Back ground checks

[Angie Y Shane 2]

Needing some advise about security checks, that are done during the I-130 process? I'm the person getting my wife here from Bogotá, Colombia. I'm 32 years old and I have one prior conviction from when I was 21 years old from a stupid bar fight with a guy's night out. As embarrassed to admit my past stupidity I need to at least gain knowledge?

I have been told that they are mainly focused on my wife in an I-130 petition. I did not sign anything being able to disclose my conviction from 11 years ago. The advice I was given was to not file a K-3 status for the being of the prior conviction in 1996. That way I would not have to disclose my conviction and worry of administrative decision or any delays.

Does anyone have any ideas or advice and knowledge of the process of the I-130 process? Should I even worry of this?

God bless & thank you,

[Reba 2]

The do in fact do a background check on the petitioner (you) and I believe they are specifically looking to see if you have a history of domestic violence, or of prior petitions for foreign wives.

Were you an adult when you were convicted before? Does your wife know about the conviction? They may ask her about it, they may not.

[endless 0]

Don't lie, and what you have done doesn't sound like a big deal. it was a mistake and I'm sure if asked you will have no difficulties showing that to them. Inform your wife about it, 'cause they might ask her about it but only at the interview stage.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Here is a link which is a bit outdated, but still may give you some insight, for what it's worth.

http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress03/garrity071003.htm

Edited August 19, 2007 by Nagishkaw

[Angie Y Shane 2]

The do in fact do a background check on the petitioner (you) and I believe they are specifically looking to see if you have a history of domestic violence, or of prior petitions for foreign wives.

Were you an adult when you were convicted before? Does your wife know about the conviction? They may ask her about it, they may not.

Thank to those who responded back. I did in fact tell my wife. In fact we joke about it in a humorous way for making my past a time in my life that I was young stupid. But yes my wife knows my situation well. We were both only worried that it may delay our I-130 petition. We are still in pending status. Thank you guys for your feedback. I was 21 years old and now I’m 32 years old. My maturity has changed allot. I wonder if should take copies of the police report with me to the interview in case they ask if my wife knows? Or better yet write a confession letter have my wife take it and present it only if they ask? My attorney told me they couldn’t deny you the visa if you are honest. I in fact told my wife in the beginning of our relationship.

God bless.

Edited August 19, 2007 by whitteds

[Reba 2]

The deny visas for all sorts of reasons, some of them justified, some seemingly not.

Personally I don't think you'd need to take the court documents, IMO, as long as your wife already knows about it, she should be fine.

[endless 0]

They do ask for court documents for any arrest. So if you have them you'll have to bring them, I still don't think it will be a big deal. Don't write a confession, if they wanna see something they want to see docs. But than again don't worry about it too much.