41% K 1 Fiance Visas Denied?

[tony1343 0]

Well, I definitely wouldn't go with someone who is possibly engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. In Minnesota, where he lives, to practice law one must be licensed by the Bar. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unlicensed people out there in immigration (and for wills). Many of them (maybe not this guy but others) prey on illegal immigrants.

[Krikit 1,164]

"Consider that on immigration web forums, there are only about 10 to 30 active writers with just one "expert" being followed by a handful of confused individuals reporting their progress. The sum total experience involved is a few cases while immigration professionals have thousands of case experiences. Also remember that you don't find failed case commentators on these forums."

[Kittyfang 6]

"Consider that on immigration web forums, there are only about 10 to 30 active writers with just one "expert" being followed by a handful of confused individuals reporting their progress. The sum total experience involved is a few cases while immigration professionals have thousands of case experiences. Also remember that you don't find failed case commentators on these forums."

Is that something he said on his web site? Because if it is, he's in the wrong. I don't know about "expert", but I would say that the collective knowledge around here is pretty good. As for "failed cases", there are a lot of people commenting on them and sharing their experiences with others.

You know, all the attorneys and legal people... I can't help but think about people here who have hired attorneys, only to have those file incorrectly, or not advise them of an RFE and delay their case. I know there are good attorneys, but still. Immigration is complicated, but not so much so that you cannot file one form without an attorney.

[pushbrk 12,883]

"Consider that on immigration web forums, there are only about 10 to 30 active writers with just one "expert" being followed by a handful of confused individuals reporting their progress. The sum total experience involved is a few cases while immigration professionals have thousands of case experiences. Also remember that you don't find failed case commentators on these forums."

Is that something he said on his web site? Because if it is, he's in the wrong. I don't know about "expert", but I would say that the collective knowledge around here is pretty good. As for "failed cases", there are a lot of people commenting on them and sharing their experiences with others.

You know, all the attorneys and legal people... I can't help but think about people here who have hired attorneys, only to have those file incorrectly, or not advise them of an RFE and delay their case. I know there are good attorneys, but still. Immigration is complicated, but not so much so that you cannot file one form without an attorney.

You evidently haven't filed yet, if you think it's "one form". Do it yourself, is not for everybody. Some people really shouldn't try this at home. It's also true that many who charge for services, aren't qualified or are not diligent but that's not limited to immigration matters.

Unfortunately, some people are not only unqualified to do it themselves but are also unqualified to choose competent professional assistance.

Edited October 18, 2009 by pushbrk

[Kittyfang 6]

"Consider that on immigration web forums, there are only about 10 to 30 active writers with just one "expert" being followed by a handful of confused individuals reporting their progress. The sum total experience involved is a few cases while immigration professionals have thousands of case experiences. Also remember that you don't find failed case commentators on these forums."

Is that something he said on his web site? Because if it is, he's in the wrong. I don't know about "expert", but I would say that the collective knowledge around here is pretty good. As for "failed cases", there are a lot of people commenting on them and sharing their experiences with others.

You know, all the attorneys and legal people... I can't help but think about people here who have hired attorneys, only to have those file incorrectly, or not advise them of an RFE and delay their case. I know there are good attorneys, but still. Immigration is complicated, but not so much so that you cannot file one form without an attorney.

You evidently haven't filed yet, if you think it's "one form". Do it yourself, is not for everybody. Some people really shouldn't try this at home. It's also true that many who charge for services, aren't qualified or are not diligent but that's not limited to immigration matters.

Unfortunately, some people are not only unqualified to do it themselves but are also unqualified to choose competent professional assistance.

No, I know it's not one form only. My point is that, the forms themselves, are easy to file out. Their implications behind them are where an attorney might be useful, then again, many people do it on their own.

Honestly, there is a lot of information (and misinformation) going around. The trick is not to listen to only one source, it is to listen to everything and figure out what's what.

Edited October 18, 2009 by Kittyfang

[thongd4me 69]

NBB - Nothing But Bull$hit (as far as the Bar Association is concerned)

Any association that pretends to self-police itself is just fooling itself and the general public.

