LAND DOWNUNDER

[David A. 0]

To everybody dealing with the ordeal, keep hope, that's all we can do. Talked to the wife for a bit last night. She's going to fly over to the US under the VWP and just stay with me for up to 3 months if that's as long as it takes to get these forms approved. Her headboss heard about the situation and has always been rooting for us, but with all this, he's a little in shock himself. He's also allowing her to take a leave of absence and if for some reason, my wife will end up in Australia longer, my wife can take her job back since someone will be going for maternity leave later in May. So I guess things are slowly going up.

Elle, I hope things work out for you... you did file in America didn't you? Find out what happened to those forms and have them continue it... It's the best thing for you at this moment.

Chris, I did get the PM from Koukla explaining what the Consulate had told them. Apparently my wife was one of the first called because Rose had very little information, we didn't hear about this whole Bangkok thing. I hope that it goes smoothly since I've already had the interview and the I-130 is just going there for background checks. From what Koukla said, Bangkok is not easy to deal with. If they want to give me anymore grief, I have the Navy JAG (Judge Advocate General) ready to step in.

To add a note. I'm sure this isn't the first worst thing to happen to anybody. I've had many in my life time. Some while serving in the military, everyone should understand why that is these days...

But anyway, I remember someone telling me this when I was at my lowest... "you're at Rock Bottom... no where else to go now but up!" And since then, I always had some sense knowing that things eventually works out. Just vent your frustrations, accept defeat, and come back fighting again...

Edited January 25, 2007 by David A.

[CarolineM 0]

Oh my god....guys I am so sorry

I pray this gets resolved quickly and you are all reunited soon!

[meauxna 15]

David et al, please see Condi's explanation here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421608

[mellie 1]

Scott and I are in shock!! Sorry to anyone caught up in this mess, I hope that everything resolves itself soon and you all find safe and quick passage through the land of immigration....

Thank GOD we did this a year ago.....

[David A. 0]

David et al, please see Condi's explanation here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421608

Thanks Meauxna... that's really good info.

[girlfrmoz 1]

What I don't get is why they introduced the change "effective immediately". It shows a great lack of customer service and empathy to do that so suddenly, especially when they would be fully aware of the huge impact this has on people's lives. I mean let's face it, it's a huge decision to migrate to be with the one you love in the first place, plus it takes a lot of planning and money to do it. Also why introduce this so suddently when with other changes they have made they usually give a bit of notice and announce that on a certain date the changes will be implemented like with IMBRA. I just don't get it.

I am so sorry for all the couples who are suffering because of this. It's hard to watch it happen when we all know the pain of waiting and the frustrations already experienced with this process. It's almost like you are punished for wanting to migrate. I understand that with terrorism and violent crimes, etc, USCIS needs to be thorough but somehow the process makes you feel like you are not worthy and they are playing god. Anyway, that is my little vent.

Hoping and praying for speedy processing for everyone affected by this.

Lyndel

[Lunamel 0]

I'm glad you've got your chin up David -- I bet it's hard to stay positive right now, and you must miss your wife, but you don't want to go crazy either.

Lyndel, I'm certainly not sticking up for the government here, but the reason they implemented this without notice is that they were actually supposed to implement it from July 27 last year when the Walsh Act became law... So numerous people f*cked up big time by not realizing this sooner. It turns out it's been the law since that date that I-130s can only be approved when a background check is done on the US citizen, and consulates don't have the ability to do this. (And those of us who got our I-130s approved and visas in that period -- me included -- should just thank our lucky stars that they didn't know what they were doing). But I completely agree it's not fair, as USCIS really should know when new laws are passed and their implications -- not only is that their obligation as a government department, but they're screwing with people's lives. And there should have been notice about it at that stage, before last July when the law was actually passed. This points to the greater problem here, I think -- politicians just don't always think through all the implications of their actions when they change the law, particularly when it comes to immigration (as proved by IMBRA).

[meauxna 15]

Lyndel & everyone, I encourage you to read the thread in the DCF Forum---well, the posts from today on anyway. As our lawyer friend points out, this is the law of unintended consequences. This fallout was likely never even considered. It's not a case of bad customer service--there was a specific grant from USCIS to the Consulates to do I-130s. Now, the Consualtes do not have the ability to correctly process I-130s.. they would simply be illegal (which is why the ones in the pipeline need to be reviewed/reapproved--so they are legal approvals).

