After reading this..

[SonoranSongbird 3]

Right. Amy Winehouse's visa never should have been denied because she is not coming permanently, FFS. On the other hand, were she not a celebrity, it never would have been overturned so quickly. Neither of those things is particularly fair in my opinion.

Ron and Sharon's visa never should have been denied because even though he IS immigrating (and therefore reaonably subject to stricter scrutiny than someone who is coming on a short-term basis), there is no valid reason for it being denied. And that is waaay not fair, and also ridiculous. Comparing their situation to Winehouse's may be an apples-and-oranges comparison (because she isn't immigrating), but think about all the people here who need tourist visas to visit their American fiances and are denied, or whose relatives can't attend their wedding because they can't get visas, or who are turned back at the border because of "insufficient evidence of ties to home country" just becuase they are self-employed. I doubt any of them will get those denials reversed in 48 hours.

For that matter, I'm guessing there are plenty people in this forum more deserving of a Grammy nomination than Amy Winehouse, but that's another matter.

PS: Ron rocks!

[LadyJane 1]

Indeed, I forgot about that whole equality thing. {sarcasm}

Afterall, the dogs will be living in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in America.

[kcmetzy 0]

Right. Amy Winehouse's visa never should have been denied because she is not coming permanently, FFS. On the other hand, were she not a celebrity, it never would have been overturned so quickly. Neither of those things is particularly fair in my opinion.

Ron and Sharon's visa never should have been denied because even though he IS immigrating (and therefore reaonably subject to stricter scrutiny than someone who is coming on a short-term basis), there is no valid reason for it being denied. And that is waaay not fair, and also ridiculous. Comparing their situation to Winehouse's may be an apples-and-oranges comparison (because she isn't immigrating), but think about all the people here who need tourist visas to visit their American fiances and are denied, or whose relatives can't attend their wedding because they can't get visas, or who are turned back at the border because of "insufficient evidence of ties to home country" just becuase they are self-employed. I doubt any of them will get those denials reversed in 48 hours.

For that matter, I'm guessing there are plenty people in this forum more deserving of a Grammy nomination than Amy Winehouse, but that's another matter.

PS: Ron rocks!

I was under the impression that it doesn't matter if you are immigrating or visiting you can not have drug convictions. A friend of my husband's is banned from the u.s. for having a drug conviction. He doesn't really care about visiting here all that much or else he would file a waiver. He was not immigrating, just picking up a friend who had flown into seattle. He did not have drugs on him but "looked" like a druggie. He went into secondary questioning where they found out he had a previous conviction (marijuana) and he is now banned from the U.S.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Right. Amy Winehouse's visa never should have been denied because she is not coming permanently, FFS. On the other hand, were she not a celebrity, it never would have been overturned so quickly. Neither of those things is particularly fair in my opinion.

Ron and Sharon's visa never should have been denied because even though he IS immigrating (and therefore reaonably subject to stricter scrutiny than someone who is coming on a short-term basis), there is no valid reason for it being denied. And that is waaay not fair, and also ridiculous. Comparing their situation to Winehouse's may be an apples-and-oranges comparison (because she isn't immigrating), but think about all the people here who need tourist visas to visit their American fiances and are denied, or whose relatives can't attend their wedding because they can't get visas, or who are turned back at the border because of "insufficient evidence of ties to home country" just becuase they are self-employed. I doubt any of them will get those denials reversed in 48 hours.

For that matter, I'm guessing there are plenty people in this forum more deserving of a Grammy nomination than Amy Winehouse, but that's another matter.

PS: Ron rocks!

I was under the impression that it doesn't matter if you are immigrating or visiting you can not have drug convictions. A friend of my husband's is banned from the u.s. for having a drug conviction. He doesn't really care about visiting here all that much or else he would file a waiver. He was not immigrating, just picking up a friend who had flown into seattle. He did not have drugs on him but "looked" like a druggie. He went into secondary questioning where they found out he had a previous conviction (marijuana) and he is now banned from the U.S.

That Ron is immigrating is self-evident but Amy Winehouse is not. One presumes that Ron has had stricter security screening than Winehouse since he had to fill out all those forms. I can remember talking to the CBP who was fingerprinting me about whether a refusal in any way alters an application for an immigration visa. He clearly told me that it does not. Having said that, the CBP can put all sorts of garbage on your record and voila, an instant ban. Ron was screwed over by Debbie de Torquemada over something that happened how long ago? At least two presidents, Kennedy and Bush have used drugs and if Obama wins, that will make three. Yes, the situation of Winehouse and that of Ron are slightly different but the odium and the sophistry, especially in Ron's situation is beyond hypocritical.