I found out first hand when I tried to ask my local bar association the procedures for firing one lawyer

and hiring another one. It turned out I got the right answer from the best lawyer in my organization

in about 20 seconds after a frustrating phone call to the bar association.

[Kittyfang 6]

NBB - Nothing But Bull$hit (as far as the Bar Association is concerned)

Any association that pretends to self-police itself is just fooling itself and the general public.

I found out first hand when I tried to ask my local bar association the procedures for firing one lawyer

and hiring another one. It turned out I got the right answer from the best lawyer in my organization

in about 20 seconds after a frustrating phone call to the bar association.

I think a lot of professions self-police itself. I know psychologists and doctors do. It's not bad in itself, but if you have the bad luck of running into someone dishonest, that is when you need to exercise caution. Many people don't know what a profession is allowed, or not allowed to do. It comes down to gathering information for yourself.

A good example for that would be a psychologist who, while treating a patient, becomes "involved" with them. Well not only is the psychologist going against the ethic code, the patient is not in a state of mind allowing it to correctly judge the situation. Same goes for attorneys. Some are sleazy and only want the money you have. However, it's your obligation to do some research and find out if yours is. Usually, a quick call to the organization they belong to will help and will tell you if they have ever done something you need to be concerned about.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

[remiel6 0]

The rules of professional responsibility are set ultimately by the courts themselves.

1) a person is always free to fire thier attorney at any time, they will pay for the services already rendered, but they can always fire them.

2)An attorney, barring exceptional circumstances cannot fire his client.

The number one complaint at the bar in regards to an attorney is a failure to communicate with clients.

There is no excuse for an attorney missing a deadline, ever. It happens, but there is no excuse for it.

Before you hire an attorney check with your states bar. For example, if they are part of the state bar of California you can go to the website of the california bar and check the attorney's record to see if there is any public record of censure or something like that. You can also check how long they have been a member of the bar.

As for doing it yourself, yes a lot of people can and do, but it is not wrong to hire an attorney, but make sure you hire a competent attorney whose agency has done a lot of these petitions before. I would only personally advise someone to hire an attorney if thier case is complicated, by that I mean difficult circumstances, criminal records, or things like that. I would also advise them to hire an attorney if they do not feel comfortable doing it themselves or are worried about screwing it up. If an attorney messes up the paperwork you can file a complaint with the bar, perhaps even malpractice depending on what it is. Attorneys are held to a standard of professional behavior

[Kittyfang 6]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

I agree. As I've said, the forms are not the problem. Those are easy. What makes people nervous are the consequences of messing up something in those forms. Then again, I too have heard the horror stories associated with attorneys who "forgot" things.

[pushbrk 12,883]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

I agree. As I've said, the forms are not the problem. Those are easy. What makes people nervous are the consequences of messing up something in those forms. Then again, I too have heard the horror stories associated with attorneys who "forgot" things.

Another way of saying what you are saying is that unless you are adequately prepared and have the necessary abilty and confidence to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accordingly, filling out the forms and following the instruction is likely to be quite daunting indeed.

or

It's easy to fill out the forms incorrectly and easy to overlook critical instructions.

Let's face it. It's the rare individual that goes through the immigration process without help. VJ is "help". For some, VJ isn't all the help they need. For many more, VJ is never a part of the picture. For some, VJ is where they make the connection with the help they hire.

[Kittyfang 6]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

I agree. As I've said, the forms are not the problem. Those are easy. What makes people nervous are the consequences of messing up something in those forms. Then again, I too have heard the horror stories associated with attorneys who "forgot" things.

Another way of saying what you are saying is that unless you are adequately prepared and have the necessary abilty and confidence to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accordingly, filling out the forms and following the instruction is likely to be quite daunting indeed.

or

It's easy to fill out the forms incorrectly and easy to overlook critical instructions.

Let's face it. It's the rare individual that goes through the immigration process without help. VJ is "help". For some, VJ isn't all the help they need. For many more, VJ is never a part of the picture. For some, VJ is where they make the connection with the help they hire.