Fight the urge to personalize the Agency with thoughts like 'they're playing god' or 'they're trying to discourage immigration'. The number of people affected by this change is small in the Large Scheme of things, which I realize does not make it easier if you're one of the few, but try to think of the benefits of this Act and the protections it offers children worldwide.

I also wish everyone a speedy resolution, and envy your adventure!

[Elle 0]

As mentioned, we filed the I-130 back in Sept 06 and it has yet to reach NOA2 -- does anyone know how we can look into that? I've tried calling the USCIS number but for whatever reason, when I try to press a number to reach a certain section they cannot read it.

Should my hubby contact his senator?

A part of me just wants to wait and see what happens and it seems like there is no definite process yet for those in limbo with DCF.

Mo, sometimes it just feels good to vent. Even if it is blaming the USCIS or Bush or whatever.

Unfortunately, I did already try the I-130 route and that didnt work and thought DCF would be able to help my hubby and I to be together. We have been apart since '01...I'm just ready to be with him and start a family.

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hi Elle,

Well I hope your process doesn't get slowed down by the changes. Good luck!

Lunamel and Meauxna, I was just venting. I am OK most of the time with the waiting and all the approvals to go through especially since security has become more important. I don't take it personally on the whole and I must admit I feel safer in the knowledge that everyone is checked out so thoroughly. It's just Governments regardless of country miss the point sometimes that migrating to another country takes a lot of planning, money and sacrifice and I feel for those who have booked non-refundable flights to get to their interviews, or have travelled a long way, etc. The lack of notice will definitely hurt them financially.

I totally understand the reason they introduced the new law and agree with it as it protects children. Its just the way USCIS does things sometimes is frustrating and to see what it does to people like David and his wife who were supposed to be interviewed next week upsets me.

We will all get through it though because the end goal of being with our loved ones far outweighs the trials of going through all the delays and paperwork.

Hang in there everyone!

Lyndel

[David A. 0]

Yes, everyone is starting to see why I got sooo upset... after finding out that this law had been written last year, they should have given notice that this is pending approval and that you are at RISK of applying I-130s, since they don't know when the law would immediately come to effect. I orginally was going to apply for my wife's petition here in the USA but found out about the DCF process and realized that in two months time, my wife can have her visa approved and be done with it, rather than waiting 6-8 months like others. Nowhere in the process do they state... "you are at risk of applying the I-130 overseas, as pending legislation may prevent a delay in the process..." A courtesy message of that sort probably would have changed a lot of people's plans. I probably would have decided, I can easily wait an extra 4 months, rather than have to deal with the BS now. When this law was implemented, and according to many Consulates overseas, it was as early as the 22nd of January. If Consulates can easily post a notice on their website when this was implemented and about the new changes to the process, then that means it wouild have been just as easy to place on there a message of any risks for applying for the I-130 due to pending legislations. That easy.

So, if anybody else is upset about the people who have control of the process, then I understand.

[ausqueen 0]

Hi everyone

I was away for a while with computer problems and... what a shocking news I returned to!!!

My heart goes out to the few of you caught up in the middle of these changes. I pray the delays are shorter than expected and you are all back on track with your applications very, very soon!

Great to see positive attitude though! Don't give up! And it's great to know that there is a safe place to come in and vent our frustrations whenever we need!

xoxo

vik

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hi Ausqueen,

I have lost track...are you still waiting for packet 3 or do you have an interview date yet? Mine is next Friday...I'm starting to get nervous now!

[Poi_n_J 0]

Hi Guys n Gals,

Chris: Thank you, the day was lovely, we are madly in love and it is just so good to be together at last. I will post the pics as soon as we get them back. Joshua doesn't start school here till end of February but he already has a job on the end of our street (fingers crossed they're not messing him around) so that extra cash should help us out with this process.

Thanks Meauxna, David and everyone involved for the information given. Is so nice to know what is going on, finally.

We are just about to begin which I believes begins with filing the I-130 overseas; will send it priority mail so fingers crossed it won't take too long. We will continue with the rest of it while we're waiting; the police checks/medical. and will keep you posted on the progress.

Hugs to those who are still waiting to be reunited..

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hey Everyone,

I just want to know if you were this nervous before your interview?? It is only Monday and I have to wait until Friday but everytime I think about the interview I get butterflies in my tummy. It didn't help last night with some people partying until 3am in our street. Anyway, trying to keep busy and double checking every little thing in my pack to take with me to Sydney. I am going up Thursday morning so am just going to hang around the city and try and have a relaxing day beforehand. Can't wait until this week is over!

Poin J, I hope you have a speedy process. Good luck!