BTW, no new news about Pop.

[trailmix 77]

BTW, no new news about Pop.

That is ridiculous.

On a side note, I had never really heard of Amy before this. Saw her on the Grammys last night. I liked her performance.

[rhymeswithcandi 0]

Right. Amy Winehouse's visa never should have been denied because she is not coming permanently, FFS. On the other hand, were she not a celebrity, it never would have been overturned so quickly. Neither of those things is particularly fair in my opinion.

Ron and Sharon's visa never should have been denied because even though he IS immigrating (and therefore reaonably subject to stricter scrutiny than someone who is coming on a short-term basis), there is no valid reason for it being denied. And that is waaay not fair, and also ridiculous. Comparing their situation to Winehouse's may be an apples-and-oranges comparison (because she isn't immigrating), but think about all the people here who need tourist visas to visit their American fiances and are denied, or whose relatives can't attend their wedding because they can't get visas, or who are turned back at the border because of "insufficient evidence of ties to home country" just becuase they are self-employed. I doubt any of them will get those denials reversed in 48 hours.

For that matter, I'm guessing there are plenty people in this forum more deserving of a Grammy nomination than Amy Winehouse, but that's another matter.

PS: Ron rocks!

I was under the impression that it doesn't matter if you are immigrating or visiting you can not have drug convictions. A friend of my husband's is banned from the u.s. for having a drug conviction. He doesn't really care about visiting here all that much or else he would file a waiver. He was not immigrating, just picking up a friend who had flown into seattle. He did not have drugs on him but "looked" like a druggie. He went into secondary questioning where they found out he had a previous conviction (marijuana) and he is now banned from the U.S.

That's exactly what I was thinking. There have been a lot of responses to this post that are making a strong distinction between immigrants coming to the US and visitors. While obviously there are HUGE differences between these two groups (fingerprinting, background investigations, medical exams etc.) there is no distinction when it comes to having a history of drug charges.

Like kcmetzy said, any history of drug charges can be grounds for visa (entry) refusal or being banned from the US altogether - whether the person is coming to immigrate, go shopping for the day or perform at the Grammy awards. I've heard of loads of people (friends of friends) being completely banned from visiting the US because of drug charges (sometimes is the WAY distant past).

I really like Amy Winehouse and I think she's pretty talented... but I think it's pretty lame that she successfully appealed the visa refusal.. especially since she has just recently been so openly involved in drugs.

[KarenCee 3]

Right. Amy Winehouse's visa never should have been denied because she is not coming permanently, FFS.

She should have been denied and her appeal rejected BECAUSE of the drugs. I could care less about the Grammys or whatever crock of shite she was here for.

On the other hand, were she not a celebrity, it never would have been overturned so quickly. Neither of those things is particularly fair in my opinion.

Ron and Sharon's visa never should have been denied because even though he IS immigrating (and therefore reaonably subject to stricter scrutiny than someone who is coming on a short-term basis), there is no valid reason for it being denied. And that is waaay not fair, and also ridiculous. Comparing their situation to Winehouse's may be an apples-and-oranges comparison (because she isn't immigrating), but think about all the people here who need tourist visas to visit their American fiances and are denied, or whose relatives can't attend their wedding because they can't get visas, or who are turned back at the border because of "insufficient evidence of ties to home country" just becuase they are self-employed. I doubt any of them will get those denials reversed in 48 hours.

For that matter, I'm guessing there are plenty people in this forum more deserving of a Grammy nomination than Amy Winehouse, but that's another matter.

PS: Ron rocks!

I was under the impression that it doesn't matter if you are immigrating or visiting you can not have drug convictions. A friend of my husband's is banned from the u.s. for having a drug conviction. He doesn't really care about visiting here all that much or else he would file a waiver. He was not immigrating, just picking up a friend who had flown into seattle. He did not have drugs on him but "looked" like a druggie. He went into secondary questioning where they found out he had a previous conviction (marijuana) and he is now banned from the U.S.

That's exactly what I was thinking. There have been a lot of responses to this post that are making a strong distinction between immigrants coming to the US and visitors. While obviously there are HUGE differences between these two groups (fingerprinting, background investigations, medical exams etc.) there is no distinction when it comes to having a history of drug charges.

