One unique way to become an American citizen is to marry a U.S. citizen. But you have to meet certain requirements and stay in residency for the right amount of time. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles this process. The length of time it takes depends on the type of residency status you get.

You must be married to a U.S. citizen and show proof of being a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least five years in order to become a citizen through marriage.

Citizens whose permanent residency status is conditional

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and your permanent residency is conditional, you and your spouse must apply to the USCIS to have the conditions taken away. This application needs to be turned in within 90 days of the date that it will have been two years since your spouse entered the United States with an immigrant visa.

• Ensure your marriage to a U.S. national is legally recognized.
• Maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
• Understand the timeline and requirements for conditional residency.
• File necessary forms and applications within designated time frames.

Embracing the journey to becoming a new U.S. resident through marriage is a significant step that requires patience and diligence. By staying informed and organized, you can navigate this path toward achieving your American dream.

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The inauguration of a professional peace advocating group called “Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organization Nigeria European Headquarters Austria (PAPONEHA) was held on 19.10.2024, with UN representatives, the Nigerian Embassy, a few selected international organizations, some dignitaries and personalities with impeccable character in attendance. It was an edifying expert gathering of intellectuals with noble ideas on how to contribute professionally in developing strategies that should effectively usher peace whenever and wherever a conflict arises around the globe.

PAPONAHA was an idea conceived and delivered after evaluation of contemporary crises and conflicts amongst homes, communities, war and threats of war among nations with empirical evidence of danger capable of igniting a third world war. The primary aim of the organization is to reconcile opposing parties, instil peace anywhere it steps in and sustain it. The organization also wants to help vulnerable people and assist those affected by war and violent conflicts. Correspondingly, the organization will equally create a platform where peace and conflict resolution etc. would be taught.

The president of the organization Mag. Dr Samuel Ogbonna officially declared the occasion open at about 4 pm Austrian time. In his welcome address he thanked Dr Dogondaji Haliru Bello, the Charge de Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, – who was represented by Minister Florence Lola Ejim – all dignitaries and guests in the hall for the honoured invitation. He also recognized members of PAPONAHA and thanked them for their energy, time and the enthusiasm they exhibited in pursuit of a successful inauguration, and appealed to all to support the organization. The Master of Ceremony (MC) Chief Wise Ibeji, Eze Okonko, introduced Dr Ogbonna and other bigwigs of the occasion.

Delivering his speech titled “The Dream Comes Through”, he narrated the genesis of how the journey of PAPONAHA began. It was a comprehensive and a well-expressed presentation of the history of the organization and its challenges that started from his first visit on 26 July 2023 to Prof Paul Uche J. Mbakwe in Uturu, Umuahia, Abia State, to the inauguration day. Prof Mbakwe whom he described as a great thinker and a motivator “is the founder of PAPO Nigeria DG/Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organisation (PAPO/PAPONEHA) worldwide”, said Dr Ogbonna.

Conflicts around the globe like the situation in Sudan and in the Middle East, the threat of war from Iran, and the war between Hamas and Israel, Hezbollah and Israel, Russia and Ukraine etc. were all cited as imperative reasons for an urgent quest for peace.

Leaders of the invited organizations mounted the podium and gave eloquent speeches and praises expressing profound gratitude for such a honourable cause on how humanity regardless of race, religious background and political affiliation could live in peaceful co-existence. National Association of Nigerian Community Austria (NANCA) was also represented.

“PEACE BEGINS WITH ME, PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU” was the title of Lady Dr Chinedu Brown’s speech. She was not present at the occasion but was represented by Mrs Chinwe Agatha Egwuibe the wife of the Chairman of Igbo Cultural Society (ICS) who classily delivered her speech brilliantly. According to her, the Global Peace Index (GPI) developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Austria ranks the 3rd most peaceful country in the world while Nigeria ranks 147th among 163 countries in the analysis. She appealed to Nigerians living in Austria to endeavour to contribute for peace back home.

Professor Mbakwe is the founder/Director General and BoT Chairman of PAPO-PAPONAHA. He is a lecturer at Abia State University, Umuahia. He flew in from Nigeria for the occasion. In his speech titled “THE EMERGENCE OF PAPO-NEHA: OUR MISSION AND OUR VISION,” he recounted and attributed the genesis of PAPONEHA emergence to a question one of his 2020/2021, 200-level law students of Abia State University, Umuahia asked him, precisely on 12 October 2020. He said the question inspired him into action that led to the formation of the group. He reiterated the aims and objectives of the organization and the importance of peace in the world. He thanked Dr Ogbonna and his team for a job well done, and officially inaugurated the group with some dignitaries called to the podium as witnesses.

Mrs Florence Lola Ejim, a Minister and the representative of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, was proud as a Nigerian and encouraged all and sundry to spread the good news about the organization, as she urged members of the group not to relent in their quest for peace because everyone needs peace. She promised that Nigerian Embassy will support any noble cause such as being championed by PAPONAHA whenever necessary and possible.

In his vote of thanks, Engr. Okeke John who is the financial secretary of the organization thanked all that graced the ceremony and reminded them that the inauguration was just the beginning of miles ahead.

