Is it just me or...

[trailmix 77]

This comment is completely out of line, against the terms of service and directly offensive to the majority of VJ members. US immigration is what it is. Canadians actually have it easier than those coming from nearly any other country because of the proximity and relative ease of visiting during the process. What would you be saying if you couldn't visit at all and your spouse had to fly half way around to world for any visiting to occur during the process?

I agree with pushbrk about the "mail order brides" comment - it is offensive. You are entitled to your opinion on arranged marriage - however perhaps an immigration board is not the place to post about it?

As for Canadians having it easier - yes, of course (most) have an easier time visiting however that is a completely separate issue from U.S. immigration.

[Otto 83]

** Please be mindful of what is being said. This is an open forum for folks from all over the world, both young and old, different backgrounds, religions and customs. We are all asked to respect this when posting.

Since the subject is mostly off-topic type discussion, am moving this thread to Off Topic (from CR-1/IR-1 Procedures).

[CANDY PANTS 1]

** Please be mindful of what is being said. This is an open forum for folks from all over the world, both young and old, different backgrounds, religions and customs. We are all asked to respect this when posting.

Since the subject is mostly off-topic type discussion, am moving this thread to Off Topic (from CR-1/IR-1 Procedures).

So basically issues that are real cannot be discussed as it may offend some people. I understand doing it without tact can be offensive but who cares...it's TRUE. and what is the truth? telling it like it really is. it's not a matter of perception...it's about what it really is...so what's the politically correct nonsense about?

[PhiLandShiR 18]

So basically issues that are real cannot be discussed as it may offend some people. I understand doing it without tact can be offensive but who cares...it's TRUE. and what is the truth? telling it like it really is. it's not a matter of perception...it's about what it really is...so what's the politically correct nonsense about?

Truth is subjective. What is true to you, may not be to another.

Its not that you can't discuss, it but rather if you choose to, always remember that trash to you is jewels to another...

[pushbrk 13,210]

So basically issues that are real cannot be discussed as it may offend some people. I understand doing it without tact can be offensive but who cares...it's TRUE. and what is the truth? telling it like it really is. it's not a matter of perception...it's about what it really is...so what's the politically correct nonsense about?

First off, your thread was off-topic for the forum in which you posted it. Second, there's no such thing as a "mail order bride". You went further to denigrate the relationships of any who may have first become acquainted in some other way than in person. Well, my dear, that happens to include at least a majority of VJ members, a fact you evidently were not aware of. Join the 21st Century.

As a Canadian, you get no special treatment for US immigration, so indicating you think you should will insult nearly all members, even, I expect, most of the Canadians here.

If you want our help, I would consider behaving in a more respectful manner in the future.

For the record, I met my wonderful wife on the internet in early October, 2005 and we married in China about 60 days later, the second full day of my visit because we could not accomplish the task on the first full day. If you disrespect my wife's decision again, I'm going to send all four foot eleven of her up to Canada with her green card in hand to kick your .... Get it.

[Heracles 417]

Does anyone agree that the process for Canadians immigrating to the USA is ridiculous?

I mean...come on...I AM A CANADIAN....what on earth am I going to do the USA (but maybe take a good job from an American )

A few things that I've noticed during this immigration journey that really gring my gears are as follows:

*venting done for now*

Canada and Australia have the same common sense system. People from first world countries have an exponentially lower chance of committing immigration fraud, as such are not as scrutinized. The chance someone from Canada is trying to scam their way through marriage into the US is extremely low and for obvious reasons.

A large portion of spouses on here are from a handful of nations, yet everyone is scrutinized equally. This pursuit of being PC is a waste of time and takes resources away from where they are needed. I don't want to offend anyone but it does ignore the reality that for many [not all] from the third world, marriage is a key to a better life. So there is a huge incentive to work the system.

Another reality is that when relationships go sour, those from first world countries almost always head back home. Wheres, I have read time and time again of someone from x country looking for another partner or trying to figure out how to stay here. So what does that tell people? It's also why countries like AUS require people be married for 5 years before they grant PR.

Nevertheless, don't even waste your time trying to understand it. Their system has its own 'unique' rules. Hence, if not for a short stint related to work, few from the first world migrate here anymore. More often than not, most eventually head on back.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Booyah!

[LaL 418]

Does anyone agree that the process for Canadians immigrating to the USA is ridiculous?