Like kcmetzy said, any history of drug charges can be grounds for visa (entry) refusal or being banned from the US altogether - whether the person is coming to immigrate, go shopping for the day or perform at the Grammy awards. I've heard of loads of people (friends of friends) being completely banned from visiting the US because of drug charges (sometimes is the WAY distant past).

Precisely!!! The regulations surrounding admittance to the US or being denied entrance to the US should be the same across the board for everyone. As my momma always said "They put their pants on just like everyone else does." She didn't merit any special treatment just because of who she is, but like others have said...money and position talk pretty damn loud it seems.

I really like Amy Winehouse and I think she's pretty talented... but I think it's pretty lame that she successfully appealed the visa refusal.. especially since she has just recently been so openly involved in drugs.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Like kcmetzy said, any history of drug charges can be grounds for visa (entry) refusal or being banned from the US altogether - whether the person is coming to immigrate, go shopping for the day or perform at the Grammy awards. I've heard of loads of people (friends of friends) being completely banned from visiting the US because of drug charges (sometimes is the WAY distant past).

Precisely!!! The regulations surrounding admittance to the US or being denied entrance to the US should be the same across the board for everyone. As my momma always said "They put their pants on just like everyone else does." She didn't merit any special treatment just because of who she is, but like others have said...money and position talk pretty damn loud it seems.

I really like Amy Winehouse and I think she's pretty talented... but I think it's pretty lame that she successfully appealed the visa refusal.. especially since she has just recently been so openly involved in drugs.

sister... have you seen pictures of this Amy wino character? I severely doubt she knows how to put on pants.... man the trash has arrived!!!!

[KarenCee 3]

Yes...and I am NOT impressed. *sigh* So I wonder who told her that using and abusing drugs is so cool.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Yes...and I am NOT impressed. *sigh* So I wonder who told her that using and abusing drugs is so cool.

Yeaahhh babeee.... and then people actually ask themselves how come teens think that dressing like a skank and doing drugs is so en vogue... :wacko:

oh, wait! it's the Mexicans and the Colombians fault. My bad, forgot that little detail.

Edited February 12, 2008 by Len_and_Bren

[KarenCee 3]

Yes...and I am NOT impressed. *sigh* So I wonder who told her that using and abusing drugs is so cool.

Yeaahhh babeee.... and then people actually ask themselves how come teens think that dressing like a skank and dropping "E" is so en vogue...

What scares the shite out of me is watching my little THIRD GRADE GIRLS wanting to look like these pathetic performers. Yes I am critical and scathing in my descriptions. If this is all my girls have to accept as role models...heaven help us all.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Yes...and I am NOT impressed. *sigh* So I wonder who told her that using and abusing drugs is so cool.

Yeaahhh babeee.... and then people actually ask themselves how come teens think that dressing like a skank and dropping "E" is so en vogue...

What scares the shite out of me is watching my little THIRD GRADE GIRLS wanting to look like these pathetic performers. Yes I am critical and scathing in my descriptions. If this is all my girls have to accept as role models...heaven help us all.

That's why the role of educators becomes a Herculean task Karen. Not that they should be all in charge - but rather forming real partnerships with parents in a culturally relevant manner. I really don't envy you sister, being a teacher this day and age must be the most ungrateful job sometimes --- but I KNOW you are doing the best everyday

[SpiritAlight 1]

...

especially in Ron's situation is beyond hypocritical.

BTW, no new news about Pop.

I am still feeling sick to my stomach...every time I read about Ron and all the rest that are being reprimanded for something they have already moved beyond. Years beyond.

As for your father's case Mumsie, THAT is absolutely UNFAIR, UNREASONABLE, and INAPPROPRIATE.

I curse USCIS with doom and unmitigated failure.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

...

especially in Ron's situation is beyond hypocritical.

BTW, no new news about Pop.

I am still feeling sick to my stomach...every time I read about Ron and all the rest that are being reprimanded for something they have already moved beyond. Years beyond.

As for your father's case Mumsie, THAT is absolutely UNFAIR, UNREASONABLE, and INAPPROPRIATE.

I curse USCIS with doom and unmitigated failure.

Here Here!!!!

I think Mumsie should form a band and perform outside of the consulate. THAT would freak them out so very much that they would grant BOTH Ron and Pop's visas

[LadyJane 1]

We'd join the band too.