Another HCMC black eye

[lindal24 1]

In fact, I can't think of a single aspect of living in Vietnam that would be better than living in the US.

ill have to disagree.

(her) family, Food, Friends. also The life style. Family in VN is a big big deal. hell that's the 2nd most thing I look forward to when I go to VN. (1st of course is my fiancee) and the food is amazing, things just don't taste the same here in the USA. maybe its the atmosphere or temperature. I don't know but as for life it self maybe you wont be as healthy or as worldly knowledgeable but you will have great people around you always. if I had to be envious of my fiancee for any reason, that would be it. The huge tight nit family, everyone helping each other. you just don't see that in USA. That was one thing that clicked for Phi and I. we both had the same morals and wants in life. So if you are scared about fraud its ok. but don't let your fear hinder your life!

Remember: " 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all." -Alfred Lord Tennyson 1850

Personally I would rather go through heartbreak than never have known my fiancee. She is the most wonderful person in the world, and there is no1 on this planet like her.

I so totally agree on ALL of your points!!

[ScottThuy 140]

I so totally agree on ALL of your points!!

[BinhJerome 14]

My fiancee is 43. Does that mean I get the runner-up plaque instead of the trophy?

Wow...she looks great for 43!!

In all fairness, we got up at 3:30 am so the makeup artist could work on her. We got to the temple at 5:30 am for the ceremony. But even without the makeup, I think she's gorgeous (I'm biased, of course). When we left for the party that afternoon, she was in her gown and I was in my tux, we got off the elevator and everyone in the hotel lobby gasped when they saw her - and then they started to applaud. My sister said she thought she was with "Branjolina"!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I agree we are all probably biased on our loved ones, but you do have a looker Jim.

Jerome

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

In fact, I can't think of a single aspect of living in Vietnam that would be better than living in the US.

ill have to disagree.

(her) family, Food, Friends. also The life style. Family in VN is a big big deal. hell that's the 2nd most thing I look forward to when I go to VN. (1st of course is my fiancee) and the food is amazing, things just don't taste the same here in the USA. maybe its the atmosphere or temperature. I don't know but as for life it self maybe you wont be as healthy or as worldly knowledgeable but you will have great people around you always. if I had to be envious of my fiancee for any reason, that would be it. The huge tight nit family, everyone helping each other. you just don't see that in USA. That was one thing that clicked for Phi and I. we both had the same morals and wants in life. So if you are scared about fraud its ok. but don't let your fear hinder your life!

Remember: " 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all." -Alfred Lord Tennyson 1850

Personally I would rather go through heartbreak than never have known my fiancee. She is the most wonderful person in the world, and there is no1 on this planet like her.

I've got all the Vietnamese food I could possibly want around here. There are more than a dozen Vietnamese restaurants in my town, and I live in one of the smaller towns around the SF bay. I also mentioned in another thread, I don't really like VN food very much. Phuong doesn't like western food much, either. At our ages, we're probably not going to change.

Phuong has practically as much family here as she does in VN. I've been to more of the "important" family events here in the US, but that's mainly because I've spent a lot more time here than in VN. The only thing I don't get here are the daily family meals with Phuong, but we'll have those as soon as she arrives in the US.

Life is different in the US, there's no doubt about that. Vietnamese extended families tend to be a lot closer than American families, but I haven't noticed that Vietnamese families in the US are significantly different from families in Vietnam. This has to do with culture, and not country. I don't have to go all the way to Vietnam to see tight knit Vietnamese families - I see them every day, and since Phuong and I became engaged I am now part of one, and so are my mother and daughter. The biggest difference I've seen is that Vietnamese families in the US tend to have a much better standard of living than those in Vietnam.

I have noticed one thing about Vietnamese families in the US that might be considered a bad thing, relative to families in Vietnam. In the US, most people are away from the home during the day. The kids are off at school, and both parents are working. The house is often empty. My friend brought his elderly mother here from Vietnam last year. She got lonely during the day with only a family friend to keep her company. She went back to live in the village in Vietnam, where there are always people in the home, and neighborhood kids and friends stopping by. I guess this is why many Vietnamese people want to live in the US, but return to Vietnam when they retire.

If there's anything about family that's going to be difficult for Phuong, it will be that she won't be able to see her baby granddaughter or mother as often as she does now. On the other hand, if I moved to Vietnam than I wouldn't be able to see my mother and daughter every day like I do now, and they wouldn't be able to depend on me for support anymore.

[ScottThuy 140]

I've got all the Vietnamese food I could possibly want around here. There are more than a dozen Vietnamese restaurants in my town, and I live in one of the smaller towns around the SF bay.

Aw C'mon Jim... I feel like I am up in the Tundra with no food available at this point... The only VN place around here is almost OK... That isnt saying much for it.... I would love to have some good VN food here... Quit waving that steak in front of this starving man...

