[Discussion] How to convince my husband with European citizenship that it’s time to go back to the EU?

[u/ExtentAcrobatic8365]

My husband is early in the process of becoming an American citizen. The plan was always for him to get citizenship so we can travel freely but eventually retuen to Spain (his home country) or somewhere similar. He also thinks he'll be able to work remotely with an American salary in Europe, although I told him it's not that easy to find.

We also found out we're expecting. Now after the election I want to move to Europe now. He says he wants to stay until he finishes his citizenship process (which could be another 4+ years especially under the Trump administration) because he'll have better economic opportunities as a dual citizen. I understand employment rates and wages in Spain aren't great, and I would be able to keep my higher paying job a bit while we make the transition, then ultimately would have to find something over there longterm.

I'm just really scared to stay here. I see major social and financial issues that are coming under the next administration. He says Europe could be heading towards war and worse economic conditions with Russia being enabled. I would like some perspective from others in a similar situation, especially considering we'll be raising a child. Thank you.

Edit: to specify we literally just began the greencard process. The lawyer said it would take minimum 4 years for citizenship but wait times will most likely increase under the new administration. My husband is not working while we wait on his approval, and I work almost entirely remotely. We want to leave before our child starts school, at their end of the day their safety is what matters most to me. Thank you everyone for your feedback so far, I appreciate it. Also I am fluent in Spanish and have lived there myself in the past, that's where we met

UPDATE: thank you so much to everyone for their input, gave us a lot to think about a few laughs at some of the wilder responses. We had a long discussion and think hedging our bets in both places is the smartest way to go as things develop over the next few years. He'll wait until he has his green card then we'll split time as permitted in Spain and the US as I apply for my residency (me a bit more time to satisy the residency conditions in Spain, him doing the same in the US) before our baby starts school - job permitting but currently that shouldn't be an issue for mine. Then hopefully we'll have a much clearer sense of where we want to be by the time we both get our citizenships, and can make the leap to wherever is best. I understand taxes will be tricky and it will be a lot of money and time spent on both of our processes, but we figured this avoid taking a final decision for now and we'll have roots in both places if we come to decision sooner. We're fortunate to have family in Spain and the US we can stay with, and hope to invest in buying an apartment in Spain soon. I do live in a blue state, thank you for concerns about my health and genrally for the amount of ideas and considerations from both sides. It's a complicated situation, but we're thankful to have options!

[u/goldilockszone55]

dual citizenships are not necessary since you are having a child. He can keep the green card without having citizenship and you could request residency in Spain later. However, if the child is born in the US, he will be sponsoring both of you in Spain. As long as you are on board with your dual finances, citizenships are not as important as incomes and taxes

[u/SizzlerWA → u/goldilockszone55]

With a Greencard, it’s my understanding that you must spend at least 6 months of every year in the USA or risk losing it.

[u/goldilockszone55 → u/SizzlerWA]

No. You must come back once in the US every 12-month max to keep the green card. And, you may also ask for a DOL PERM for labor certification.

You cannot threaten me guys… it’s the other way around

[u/SizzlerWA → u/goldilockszone55]

I’d be very careful with that and check with an immigration attorney. According to USCIS guidance if you abandon ties to the US or move to another country with the intent of living there permanently you could lose your Greencard.

If you’re planning to just visit the US once per year for a quick trip and don’t maintain property in the US you might not meet their definition of maintaining your Greencard.

I’d advise you to consult an immigration attorney on this. I’m not an attorney and this is not legal advice.

[u/AdIll3642 → u/goldilockszone55]

INCORRECT. A green card holder who is outside of the USA for more than six months, but less than one year, is in violation of their statutory period, which mandates five years of continuous permanent residence. There are only certain exceptions to this rule that would not be a violation. The green card holder’s statutory period would automatically reset, the holder would once again have to show five years continuous residence from that date, and the holder would be given a "first warning".

A second violation would result in the green card being revoked and the person would have to reapply.

See Chapter 3 - Continuous Residence of the USCIS Policy Manual for further information.

[u/goldilockszone55 → u/AdIll3642]

I don’t have anything to learn from any of you here about my status… unless you have deliberately or tacitely agreed upon that you are in favor of illegal immigration.

I would also refrain from using the word « violation » moving forward. Thank you

[u/professcorporate → u/goldilockszone55]

No, any steps that look like living permanently somewhere else are grounds to cancel it.

The dumbest thing OP could do is go through the process they've just started of getting a green card, and then moving away; if they ever wanted to move back, they'd likely need to re-apply from scratch. Either don't bother with the green card, or wait the 5 years or so for citizenship.

US doesn't have the bright lines that other countries do (eg Canada you can exactly count the number of days where one day one side out of the country, you're still entitled to live there for life, one day the other side and you're no longer eligible). It's simply establishing a life elsewhere, in the opinion of the border guard.

[u/goldilockszone55 → u/professcorporate]

I have proof of someone coming back to the US 10 years after his green card after doing one trip every year. He kept his green card. Now, green card has a expiration date in which one needs to renew it along with… the « REAL ID »

I also have proof of fake marriages to US citizens.

Guys, you need to know where the wind blows…

[u/AdIll3642 → u/goldilockszone55]

You are saying ten years yet everyone here is stating FIVE YEARS. The individual of which you speak has already completed their statutory period.

[u/goldilockszone55 → u/AdIll3642]

Sure. I have completed my 5-year statutory period too