No reason for some VJers to be envious or angry

[ischia 0]

Dear Friends:

A little insight as to challenges that face Cuban K-1 applicants and why there is no reason for some VJers to be envious, angry or even stressed out on why CSA appears to approve or even look over some Cuban cases so quickly while others sit around and take longer. If you could only imagine how a normal, loving relationship in Cuba is so exhausting and difficult to manage as basic human necessities are daily challenges that no one could ever understand. Not even Cubans! For example; there are no visits of any kind permitted due to a 45 year old US economic embargo and if such visits indeed take place, there is often no proof of entry as the Cuban government does not stamp US Passports. Letters never reach your loved ones due to a failed Cuban postal system. There is no Fed-Ex, UPS or any priority or overnight services to Cuba so you better have all your documents in order or else. E-mails, IM's, Chats are non-existent because Cubans are not allowed internet access. Phone calls (at a rate of $1.89 per minute) are to different numbers as most Cubans (especially from the interior) do not have their own telephone lines at home and have to depend on a neighbor or a public phone to maintain contact with their loved one's. Cell Phones are for foreign tourists or diplomats only and no ordinary Cuban can legally own one, so no text messaging either. How about that! Now, can you imagine a simple request for proof of relationship? This is actually a very simple request but a very difficult task for petitioners like us given these types of circumstances. With all that said, even when you are lucky enough to have your US visa approved during the whole K-1 Process, the Cuban immigration now has to approve the departure by paying a $400 departure tax and a very lengthy wait and let's see process where they can tell you if you can actually leave the country. OH! Let's not forget that you only have 3 months to enter the US once your K-1 visa has been issued by the consulate or your visa gets cancelled. How about that! Now, would you want to trade places? So I beg of you not to get hysterical, offended, enraged or even jealous as to why (if true) Cuban petitions are processed more quickly, as I am quite certain that none one of you is willing to endure our pain and sufferings just to have your loved ones next to you. So a month or two of longer wait time is a very small price for freedom that we often take for granted.

[Elmira 1]

Exuse me? But how you met each other?

[ischia 0]

Exuse me? But how you met each other?

There are no visits of any kind permitted by law due to a 45 year old US economic embargo....Therefore, I highly doubt I could answer your question.... I am sure you being from Khazikstan the former Soviet Union know what I am talking about.

Edited July 16, 2007 by ischia

[Elmira 1]

Exuse me? But how you met each other?

There are no visits of any kind permitted by law due to a 45 year old US economic embargo....Therefore, I highly doubt I could answer your question....

OK...

[CzechMate 16]

Yeah, Im curious too.... If there is no internet and no US tourism there and she didnt come to the US. How did you meet?

And incidentally, Cuba doesnt get processed any faster or slower than any other country except maybe the UK and Canada according to the stats.

[Elmira 1]

Yeah, Im curious too.... If there is no internet and no US tourism there and she didnt come to the US. How did you meet?

And incidentally, Cuba doesnt get processed any faster or slower than any other country except maybe the UK and Canada according to the stats.

I absolutely agree

[niceguy26 0]

how many different reposts do you plan to make? just thought I'd ask

[rika60607 215]

Actually, at least CR1/K3 applicants have been seen flying through USCIS in 1 day. Don't know about K1.

Well, as for how they met - I am guessing a 3rd country. All that is described is very familiar, except - no I-net access? Wow.

But, I doubt that anyone can envy or be angry at a Cuban. They are a charming and charismatic bunch

So in addition they are lucky too, just a part of the charm

And please don't make it sound like Cuba is such a horrible place. There is much worse, you know. And how can it be so bad if people coming out are so wonderful and lively?

Rika

[Aymerlu 3]

Aren't the K-1's good for a 6 month entry, not a 3 month, or am I still sleeping? (Highly possible....I haven't had my caffiene yet)

Many countires have their issues......it's not only Cuba.

[TracyTN 237]

I don't think people were angry, I think they just didn't understand the reasons why Cubans seemed to sail through the service center. I, for one, appreciate your educational post!

[weedebz 0]

ischia thanks for your post. I found it very informative. I wish you and your loved one all the best for the future.

[Quinn 2]

I don't think this post explained why Cubans are expedited through the system.

Apart from the very real embargo on Cuba, much of what you describe as being singular to Cuba are problems that I'm sure many USCs experience with their foreign SOs. Many countries have non-existent postal systems, poor internet and phone service. Luckily, I'm able to talk with my SO everyday. But I know other people are not nearly as lucky. While the difference may not be political, and more of an economic issue, in the end, what does it matter when two people who love each other cannot talk to each other? I find it a little condescending that you describe the quick processing time in terms of the way Cubans suffer. We're all suffering, and I think there are many people who are suffering just as much as the Cubans, and yet they do not get their petitions expedited.

I don't think anyone was jealous of the Cubans, they were just questioning why they get their petitions processed so quickly, and I still don't know why.

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

Aren't the K-1's good for a 6 month entry, not a 3 month, or am I still sleeping? (Highly possible....I haven't had my caffiene yet)

Many countires have their issues......it's not only Cuba.

That is exactly what I was going to say.

[trueimage 0]

I'm not jealous that Cubans get processed quicker no more than I was about VSC processing petitions quicker than CSC. That's just the way it is and so be it. However, many of our SO's come from countries that aren't necessarily better off as far as communication access and other issues also. Most of our SO's come from impoverished nations. Many people have SO's that will go straight into AR for who knows how long or even get denied for reasons that we can't understand. It's a difficult process for everyone. Nobody has an easy ride and each case is different from the next.

Thank you for enlightening us on how the process works for Cubans. Cuba is always a mysterious nation for the very reasons that you described. It's very interesting. But you gotta know, we are all very curious about how you met your SO. Please tell us how you met. Everyone loves a good love story!!!!!!

[payxibka 10,045]

Aren't the K-1's good for a 6 month entry, not a 3 month, or am I still sleeping?

Yes, you are sleeping... if you are admitted using a K-1 visa you will receive a 90 day entry.