POE Questions.

[baron555 934]

You speak in such a matter of fact as though you "know it all," when in fact you do NOT!

Since Gary and Alla have been more personally involved on a personal level with many folks immigrating than just one experience.

Anyway, my wife is perfect and she wasn't sent to the back room in Chicago (her POE). She didn't have a problem with the English spoken by the CBP and was in and out of customs (including retrieving the dog) in 45 minutes.

To the OP, there will be others on that plane that will speak both Russian and English (ask the flight attendents, duh!). She WILL NOT have a problem unless there is a reason for it.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

You speak in such a matter of fact as though you "know it all," when in fact you do NOT! This is not GARY's forum. This is Visa Journey's forum.

There is nothing wrong with me. However, there seems to be something wrong with you. So wrong that you want everybody to believe that you are the expert in every topic, that everything you say is gospel, and that your life is so perfect that you live in Pandora and we are just the stupid humans who are trying to destroy your perfect world.

I have enter through JKF multiple times. Saying that everything will be a breeze and that the CBP will speak Russian is wrong, because it does not happen all the time. I gave ACCURATE information. If it happened to my wife it can happen to anybody. Remember, only you live in a perfect world and have a perfect life. All of us mortals have to deal with an imperfect world. It is sad, but it is true.

I am happy for you if you can "IMPORT" dozen of legal aliens without having to deal with extra scrutiny. People like me could care less.

I am fairly certain one of the reasons you seem to have such trouble is that you simply don't pay attention. I never said the OP's fiancee "would" experience any particular thing, good or bad. Alla's review of her point of entry experience is here for VJ members to read, along with others. I stated, correctly, that the chances are very good to excellent she would experience no particular problems and that there would be a Russian speaking person on hand. In all liklihood there will be. I also stated he can call ahead and make SURE a Russian speaking person is on hand. It is the policy of USCIS and CBP to provide translators when requested. Alla makes a pretty good fee ($30 per hour plus 50 cents per mile if the travel is more than 50 miles) for doing just that on a contracted basis. Other people MUST know about this as it is how she gets her business, when the USCIS or CBP calls HER and requests her presence at an interview, etc. These happen at the border crossings near our home and at the St Albans office of the USCIS.

On the other hand you stated flatly that she WILL go to some "backroom" and WILL receive extra scrutiny because "K-1s require extra scrutiny" These things are flatly wrong, inaccurate nad misleading.

I am not perfect and I do not live in a perfect world. I am informed and live in a pretty good, really good, world. I make it such. My success is my own fault. My fiancee does not go without a Russian speaking person on hand at her POE because I make sure she doesn't. I investigate the possibilites do all I can for her and then pass on my experience to others. I probably leave and enter the US more in a week than the average person does in a lifetime. Sorry if that bothers you, but it does give me some experience to pass on.

I do not float along, Clueless, experiencing life as others choose for me and then tell everyone "That's how it is, expect the same" I simply cannot. I have a responsibility to my family. Property in Ukraine that we use several months a year, a son in college in Moscow that goes back and forth to Russia/Ukraine and the USA and I simply can't get along "by guess and by golly" My immigrant wife and children frequently travel outside the US and return and they need to be informed with correct information. Pasha plays sports against school teams in Quebec regularly, including yesterday. Fortunately he knows how to act at a US POE and what to expect.

We also had NO questions asked at our visa interview or AOS interview, I do not expect all people to have the same experience and do not tell people they will have no questions asked...because we didn't. Our oldest son also had no questions asked at the visa interview and got a green card 7 weeks after his arrival without an interview. This was not a mistake, it was not by chance. It was because I went to 3 infopass appointments before he arrived and made sure everything was in order and made sure he would get arrive, get his green card and be able to return and not miss a day of class in Russia. It is called "planning ahead" and it does not result in a perfec life, but it does eliminate alot of unnecessary BS for yourself and the people you care about. Alla, like most FSU women, looks to her husband to "care about" such things. It is the man's job.

The OPs planning ahead and asking these questions will help assure his fiancee a smooth POE experience. I will wish him "Good Luck" but as with most people, he realizes he makes his own "luck" and isn't leaving things to chance.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Alla, like most FSU women, looks to her husband to "care about" such things. It is the man's job.

The OPs planning ahead and asking these questions will help assure his fiancee a smooth POE experience. I will wish him "Good Luck" but as with most people, he realizes he makes his own "luck" and isn't leaving things to chance.

Vika also expects me to plan ahead, and take care of details for her, especially when the situation involves US laws, or a situation where my life experience just makes it easier to deal with. When she applied recently for a UK visa, I did the online application, paid the fee, made the biometrics appointment, took her to the appointment, and sent the information packet (that I compiled) to the consulate lockbox. It makes her happy and our lives easier if I just take care of her in this way. We both understand and agree that this stuff is my job. The only trouble we have with it is that even though she has a limited understanding of how a process works (because I am taking care of it), she still feels a MUCH higher level of urgency than I do .

