’ name after
my naturalization is approved?
Dear reader:
Your situation is actually quite common among green card holders
who decide to apply for naturalization. Many green card holders
have taken on Westernized names during or even before the time that
they became green card holders. For those who took on the names
before adjustment of status to permanent residence, U.S.C.I.S. examiners
at the green card interviews have usually informed them that the
Western name cannot be used on the green card in the absence of
official documentation showing the change of name.
In answer to your questions,
1 You should indeed put down your real Chinese name as the legal
name and the Social Security card name as a name you have used in
Part 1, item C of the N-400 form.
2 You can explain your names to the examiner in the same manner
that you have explained them in this question. The explanation is
acceptable.
3 After your naturalization is approved, you should try to change
all your identification cards to the name which is indicated on
the naturalization certificate.
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