Well yes and no. What I'm trying to say is that some people are able to do the research and find the documentation and do the whole thing on their own. However, there are some who do not want to do that and hire a lawyer thinking that they are paying someone to do the work for them. What I say is that even if you chose to do that, you have to do your home work. Just because someone is a lawyer, doesn't mean he's good at what he does.

How many VJers have spoke about their lawyers saying that they had to explain to him what certain words/ terms meant? I agree that if your case is one of a kind, you can profit from some legal help. However, I think the outrage on VJ is agaisnt the lawyers who use scare tactics into getting clients.

I'll always remember a lawyer who said: "Would you do surgery on yourself? No! Then why would you initiate immigration without an expert". While this may me true, to some extent, it's worth asking yourself a couple of questions about that statement and the person who made it.

On a side note about the actual forms. Most of them ARE easy. It's mainly information pertaining to where you live, DoB, and so on and so forth. Where it CAN get confusing is "what forms do you need, when to send them, etc.

I had some questions when filing the forms, but no real "OMG! What will I put there?!" moment. The real stress is about "what do you need to send them to prove this and that"... and of course, the waiting.

I haven't even sent in my package yet and I find myself going from one extreme (I will soooo get my GC) to another (Man... I'm screwed!).

Edited October 18, 2009 by Kittyfang

[pushbrk 12,883]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

I agree. As I've said, the forms are not the problem. Those are easy. What makes people nervous are the consequences of messing up something in those forms. Then again, I too have heard the horror stories associated with attorneys who "forgot" things.

Another way of saying what you are saying is that unless you are adequately prepared and have the necessary abilty and confidence to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accordingly, filling out the forms and following the instruction is likely to be quite daunting indeed.

or

It's easy to fill out the forms incorrectly and easy to overlook critical instructions.

Let's face it. It's the rare individual that goes through the immigration process without help. VJ is "help". For some, VJ isn't all the help they need. For many more, VJ is never a part of the picture. For some, VJ is where they make the connection with the help they hire.

Well yes and no. What I'm trying to say is that some people are able to do the research and find the documentation and do the whole thing on their own. However, there are some who do not want to do that and hire a lawyer thinking that they are paying someone to do the work for them. What I say is that even if you chose to do that, you have to do your home work. Just because someone is a lawyer, doesn't mean he's good at what he does.

How many VJers have spoke about their lawyers saying that they had to explain to him what certain words/ terms meant? I agree that if your case is one of a kind, you can profit from some legal help. However, I think the outrage on VJ is agaisnt the lawyers who use scare tactics into getting clients.

I'll always remember a lawyer who said: "Would you do surgery on yourself? No! Then why would you initiate immigration without an expert". While this may me true, to some extent, it's worth asking yourself a couple of questions about that statement and the person who made it.

On a side note about the actual forms. Most of them ARE easy. It's mainly information pertaining to where you live, DoB, and so on and so forth. Where it CAN get confusing is "what forms do you need, when to send them, etc.

I had some questions when filing the forms, but no real "OMG! What will I put there?!" moment. The real stress is about "what do you need to send them to prove this and that"... and of course, the waiting.

I haven't even sent in my package yet and I find myself going from one extreme (I will soooo get my GC) to another (Man... I'm screwed!).

Yes, for some people, the needed study, research and action are well within their abilities. For others, even selecting and hiring competent assistance is beyond their abilities. Then there's everybody in between. I'm saying the difference is not the forms or how difficult or easy they are. The difference is the people's abilities.

I always get a kick out of people who come here asking about approval percentages, as if they themselves and their result would be nothing more than a cork on the statistics ocean. This is a process where our own actions can overcome the odds to a great but not absolute extent.

Blackjack has the best odds at the casino but if you don't know how to play or play stupid, the odds don't mean a thing.