Let me firmly and finally lend my voice here once more without any ambiguity that the path members of the group have chosen is a noble one. I am quite sure that they are not oblivious of the challenges ahead. Therefore, as professionals and intellectuals, I am optimistic that with dedication, perseverance, consistency to strive for fairness at all times, and applying wisdom in implementing what is just and right, the fundamental objective of the group in the globe will not be elusive.

Indeed, we all need peace.

♦ Uzoma Ahamefule, a refined African traditionalist and a patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. WhatsApp: +436607369050; Email Contact Uzoma >>>>

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“He has the ideas, the energy, and the commitment to bring about the change that Ohafia so desperately needs.”  —Dr. Emeaba Emeaba

As the upcoming mayoral race in Ohafia Local Government Area promises to be one of the most open and contested in recent memory, I am casting my support behind Engineer (Chief) Eleanya Kalu. Out of a diverse field of candidates, Kalu stands out, despite having no prior experience in elected office. Ohafia’s City Hall is in dire need of fresh leadership—someone capable of challenging the entrenched status quo. I believe Kalu has the potential to bring about the kind of transformation that Ohafia desperately needs.

Ohafia is at a crossroads, and a reset is long overdue. Years of mismanagement have left crucial rural roads linking farming communities in disrepair. Kalu’s vision for addressing this is both practical and inspiring. His plan involves establishing a local Public Works Department (PWD) that will tackle the dilapidated roadways with what he calls “Operation Pave the Way.” This initiative would allow artisans, farmers, and small entrepreneurs to move freely between communities, generating jobs, boosting public safety, and fostering economic development in the process.

Kalu’s ability to articulate these priorities, combined with his fresh approach, positions him as the candidate most likely to bring lasting change. It’s true that electing someone with no prior government experience comes with some risk, but Kalu’s credentials—both as an engineer and a leader—offer strong reassurance that he is up to the challenge.

A New Era of Leadership

Kalu’s background as a seasoned engineer with Shell provides him with a unique edge. He is a product of a corporate culture that demands excellence, and this is evident in his commitment to practical solutions for Ohafia’s infrastructure woes. His proposal to create a self-sufficient PWD, staffed by local engineers, represents a significant departure from the failed, contractor-driven schemes of the past. By taking control of road-building efforts at the local level, Kalu aims to restore mobility between rural communities, offering farmers a reliable route to market and helping to reverse the trend of rural-urban migration.

The current state of Ohafia’s roads is nothing short of a crisis. Neglected for years, these vital arteries have deteriorated to the point where entire communities are cut off from economic opportunity. Kalu’s plan is ambitious, but it is precisely the kind of bold thinking that is needed to address this long-standing problem.

A Track Record of Success

Kalu is no stranger to navigating difficult challenges. His tenure at Shell and his leadership roles in various organizations demonstrate his ability to mobilize resources and deliver results. He was instrumental in a community-driven initiative that saw the major roadways in Abiriba, his hometown, paved. Acting as part of an advisory commission, Kalu helped raise millions of naira for the project, ensuring that every naira was spent wisely. This track record of accountability and success sets him apart from his opponents, many of whom have offered little more than empty promises.

A Focus on Fiscal Responsibility

In an era where Local Government resources are shrinking, Kalu’s focus on fiscal responsibility is particularly compelling. His commitment to doing more with less—especially in the face of Ohafia’s structural deficit—reflects a realistic and pragmatic approach to governance. Kalu’s experience with large-scale projects at Shell will undoubtedly serve him well in identifying and eliminating waste within Local Government operations, freeing up much-needed funds to tackle the pressing issue of road infrastructure.

The next mayor will face the daunting task of setting clear priorities for Ohafia—a task that recent administrations have repeatedly failed to achieve. Kalu has shown that he is ready to take on this challenge, with a clear vision for how to streamline government and focus on the issues that matter most.

A Balanced Vision for Ohafia

Kalu’s candidacy has garnered significant support from labor organizations and younger leaders, a testament to his ability to build coalitions and connect with a broad range of voters. His agenda defies easy categorization. On one hand, his approach to governance is fiscally conservative, but on the other, he embraces a progressive vision for social and economic development, particularly in rural areas.

In interviews and campaign appearances, Kalu has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of Ohafia’s challenges. He is not afraid to think outside the box and is prepared to have the difficult conversations that are necessary to move the Local Government forward. His ability to build alliances, his willingness to compromise, and his clear-eyed vision for what Ohafia can become make him the right choice at this critical juncture.

A Generational Shift

The upcoming election presents an opportunity for a generational change in leadership, and Kalu represents that shift. He is both tough and optimistic, qualities that will serve him well as he works to restore public trust in Local Government administration, and address the issues that have plagued Ohafia for years. With his balance of optimism and realism, Kalu is the candidate best suited to lead Ohafia into a new era of prosperity and efficiency.

For these reasons, I endorse Engineer Eleanya Kalu as the next mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area. He has the ideas, the energy, and the commitment to bring about the change that Ohafia so desperately needs.

♦Publisher of the Drum Magazine, Dr. Emeaba Emeaba is an author and entrepreneur based in Nigeria and the United States 

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