I mean...come on...I AM A CANADIAN....what on earth am I going to do the USA (but maybe take a good job from an American )

A few things that I've noticed during this immigration journey that really gring my gears are as follows:

1. What on earth is up with this sponsorship stuff?! The poverty guidelines are ridiculous. My husband and any co-sponsor is legally obligated to take care of me in case I cannot work? And can be sued if I utilize services designated for immigrants? What if something happened? So basically I have to become naturalized in 3 years to free anyone from such a repsonsibility. Stupid.

2. Why is it that certain illegal immigrants come to the USA and can get free health care among other services? I mean sure, countries like Mexico do SUCK economically in comparion to Canada but seriously....that is just a little retarded if you ask me, especially considering I can be deported and charged with fraud if I go to stay with my husband as a visitor in the USA...but undocumented workers...who cares, right?!

3. MAIL ORDER BRIDES! Are you serious? So if you are a lonely old dude, you can pay for a hot young asian lady to love you or whatever(to me, the mail order brides system is more like a legal sex trade) and legally bring her to the USA???? COME ON!!!!!!!!!

I think am going to claim refugee status...I need to seek refuge from the liberals in my nation who want to impose too much liberalness upon me.

I remember having an appointment with immigration in Philly...The security officers working there were funny. When I showed them my ID one of the officers said out loud to her colleagues "Look, she is one of the good ones!" (no offence to any of those who may not be considered "good ones" by US immigration) But it is true...I AM FRIGGIN CANADIAN...I don't even need a visa to visit the USA. Let me go live with my hubby like NOW ya terds!!!!

*venting done for now*

that's not a vent - that's a declaration of entitlement!

[Ban Hammer 13,678]

that's not a vent - that's a declaration of entitlement!

so the op is a democrat?

[Kevin and 10]

so the op is a democrat?

I don't know about being democrat, but a Socialist yes. Its Canada!

[Darnell 8,479]

that's not a vent - that's a declaration of entitlement!

Ditto. But ya know what? it's repetitive - not the first person here to come up with the same mix. Sometimes it's tiresome, othertimes it's funny (to watch other Canadiens hit the wall, in the same fashion, with the same comments).

I am glad this got shifted into OT, now is possible to 'be more toxic' in the replies to the OP.

[Darnell 8,479]

So basically issues that are real cannot be discussed as it may offend some people. I understand doing it without tact can be offensive but who cares...it's TRUE. and what is the truth? telling it like it really is. it's not a matter of perception...it's about what it really is...so what's the politically correct nonsense about?

issue, topic, use of language, word choice. Sorry, you did it to yerself, this time.

[Heracles 417]

that's not a vent - that's a declaration of entitlement!

Well it's the way it works in every other first world country.

Nevertheless, they will soon learn that what is common sense in those countries, is the equivalent of showing a blowtorch to a caveman here. The caveman will also argue that his sticks are quicker at lighting fires. Furthermore, is freer to light fires, making his fire the best. Once you have finally illustrated that without a doubt your blowtorch is better, he will demand you leave his camp; leaving him to reconcile with other cavemen, call you names and continue believing that his sticks are the best to start a fire.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Booyah!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I felt this way a bit at first.

I got over it once I got to the US

Some things still bother me about immigration, but I keep it to myself.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I personally agree with the sentiment that it should be easier for a Canadian to marry a US citizen and immigrate to America, and my wife is from a high fraud country!

I think the point the OP is missing is that it actually IS easier for Canadians to immigrate to America via marriage to a US citizen. The process is basically the same as anywhere else, but that's bureaucracy. There is one federal agency that handles immigration, and one that handles visas. It would be unrealistic to expect they'd have a different process for each country. But, most US citizens who have petitioned for a foreign fiancee or spouse would agree that the bureaucracy is relatively simple - no more difficult, really, than dealing with the IRS or any other government agency. You just need the required documents and forms.

The REAL differences happen at the consulate interviews. Canadians aren't routinely roasted over an open fire like interviewees in Lagos, Islamabad, or Ho Chi Minh City. The denial rates at the consulates in Canada are also not nearly as high as they are in high fraud countries.

I can understand how one could be offended by the mere hint that the government of a neighboring friendly country would suspect you of anything illegal or improper, but you can't view it in relative terms of how your own government treats you. You have to view it in relatives terms of how the US government treats people in other countries. In many countries, it is far far worse.

[CANDY PANTS 1]

Truth is subjective. What is true to you, may not be to another.

Its not that you can't discuss, it but rather if you choose to, always remember that trash to you is jewels to another...

truth is not subjective or even relative

if what's true for you is true for you and what's true for me is true for me..what if my truth says yours is a lie? is it still true?

and since when is truth defined by one's thinking?

what does one's way of thinking have to do whether something is really true or not?

one can fool themselves into believing something all they want....doesn't make it TRUE