Are BGLOs open to foreigners?
 

My fiance is a Black Brit and has mentioned more than once, his interest in Black fraternities. He asked me if I knew if his being a resident alien (aka "A Green Card Holder") would prevent him from joining a Black fraternity. I told him I didn't know but would post on the board I frequent. He's been stateside for 10 years, has a degree and has done community service. Would anyone happen to know if there is a citizenship requirement for BGLOs?

Thanks for any assistance,

PhDiva

You could probably find that out by looking at the membership qualifications on each BGLOs national website. But since most of us have international chapters, I doubt it.

I would have to concur. And you said he holds a green card? Then he's considered a US Citizen and I can't see that as being a problem.

It shouldn't be a problem

Correction: Holding a Green Card means that he is a RESIDENT ALIEN not a US Citizen. Unless he is a resident for 5 years and then takes the test and does the adjustment of status, he is not and will not be a US Citizen. he can work and move in the US as he pleases.

/end crash

Know about this subject because I am dealing with it. Mr. 1228 (who is from Canada) will be heading to Montreal in 3 weeks for his US Green Card interview. :) Send prayers and/or good vibes

/end crash again :D

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I know she said he'd been here ten years so I assumed technicalities had been met.

Oh yeah...*Sending Good Vibes*

"International chapters" -- that answers the question. But then, as usual you do answer the question, Lady Greek. ;)

He should go ahead and express his interest and let the proper people tell him.

For Alpha, you have to be a registered voter to be a member, so on the surface, it would SEEM as though you'd have to be a citizen. However, it seems like exceptions would be made for qualified candidates.

Correction: In order for a RESIDENT ALIEN to become a US CITIZEN, he or she has to file an N440, which is an APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION (a ten page form, and biometrics), not an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS. In addition to this, of course there is the test and the swearing in.

The purpose of an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS (1-485 - Also known as an application to register permanent status) is to to apply to the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Service) to adjust to permanent resident status or register for permanent residence.

But back to the original question, I would advise both the trip to the national website (thanks LadyGreek) in addition to contacting the chapter (thanks Sensuret 1). While most of us have international chapters, it never hurts to obtain the details from the source. :)

Hope everything works out for Mr. 1228.

I don't know what it is for frats but I can say that I hold a green card and and am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Just a quick note, the form to be completed for naturalization is the N400 (not N440, I don't believe they have an N440 form). Direct him to www.uscis.gov so he can get the info on naturalization. I hope he has more luck getting through the bureaucracy than I did (this a story for another thread). I wish him luck.

Just to make things MORE complicated.....an international chapter [for Sigma] could be made up of members who were initiated in the US then moved abroad. They can also do intake of qualified women. Therefore, it is POSSIBLE that there would be a chapter outside the US that is totally made up of Americans. Or Americans and non-Americans.


--Can y'all tell I'm bored at work today????? :)

Sorry about that, y'all. A sister was doing tax work and naturalization stuff at the same time. :) Thanks for the clarification.

A quick note to those who are having trouble with the INS bureaucracy: You might want to petition your highest ranking senator for a letter on your behalf. You'd be surprised how it can help your situation. :) Trust me, I know.