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Vika also expects me to plan ahead, and take care of details for her, especially when the situation involves US laws, or a situation where my life experience just makes it easier to deal with. When she applied recently for a UK visa, I did the online application, paid the fee, made the biometrics appointment, took her to the appointment, and sent the information packet (that I compiled) to the consulate lockbox. It makes her happy and our lives easier if I just take care of her in this way. We both understand and agree that this stuff is my job. The only trouble we have with it is that even though she has a limited understanding of how a process works (because I am taking care of it), she still feels a MUCH higher level of urgency than I do .

Yeah, what the HECK is it about that? 8 months in advance Alla will ask about a Shengen visa for a side trip to Germany. OK, I will check on it. Since I really don't know everything, I asked here on VJ and was given great information, no big surprise. As I recall, Clueless in USA was NOT one of the people that gave me information, also no great surprise. So I tell her,, "OK we do this, this , this, etc"

1 week later she asks...did you get my visa yet?

Also the level of planning expected for, say, a trip to the store to buy electrical cover plates for the light switches...rivals a manned mission to the MOON!

Yeah, what the HECK is it about that? 8 months in advance Alla will ask about a Shengen visa for a side trip to Germany. OK, I will check on it. Since I really don't know everything, I asked here on VJ and was given great information, no big surprise. As I recall, Clueless in USA was NOT one of the people that gave me information, also no great surprise. So I tell her,, "OK we do this, this , this, etc"

1 week later she asks...did you get my visa yet?

Also the level of planning expected for, say, a trip to the store to buy electrical cover plates for the light switches...rivals a manned mission to the MOON!

My favorite movie line of all time has got to be Fred Thompson in "The Hunt for Red October" when he says "The average Russki, son, does not take a dump without a plan"

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Vika also expects me to plan ahead, and take care of details for her, especially when the situation involves US laws, or a situation where my life experience just makes it easier to deal with. When she applied recently for a UK visa, I did the online application, paid the fee, made the biometrics appointment, took her to the appointment, and sent the information packet (that I compiled) to the consulate lockbox. It makes her happy and our lives easier if I just take care of her in this way. We both understand and agree that this stuff is my job. The only trouble we have with it is that even though she has a limited understanding of how a process works (because I am taking care of it), she still feels a MUCH higher level of urgency than I do .

That is a big difference in my family. My wife does not expect me to do anything for her. Fortunately she is an able individual and can take care of herself. If I do too much for her she gets angry because "she's not a child." (her words). She is happy getting what I give you, but she feels happier when she can contribute and take care of herself. I do not have and do not want to deal with a needy woman.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Yeah, what the HECK is it about that? 8 months in advance Alla will ask about a Shengen visa for a side trip to Germany. OK, I will check on it. Since I really don't know everything, I asked here on VJ and was given great information, no big surprise. As I recall, Clueless in USA was NOT one of the people that gave me information, also no great surprise. So I tell her,, "OK we do this, this , this, etc"

I do not even try to give you information because you know it all.

For you, if a person is not one of your cheerleaders, you call that person stupid. You are plain insulting and arrogant.

[Brad and Vika 129]

That is a big difference in my family. My wife does not expect me to do anything for her. Fortunately she is an able individual and can take care of herself. If I do too much for her she gets angry because "she's not a child." (her words). She is happy getting what I give you, but she feels happier when she can contribute and take care of herself. I do not have and do not want to deal with a needy woman.

So now you tell Gary that he is insulting, immediately after telling me that my wife is too needy Nice work

Benefit of the doubt that you probably just weren't paying enough attention just then, probably due to multitasking issues. All those illegal aliens in your basement needing your help and all.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

That is a big difference in my family. My wife does not expect me to do anything for her. Fortunately she is an able individual and can take care of herself. If I do too much for her she gets angry because "she's not a child." (her words). She is happy getting what I give you, but she feels happier when she can contribute and take care of herself. I do not have and do not want to deal with a needy woman.

Perhaps you missed the part where I mentioned Alla has two masters degrees, is working on a third, teaches Russian and English and interprets for USCIS and CBP along with occasional modeling (she is in the current issue of "Oprah" magazine modeling "Not your Daughter's Jeans") She drives to her modeling appointments in Boston, Montreal and Providence by herself, usually. Sometimes I go for fun.

She travels to Ukraine by herself most of the time, stays at the flat we own there and even managed to get the phone an internet turned on in 2 days, which is quite a task in Donets'k for anyone.

She was in international business in Europe, she was interpreting at an exhibition in Prague when I met her there and among other things was the Chief Editor of the leading Medical Journal in the FSU for 7 years. She sounds needy to you? When did I ever give anyone the impression she is needy?

Again, you are not paying attention. And no, I do not expect any advice from you.

She prefers not to do "man things" but is fully capable of them if she needs to. She has a man, she doesn't need to do those things any more.

