tony7240
10/3/2015 03:15 EST
Does anyone know how to expedite citizenship by descendants of World War 2 refugees ? I applied in February 2014 through the Consulate in Chicago.
I have been calling them asking about my application and they tell me they are still processing it in Lithuania. My application was complete with plenty of original documentation supporting my claim. The consulate tells me that they must verify everything and there is a big backlog of claims.
Going on for almost more than a year and a half! Does anyone know a way to "expedite" this process. Or how long did it take them to get the citizenship claim approved?
I'm frustrated with this very slow process. I'm thinking that the government doesn't want my class of claimants to get their citizenship that they are entitled too.
Any thoughts or experience on this would be appreciated.
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
smferguson
10/6/2015 09:44 EST
I think you are probably right. The Lithuanian government does not see this as a priority - and why should they? And are you prepared to relinquish your US citizenship? I have a friend with an extremely good claim to citizenship through her maternal line; she lived in the country for over a year and spent a good deal of time and money on her application, only to find that it had been refused. You need to approach this from a different perspective; why do you want citizenship, and what can you bring to Lithuania?
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
|
|
tony7240
10/7/2015 11:00 EST
Thanks for your reply.
As a world war 2 refugee descendent I'm allowed dual citizenship. Getting a Lithuanian citizenship entitles me to EU resident privileges. Just a citizens of Lithuania and other EU countries can live and work in any EU country. I have relatives living there. I could stay there as long as I want. I would feel reunited with my Lithuanian identity. Isn't that enough?
I know the system is very sluggish.
I'm looking for a way to speed things up. Not be criticized for wanting what I'm entitled to.
Post a Reply
10abuse
|
|
sbdagape
10/10/2015 13:32 EST
Hi. We just put in a similar claim directly to the Migracija office in Vilnius. They said is would take a year but didn't mention anything about a backlog. Given that you are applying from the U.S. I'm not surprised at how long it has taken. Things move very slowly here. It's the nature of Lithuania. However, we haven't gotten any sense that they are not interested. I've just gotten my permanent residence card and it took lots of time and beaurocracy. But American's seem to be welcome here when they have Lithuanian roots. I suspect your paperwork will come through soon. Are you planning to move here? If so, your physical presence would probably help the process. I hope this helps.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
sbdagape
10/10/2015 13:43 EST
I totally agree. You are entitled and it would be dual citizenship. However, keep in mind that Lithuania has gone throught a lot of "brain drain" as their young people have left the country for western europe and greater financial opportunities. The people left behind are somewhat resentful of those who have "abandoned" their homeland. It's subtle, but definately present. For my residency permit, it was very tedious just trying to prove that we had permanently relocated here from the US. If I had to guess, I suspect is was the same issue. We made a point of saying how much loved Lietuva and planned to stay to retire here, etc. Again, I think your physical presence would be a big help. I definately would NOT mention to the consulate your plans to use your citizenship as a pass to the rest of Europe. Feel free to email me directly if you have further questions of a more personal nature. We are in Kaunas.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
tony7240
1/1/2016 15:52 EST
Part two. Posted the first one before completion.
Very backed up with many claims. So be very patient. It was worth it.
I feel like I belong in Lithuania.
Dual citizenship is allowed in my case.(WW2 refugees).
Now I go to the consulate to apply for my passport. That I was told only takes a month.
Thanks for the help from you
forum Members.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
|
|
bigEd
1/11/2016 11:38 EST
From what I 'hear', you might have to $$$ to the 'right' people in certain places. Just sayin' ........
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
bigEd
3/2/2016 17:05 EST
Anyone, correct me if I'm wrong -
Just 'shooting from the hip' by saying that I read a language test is required for citizenship as well. Tony, would that be a problem for you ? Research this info I mentioned as well. I'm thinking of applying AND taking the language test along with the app.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
sbdagape
3/2/2016 17:35 EST
Hi Ed,
For repatriation WW2 refugee claims, the language test is not necessary. They may have dual citizenship. For all other people wanting LT citizenship, a language test is required. Dual citizenship in that case is not permitted. However, there is some discussion about changing this in the future. I hope this helps.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
|
|
