Minor Children and Immigration Reform

[CdnMN 0]

Is it just me, or are others frustrated with the immigration system? Specifically, is there anybody who is trying – or has tried – to bring your minor child to the US?

Maybe I’m thinking too simplistically; but I can’t see why bringing a minor child from Canada should take so long or be so involved. Also, while I can see the need for lawyers to handle some aspects of immigration, common family issues should not require the need for $500.00/hr lawyers.

There is a lot of talking about immigration reform, but most of it revolves around dealing with illegal immigration. I’m thinking that nobody is considering even looking at immigration and family matters. With divorce being as common as it is; and recognizing that custody agreements can and will change over time, you would think that the process would be easier.

Minor children under the age of 16 should not be viewed as adults.

This entire preamble is to lead up to a simple question. Has anyone here given any consideration as to what to do about this issue? It seems like everyone here gets advice and then goes off to fight their individual battle. While that is necessary, could more be done? Is there a large enough collective voice that could bring this issue to the forefront of Senators and members of Congress?

[NickD 203]

Is it just me, or are others frustrated with the immigration system? Specifically, is there anybody who is trying – or has tried – to bring your minor child to the US?

Maybe I'm thinking too simplistically; but I can't see why bringing a minor child from Canada should take so long or be so involved. Also, while I can see the need for lawyers to handle some aspects of immigration, common family issues should not require the need for $500.00/hr lawyers.

There is a lot of talking about immigration reform, but most of it revolves around dealing with illegal immigration. I'm thinking that nobody is considering even looking at immigration and family matters. With divorce being as common as it is; and recognizing that custody agreements can and will change over time, you would think that the process would be easier.

Minor children under the age of 16 should not be viewed as adults.

This entire preamble is to lead up to a simple question. Has anyone here given any consideration as to what to do about this issue? It seems like everyone here gets advice and then goes off to fight their individual battle. While that is necessary, could more be done? Is there a large enough collective voice that could bring this issue to the forefront of Senators and members of Congress?

Since I know both Russ and Dave personally, just way too many other problems for them to deal with, that so called war, the economy, banks, etc., etc., etc. In 2007, the USCIS only processed 140,000 I-751's, divide that by 350 million people, we are insignificant. Both Feingold and Obey were of some help to me. Paid around $6,000.00 in attorney and legal fees to free up my step daughter to come here. But that was USD I was able to sell on the blackmarket to get over $10,000.00 worth of bolivars. And the attorneys in Venezuela and Colombia were darn cheap compared to here.

Feel every case is different depending on the age of the child, the divorce, and extenuating circumstance. But you need all that paper work before you can bring that child here. It was worth it for me with my new family. Immigration expenses were all in addition to this. Not only dealing with US laws, but other country laws as well. Our congress has no say in other countries.

Edited October 6, 2009 by NickD

[TayRivers 4]

While I agree that the whole immigration process is frustrating, at least there is a legal route available to bring minor children to the USA. I do not think it should make any diffrence is the child comes from Canada or any other country, the process should be the same. There is a case for every relative to be brought here as quickly as possible and no one should have to wait years just to be able to join their family.

As far as children under the age of 16 being viewed as adults they are not, There is specific instructions for minor children when it comes to immigration, but some aspects are the same regardless of age.

I fear that there is little we can do to make any real changes to the law with regard to brining family members to the US. Both my wife and I have gone through the immigration system and while it is frustrating it can al be done without the use of a lawyer.

Tay

[NickD 203]

While I agree that the whole immigration process is frustrating, at least there is a legal route available to bring minor children to the USA. I do not think it should make any diffrence is the child comes from Canada or any other country, the process should be the same. There is a case for every relative to be brought here as quickly as possible and no one should have to wait years just to be able to join their family.

As far as children under the age of 16 being viewed as adults they are not, There is specific instructions for minor children when it comes to immigration, but some aspects are the same regardless of age.

I fear that there is little we can do to make any real changes to the law with regard to brining family members to the US. Both my wife and I have gone through the immigration system and while it is frustrating it can al be done without the use of a lawyer.

Tay

Are you referring to attorneys in the USA or in the foreign country? Can't really complain about our USCIS, step daughter received her EAD in four months, conditional green card in seven months, after we had all the required documentation.

[CdnMN 0]

While I agree that the whole immigration process is frustrating, at least there is a legal route available to bring minor children to the USA. I do not think it should make any diffrence is the child comes from Canada or any other country, the process should be the same. There is a case for every relative to be brought here as quickly as possible and no one should have to wait years just to be able to join their family.

As far as children under the age of 16 being viewed as adults they are not, There is specific instructions for minor children when it comes to immigration, but some aspects are the same regardless of age.

I fear that there is little we can do to make any real changes to the law with regard to brining family members to the US. Both my wife and I have gone through the immigration system and while it is frustrating it can al be done without the use of a lawyer.

Tay

I agree that it should not make a difference what country the child comes from. I only used Canada as a point of reference as that it where I am from.

[NickD 203]

While I agree that the whole immigration process is frustrating, at least there is a legal route available to bring minor children to the USA. I do not think it should make any diffrence is the child comes from Canada or any other country, the process should be the same. There is a case for every relative to be brought here as quickly as possible and no one should have to wait years just to be able to join their family.

As far as children under the age of 16 being viewed as adults they are not, There is specific instructions for minor children when it comes to immigration, but some aspects are the same regardless of age.

I fear that there is little we can do to make any real changes to the law with regard to brining family members to the US. Both my wife and I have gone through the immigration system and while it is frustrating it can al be done without the use of a lawyer.

Tay

I agree that it should not make a difference what country the child comes from. I only used Canada as a point of reference as that it where I am from.

Now a child slightly over 21 years of age, that is a problem, looks like ten years before we will get him here. Age 16 rings a bell for adopting a child, If a child is even within six years of that age, might as well forget about it. But this is more country dependent.

[NArocks 13]

The oldest son of my husband turned 18 about 25 days before we were married, now he has a long wait ahead of him. The step kids that were eligible made it here to the US in about 9 months with an RFE and the xmas holidays inbetween...

It is sad becasue the oldest feels so left out. we filed for the oldest ( hubby as LPR ) Dec 2007 and he may not make the cut off as he turns 21 in March of 2010. which means about 5-7 more years before he can come............

Very sad indeed