[Kittyfang 6]

Look at the big picture, VJ is a small part of the total number filed and denied or passed, we never no of these. Sounds a little high, and would vary between embassys some more some less. Lawer or no lawer...if your a detailed person with normal understanding (with no real problems in your case) you can do alone.I didnt use a lawyer many dont and have read where the lawyers actually are the ones that forget the details, let it lay for day/weeks before sending etc etc. Our first was returned for what reason we were never told but i refiled on my own and we got thru it. Read, study, plan and follow up most will be fine.

I agree. As I've said, the forms are not the problem. Those are easy. What makes people nervous are the consequences of messing up something in those forms. Then again, I too have heard the horror stories associated with attorneys who "forgot" things.

Another way of saying what you are saying is that unless you are adequately prepared and have the necessary abilty and confidence to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accordingly, filling out the forms and following the instruction is likely to be quite daunting indeed.

or

It's easy to fill out the forms incorrectly and easy to overlook critical instructions.

Let's face it. It's the rare individual that goes through the immigration process without help. VJ is "help". For some, VJ isn't all the help they need. For many more, VJ is never a part of the picture. For some, VJ is where they make the connection with the help they hire.

Well yes and no. What I'm trying to say is that some people are able to do the research and find the documentation and do the whole thing on their own. However, there are some who do not want to do that and hire a lawyer thinking that they are paying someone to do the work for them. What I say is that even if you chose to do that, you have to do your home work. Just because someone is a lawyer, doesn't mean he's good at what he does.

How many VJers have spoke about their lawyers saying that they had to explain to him what certain words/ terms meant? I agree that if your case is one of a kind, you can profit from some legal help. However, I think the outrage on VJ is agaisnt the lawyers who use scare tactics into getting clients.

I'll always remember a lawyer who said: "Would you do surgery on yourself? No! Then why would you initiate immigration without an expert". While this may me true, to some extent, it's worth asking yourself a couple of questions about that statement and the person who made it.

On a side note about the actual forms. Most of them ARE easy. It's mainly information pertaining to where you live, DoB, and so on and so forth. Where it CAN get confusing is "what forms do you need, when to send them, etc.

I had some questions when filing the forms, but no real "OMG! What will I put there?!" moment. The real stress is about "what do you need to send them to prove this and that"... and of course, the waiting.

I haven't even sent in my package yet and I find myself going from one extreme (I will soooo get my GC) to another (Man... I'm screwed!).

Yes, for some people, the needed study, research and action are well within their abilities. For others, even selecting and hiring competent assistance is beyond their abilities. Then there's everybody in between. I'm saying the difference is not the forms or how difficult or easy they are. The difference is the people's abilities.

I always get a kick out of people who come here asking about approval percentages, as if they themselves and their result would be nothing more than a cork on the statistics ocean. This is a process where our own actions can overcome the odds to a great but not absolute extent.

Blackjack has the best odds at the casino but if you don't know how to play or play stupid, the odds don't mean a thing.

I hate Black Jack... But I'm a Champion Hold Em player. So I don't care.

And I understand what you mean, but while I know there are people who truly believe that ANY attorney is a GOOD attorney, there is a small part of me that is screaming "Come on! At least look up the guy's name call the Bar, see if he's had any problems". Then again, I'm not one to talk. When I married my husband, we were in the group of people that thought that all we needed was to get married. The difference is that I've done my homework and figured it out.

As for statistics, I both love and hate them. At a glance, they're fun, but they don't mean anything. I remember my statistic teacher in University telling us of a mathematical equation (I don't remember which one) that could take a statistic and make it show the exact opposite (i.e. 89% of all statistics are made up --> have a bit of fun with the equation, look at your graph and you will now see that 89% of all statistics are pure golden truth). Man, I wish I remembered what it was called! lol

But people do fall in categories, their cases does anyway. What they do has an impact, but at the end of the day, it is a big impersonal organization that decides the rest of your life. Some people are here illegally, but they consider this their home. To think that it can be taken away... Maybe that is why there are so many people not filling.

[Fred N Emilia 0]

Hey JROC, this is all about preference.

You don't feel comfortable doing the papers yourself, then hire a lawyer.

You feel confident enough to do the papapers yourself with the help of this forum, then go for it.

It's all about preference!