I better be careful what I ask for because that may be all I eat for some time when she gets here

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I've got all the Vietnamese food I could possibly want around here. There are more than a dozen Vietnamese restaurants in my town, and I live in one of the smaller towns around the SF bay.

Aw C'mon Jim... I feel like I am up in the Tundra with no food available at this point... The only VN place around here is almost OK... That isnt saying much for it.... I would love to have some good VN food here... Quit waving that steak in front of this starving man...

I better be careful what I ask for because that may be all I eat for some time when she gets here

We actually have VN chain restaurants around here. Want a bowl of noodle soup? Go to Mr. Pho! Want a nice banh mi? Go to Lees Sandwich!

There's a privately owned restaurant here in town owned by a VN lady who went to chef's school in Paris. The result is primarily Vietnamese food, with some other Asian dishes, and a French bakery! Even in VN, I never had banh mi with baguettes that came out of the oven only minutes ago!

If you and Thuy ever make it out to the "left coast", give us a holler. We'll make sure you're stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey! Or, if you'd prefer a "family affair", with a room full of people seated in a circle around the straw mat covered with food (and beer for the guys), that can easily be arranged as well.

[luckytxn 2,265]

We have many VN places to eat around these parts. I even live near the water and if I need fresh fish, shrimp, squid, etc I can get super duper low prices from friends of the family that own the boats and goes out to get the catch. Even not far away we have a huge market for anything. My wife knows where it all is very well.

[ScottThuy 140]

We actually have VN chain restaurants around here. Want a bowl of noodle soup? Go to Mr. Pho! Want a nice banh mi? Go to Lees Sandwich!

There's a privately owned restaurant here in town owned by a VN lady who went to chef's school in Paris. The result is primarily Vietnamese food, with some other Asian dishes, and a French bakery! Even in VN, I never had banh mi with baguettes that came out of the oven only minutes ago!

If you and Thuy ever make it out to the "left coast", give us a holler. We'll make sure you're stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey! Or, if you'd prefer a "family affair", with a room full of people seated in a circle around the straw mat covered with food (and beer for the guys), that can easily be arranged as well.

I would love to do a cross country road trip when I get this car finished.... maybe another year or more.... less if I hit the lotto...

[Kevin and 10]

We have many VN places to eat around these parts. I even live near the water and if I need fresh fish, shrimp, squid, etc I can get super duper low prices from friends of the family that own the boats and goes out to get the catch. Even not far away we have a huge market for anything. My wife knows where it all is very well.

I'm jealous.

[lindal24 1]

If there's anything about family that's going to be difficult for Phuong, it will be that she won't be able to see her baby granddaughter or mother as often as she does now. On the other hand, if I moved to Vietnam than I wouldn't be able to see my mother and daughter every day like I do now, and they wouldn't be able to depend on me for support anymore.

Wow...baby granddaughter?? Maybe it's because she looks so young that I'm in disbelief!!! lol...she looks REALLY good!

We have many VN places to eat around these parts. I even live near the water and if I need fresh fish, shrimp, squid, etc I can get super duper low prices from friends of the family that own the boats and goes out to get the catch. Even not far away we have a huge market for anything. My wife knows where it all is very well.

I may have to relocate to Houston (I currently live in SA) for my husband and familiarity. It ain't so bad though...all of my family lives over there...

[Josephs 0]

Jim, I didn't mean to say that you aren't prepared or ready. all I was saying is that VN life is much different. so even if there is everything available to make it more like VN and make the adjustment easier, it will still be tough. best advice I can give you is make sure you stock up on calling cards. (although I am sure you will be well prepared.)

I my self Live in Wisconsin. In the city i live, we have little VN food (but many Chinese and Hmong food). we have a few Asian grocery stores, but they are owned by Hmong people. The Adjustment for Phi is going to be very tough. Winter for about 5 months will be the hardest thing for us to deal with. Phi has never seen snow or felt cold weather. cold to her is in the lower 70's. Here It can get below 0. It's a big difference. I my self am doing my best to help her get adjusted when she comes her. she is 28 and I am 23. Much younger I think, than the average person but I met my match. But I think our young age will help to a point. I am a very flexible person and I do love VN food as well as all kinds of other foods. Phi and I are now waiting on Test results for TB. She had her interview but she did not pass her medical. once she passes her medical then she will get her visa. that is why we got Blue.

I guess my post was directed to everyone. To help any fear or unease people had or worries with these fraud cases. (but don't be blind, if something doesn't feel right or if your relationship is not close like a "normal" relationship then take a step back and look at your situation) Know the person you are marrying.(or married to(oh god please, I hope you already know them and they know you!)) don't be afraid to ask any questions or concerns you have, and also listen to your fiancee (wife). Know your fiancee's (wife's) fears and what they expect when they get here. Show and tell them as much as you can about your city and how you live in it. How your family is setup and how it works. everyone's family is different, everyone's life is different. Your fiancee(or wife) may have heard things from family members or gotten an idea how of USA life is from family or friends in the USA. Make sure you tell them how things are here in your own situation.

