I am a permanent resident since 1996 (employment-based immigrant visa) and I am applying today for naturalization. Five years ago, my wife was appointed Consul General by her country of origin. There was a catch: she was informed by the Dept. of State that she could not be a diplomat and a resident at the same time. She had no other choice than abandoning her resident status: she reluctantly signed the I-407 Abandonment form. About a month ago, she ceased to be a diplomat. We have been married for 25 years, and of course we live together. I looked up the USCIS web page and thought I had found the correct procedure: I thought my wife was eligible for FOLLOWING-TO-JOIN benefits and had her fill the form I-485 application to register permanent residence or adjust status. Just to be on the safe side, I made an appointment with a USCIS officer. However, he told me that my interpretation of the law is wrong: he says she has to begin from scratch with a I-130 form (relative visa petition). That means that a visa number must become available, and I am told it may take four years. This is very problematic. What if my wife needs to travel? What if she needs to work? As a legal resident, am I not entitled to keep my wife by my side? I would really appreciate any suggestion. Should I go the way of I-407 (the immigration officer was adamant that I would only lose the fee money) or another way? Thank you for your help!

