Help Get Chris Home Fundraiser

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Christopher Allen, and I am reaching out to you with a humble request for help in a time of dire need. I have been a proud US citizen for the past 20 years, but unforeseen circumstances during the pandemic have left me stranded in Germany, facing the challenges of homelessness.

As many of you know, I embarked on a journey to make a life in Germany, seeking opportunities and a chance for a better future. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic hurdles and the economic downturn have made it nearly impossible for me to secure a job and meet my basic needs. Despite my best efforts, I find myself in a difficult situation, relying on homeless shelters for survival.

Now, more than ever, I am determined to return home to the United States, where I can rebuild my life and regain stability. The funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be instrumental in covering the costs of my journey back, including travel expenses, accommodation, and essential living expenses upon my return.

Your support will not only help me escape the harsh realities of homelessness but also provide me with the opportunity to start anew. I am committed to working hard, finding employment, and contributing positively to society as soon as I am back on my feet. Your generosity will make a significant impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for any amount you can contribute.

Please consider sharing this campaign with your network, as every share brings me one step closer to returning home. Your kindness and compassion give me hope for a brighter future, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this journey with me.

With sincere gratitude,

Christopher Allen

The current steps and what the funds will be applied towards

Step 1. I-90 application for renewal of green card

(cost $540 USD)

Estimated time until appointment process 9 months.

[Update 01/06/2024: the form has been filed and we're waiting to hear back, eta time has been updated as well]

Step 2. Frankfurt appointment for I-90 interview.

(total cost 55 USD) This includes a round trip using the Flix bus to get to and from Frankfurt (30 USD) and a night stay at a hostel (25 USD)

We are currently unsure of how long the approval will take after the appointment.

[Update 1/22/2024: We have the I-797 approving Chris to fly back to the states. Now working on a return flight]

Step 3. A flight home to the US.

(Estimated cost 500 - 1,000USD) Depending on time of year a one-way flight can be from Stuttgart to MSP can be a few hundred, based on when we looked in august, to a thousand. Currently at the time of making this go fund me due to the holiday season the flights are close to or slightly over a thousand USD.

Lastly any further funds will be used to help with finding a job, getting a car, and getting a place to live.

Dylan and I are updating the page as we go. If you have any questions or if something isn't clear, please let us know.

Q&A

Q: Don't you have to be in the US to renew your green card?

A: Typically, you don't need to be physically present in the United States to renew your green card. However, the renewal process involves submitting required documents, and you should follow the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines for renewal, which may include mailing in your application or using their online filing system. It's advisable to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific situation.

Online filing system + also the renewal can be done at the embassy in Frankfurt.

I Talked to an embassy official at the security checkpoint and they also said I just need to be renewed as even after your green card expired. You're still a permanent resident for 5 years.