I hope no one takes offense to my post. I am just here offering my opinion and I hope my help.

[Josephs 0]

to add (it wouldnt let me edit )

Phi is from Vinh Long. her parents are farmers. she is more of a "country" girl and I like that. also she has many family in VN. she has a family from both her mother and fathers side here in the USA, but she talks mostly with her family on her mother side. she has 2 uncles and 1 aunt from her mothers side that live in USA. (Cau tu also Mo tu, Cau moui and Di bay) her aunt lives in my city with the people that introduced us to each other. her 2 uncles live in Chicago. one of her uncles has a Wife that came to USA but left because she missed VN. she now lives in VN and he goes their for 3 months a year to be with his wife. she does have family close so that is a great thing, but most of her family is in VN. I will agree with you Jim, that VN families in USA are close to VN families in VN. but it is the daily life that changes how they work. (VN compared to VN in USA) At least in my situation and what I observe.

[luckytxn 2,265]

We have many VN places to eat around these parts. I even live near the water and if I need fresh fish, shrimp, squid, etc I can get super duper low prices from friends of the family that own the boats and goes out to get the catch. Even not far away we have a huge market for anything. My wife knows where it all is very well.

I'm jealous.

Life is good for us for sure.

My babe has a Aunt that lives up your way. When she comes down here for a visit she takes back a couple of coolers full of shrimp.

[Matt_Stevens 5]

This is a very interesting thread. As some of you know, Anh has been here for over three years and this month we received a letter asking for additional information in regards to her Ten Year GC. It seems they don't think we are legit, which shocked us, to say the least. Everything up to now has been so easy (in regards to her case). I can remember when I posted here that Anh's visa was approved many were shocked because it happened in less than five months. BAM, she got it.

Life here in the USA has been very hard on Anh. She was miserable in North Carolina, suffering severe home sickness and depression. We moved to NYC, which I flat out HATE as a place to live, but Anh loves it. She has a very good job (a raise every six months so far, one of only two in the company to receive so many in that time) and plenty of new friends. Not to mention the Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese food availability. There was nothing in NC.

Unfortunately, I lost my job at Bank of America in January and so that has damaged us financially. She wants kids NOW but I cannot allow that to happen with such economic chaos in our lives. Her family advised us to leave the USA and move to Saigon. I actually would welcome it, were I able to find work. NYC is a great place to visit, but living there requires serious amounts of money. I truly cannot stand the parking situation and the high stress levels involved in living and working (not working) there. Saigon was an amazing place and in my time in Vietnam I was amazed at how much more relaxed everyone is. I'd welcome that lifestyle and for certain, the Vietnamese diet would allow me to shave off the ten pounds I so desperately want to drop, but can't.

Not to say all would be perfect. I would miss the bountiful amount of HDTV we can get here and certainly would have trouble being without HBO and Showtime boxing broadcasts. As a huge boxing fan, I would have to find ways to have them sent to me on DVD or something. The terrible heat would be a bother, but I would just have to deal with it. Not having a car would be kind of liberating.

Anh and I are gathering the additional evidence and will send the packet in to USCIC the week after next, but expect we will be forced to have an interview. It's complicated. Check our ongoing thread to understand why.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=218029

When Anh learned of the letter we received from USCIS, she used the F word for the first time that I can recall. She has friends that came here via fraud. One married her cousin. All had zero problems. Yet we are having to deal with this stress. She was so upset that she just flew off the handle. It was stunning to see, but understandable. The government questioning us, questioning her, just seems insane when you consider all the fraudulent unions that get by each and every day.

Make no mistake, there more fraudulent unions coming out of Vietnam than might want to think. It happens. Most involve two complicit parties. It's the cases where the U.S. citizen gets scammed that are so heartbreaking.

[Kevin&Loan 0]

Matt,

It is great to hear from you, my old partner ... I am sorry about your situation. Be positive and work your way out, my man. I am getting ready to file for the 10-year GC for my wife next week as well. I won't be so shock when we hit another road block again since we had to jump through hoops, bent backward, forward many times in the past to get her visa and her 2-yr GC.

Have you guys ever consider Houston or even as far as California, Orange County to be exact? These two places have the most Vietnamese immigrants and whatever you have in VN, they have it here ... all of it, the good, the bad and even the ugly hehehe ... Cost of living is also much less lower than that of NYC and there are still plenty of jobs here to be filled anyway.

Again, good to see you and hope things will be fine for you.