Mail Order Bride Newspaper Article /Star Telegram

[Karen_L 1]

Ugh -- "Mail order bride." That language casts doubts on the legitimacy of ALL international relationships. I find it funny that people don't expect there to be more international unions -- in this age of (relatively) cheap travel and access to a nearly free global communication system, it seems only natural that people will meet each other and develop relationships. Aside from myself, for instance, I know of 3 other girls who met their fiances while studying abroad, another who met hers while on vacation, and I think a majority of people in here met their future spouses online. I don't see why people still think it's so weird (even a little unacceptable? ) to have a fiance/fiancee who lives overseas.

[Wrenly 0]

Ugh -- "Mail order bride." That language casts doubts on the legitimacy of ALL international relationships. I find it funny that people don't expect there to be more international unions -- in this age of (relatively) cheap travel and access to a nearly free global communication system, it seems only natural that people will meet each other and develop relationships. Aside from myself, for instance, I know of 3 other girls who met their fiances while studying abroad, another who met hers while on vacation, and I think a majority of people in here met their future spouses online. I don't see why people still think it's so weird (even a little unacceptable? ) to have a fiance/fiancee who lives overseas.

You're right...yet I still kind of dread the "how did you meet" question and explaining that we met online.

[GREEN/TRAN 0]

Just emailed to Jim Witt, Senior VP, Executive Editor: jwitt@star-telegram.com

"Dear Mr. Witt,

I am writing to voice my disgust with the headline on the article at this link: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/nation/14814686.htm

"Mail-order brides on hold waiting for new forms"

As a USA petitioner of a woman from another country, I can assure you the term "Mail Order Bride" is as derogatory and insulting as any racial epithet. Your headline adds insult to the injury already inflicted by USCIS and DHS inability to manage and execute the fiance visa process. Petitioners are put through a convoluted, emotionally wrenching process lasting 9 months-2 years.

Couples applying for fiancee visas expend thousands of dollars in application fees, travel expenses, and penalties for canceled plans as the visa application grinds its way through a broken system.

Did you know a good percentage of petitioners are women? Yes, their bride in another country is a man. Your headline further insults them!

For your publication to classify our "brides" as "Mail-Order" plays into old stereotypes perpetuated by people who have no idea what the truth is. A "Mail Order Bride" does not exist. Your editorial department owes visa applicants an apology for your insensitive headline."

While I am not nearly as well spoken as some of you, I think I made my point. I urge all of you to respond to Mr. Witt and explain the damage being done.

I SAY WELL SAID, WONDERFUL