Really, Clueless, sometimes I have to remind myself you are not a paid "straight man" sent here to set up easy answers for me. However I DO know why YOUR wife would prefer to do things herself. That is NOT a good sign.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

So now you tell Gary that he is insulting, immediately after telling me that my wife is too needy Nice work

Benefit of the doubt that you probably just weren't paying enough attention just then, probably due to multitasking issues. All those illegal aliens in your basement needing your help and all.

I am sorry if calling somebody needy is considered an insult. I guess that I am clueless in regards to Political Correctness. What I meant is that my wife likes to be independent, instead of waiting for me to do everything for her. That is a nice feeling given our large age difference, because as I grow older, there may be fewer and fewer things that I can do for her (do not forget that I am a fat, bald, and old American man married to a very young, beautiful, and smart Russian woman).

Regarding "all those illegal aliens" I pledge the fifth, but suffice to say that I do not have a basement. Therefore, you can report me to ICE because they will find nothing. I am Clueless, but not stupid, like amazing Gary likes to call me.

[Brad and Vika 129]

I am sorry if calling somebody needy is considered an insult. I guess that I am clueless in regards to Political Correctness. What I meant is that my wife likes to be independent, instead of waiting for me to do everything for her. That is a nice feeling given our large age difference, because as I grow older, there may be fewer and fewer things that I can do for her (do not forget that I am a fat, bald, and old American man married to a very young, beautiful, and smart Russian woman).

Regarding "all those illegal aliens" I pledge the fifth, but suffice to say that I do not have a basement. Therefore, you can report me to ICE because they will find nothing. I am Clueless, but not stupid, like amazing Gary likes to call me.

I am sorry if I implied that you are stupid, rather than just doing an impression of same. My wife enjoys letting me take care of things for her, and I enjoy doing it. It doesn't mean that she can't, or won't. It will be a sad day when I am too old to type or use the phone, and if you are, I am truly sorry for you. And suffice it to say that it makes no practical difference if the aliens hide in your closet or basement, or whatever

[visaveteran 1]

I am sorry if I implied that you are stupid, rather than just doing an impression of same. My wife enjoys letting me take care of things for her, and I enjoy doing it. It doesn't mean that she can't, or won't. It will be a sad day when I am too old to type or use the phone, and if you are, I am truly sorry for you. And suffice it to say that it makes no practical difference if the aliens hide in your closet or basement, or whatever

Are you channeling Mox?

[Brad and Vika 129]

Are you channeling Mox?

Are there aliens in your closet too?

[visaveteran 1]

Are there aliens in your closet too?

Yes, but the "outer space" kind.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I am sorry if I implied that you are stupid, rather than just doing an impression of same. My wife enjoys letting me take care of things for her, and I enjoy doing it. It doesn't mean that she can't, or won't. It will be a sad day when I am too old to type or use the phone, and if you are, I am truly sorry for you. And suffice it to say that it makes no practical difference if the aliens hide in your closet or basement, or whatever

I'm not. It was stated that all K-1s require extra scrutiny and that the OPs fiancee would be taken to the "shame room" In addition to being inaccurate, such statements are STUPID and irresponsible. I has nothing to do with the fact that I am amazing and have made a perfect world for myself to live in...regardless of where I live...those things are stupid, not because I say so, but because they ARE. And to post them after many other VJ members with experience have said other wise is nothing more than contrary behavior intended to either try to make oneself appear special or to disagree with another just to disagree. MORE stupidity. I have no problem calling out stupidity when I see it.

Then it was said that the OP will have to go to the "shame room" in order to get the "temporary EAD stamp" by way of "explaining" MORE stupid, inaccurate stuff is spewed out. They give that stamp to nearly everyone entering at JFK. And then one becomes a victim because it is pointed out one is saying STUPID things. Who says STUPID things? Smart people? Or stupid people?

Is it rude to point out stupid things said by stupid people? Or is it rude to stand by as a stupid person misleads another person with stupid information?

Who's wives prefer their husbands to do things for them? Wives of smart people or wives of STUPID people? When one says his wife needs an interpreter at POE because she doesn't speak English and then says she comes to America and is "independent", that is a STUPID and unrealistic thing to say. My wife needed lots of help despite having been an English/Russian interpreter for many years. Does someone saying such STUPID things in a forum full of people with Russian speaking immigrant wives think it will be overlooked?

I determine my opinion of people by their actions. Stupid is what stupid does, even Forrest Gump knew that and his IQ was 70. I realize I am judged by the same standard. Judge me rude if you will. Judge me "perfect", "amazing", whatever. At least I am not stupid.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Yes, but the "outer space" kind.

If you help them hide out until the next goofy amnesty, you should still be reported

Judge me rude if you will. Judge me "perfect", "amazing", whatever. At least I am not stupid.

JUDGEMENT - not stupid, but one helluva long way from perfect. I won't deal with the rest here.... too easy.