Hmmm....
When my husband was here on a student visa, he got a US SS card shortly after he got here. Back in the 90s. He said it took a couple of weeks. Nowadays, I would think she could get a SS number much faster. You do not need to be a citizen or have a permanent residency to get a SS number. He did not get his green card till about 2 years after I married him.
Has this person tried to get a SS number? or how about an EIN? that can be done online in five minutes. but I forget what all they aske for on the online application.

It depends on what country the person is from as to whether they can get a dual citizenship or not.

From SSA.gov

We issue three types of Social Security cards. All cards show your name and Social Security number.
1.Shows your name and Social Security number and lets you work without restriction.
We issue it to: ?U.S. citizens; and
?People lawfully admitted to the United States on a permanent basis.

2.Shows your name and number with notes, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION." We issue this type of card to people lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis who have DHS authorization to work.
3.Shows your name and number with notes, "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT."
We issue it to people from other countries: ?Who are lawfully admitted to the United States without work authorization from DHS, but with a valid non-work reason for needing a Social Security number; or
?Who need a number because of a federal law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit or service.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/19/2014 04:16AM by KateH.

KateH, your info has been spot on except equating a visa and a green card. A green card is a legal permanent status while visas are always temporary. At one time green cards didn't expire although that changed several years ago. I also hear a lot about dual citizenship. Unless there has been a change in the last ten years, the U.S. does not recognize dual citizenship. Part of the oath is forswearing allegiance to all other countries.

I think that is no longer the case, unfortunately. [www.ask.com]


Scroll down to the part titled "Dual citizenship."

It said the oath still requires renouncing other alliances and the U.S. tolerates it rather than endorsing the practice. In other words, turning a blind eye for the most part. That appears to be a Wikipedia entry so better information may be available directly from USCIS.

From State dept:
"A U.S. national may acquire foreign nationality by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. national may not lose the nationality of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another nationality does not risk losing U.S. nationality. However, a person who acquires a foreign nationality by applying for it may lose U.S. nationality. In order to lose U.S. nationality, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign nationality voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. nationality.
Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. nationals may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist nationals abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person's allegiance."

And from a legal website:
"Each country has its own policies regarding dual citizenship and renunciation of nationality. Although the oath of allegiance that new U. S. citizens take states that they are renouncing all other governments, often that has as much weight in their home country as a similar oath taken by an American would have in the eyes of the U. S. government. Just as those wishing to renounce U. S. citizenship must follow specific steps, so must those who are giving up another nationality."

@LisaSTl:
The official category of a green card to enter the USA is "Immigrant visa." All these student visas, H-1, fiance visa, etc are classified as "non-immigrant visas." Green cards do not expire. Just the actual plastic card is good for ten years, just like a driver's license or a credit card expires but even if you do not go to replace it and keep the expired one it does not mean that you lose your permanent residency.