Accra Update

[LovinLiberia 0]

Nice to hear about that direct flight, I know that will come in handy.

[sercontigo 1]

I will remember you in heartfelt prayer tonight. I am so sorry that your mate & you have suffered this.

[ForeverAmen 0]

All4Kweku,

Although I don't know you, your situation has been pressing on my mind. So I took the time to scroll through the various posting until I found yours. How are things going? I hope that since you posted your initial post that things are starting to get better.

Continue to stay focused and remember to always keep the faith!

We are praying for you.

Boaz

[All4Kweku 0]

thanks for thinking of me...right now im "taking a mental break" from my entire visa journey and spending some time living my life instead of sitting in a constant state of waiting. in all actuality, that is really all i can do right now because interview dates simply mean more requirements and more hand wringing. i seriously doubt whether a visa will ever be approved. it will be two years in march since we've started...that being said, i dont really come on VJ very often these days because my situation is so unique and I am nearly 100% certain that i have exhausted all the channels that have been recommended to me and i could really do without the "you should do this"...although i know people are attempting to be helpful, it really ends up being a cacophony that i dont really need.

thank you for keeping me in your prayers. they are much appreciated

All4Kweku,

Although I don't know you, your situation has been pressing on my mind. So I took the time to scroll through the various posting until I found yours. How are things going? I hope that since you posted your initial post that things are starting to get better.

Continue to stay focused and remember to always keep the faith!

We are praying for you.

Boaz

[ReggaeDancer2 0]

All4Kweku,

I totally feel you. Most probably won't remember me here either. When I joined Visa Journey there was no one else going through Accra, Ghana. I have since forgotten my password so I had to re-register. I had to stop visiting here because seeing everyone else get their cases approved in 6 months and be reunited within one year made me depressed. The Accra Embassy actually "lost" our case for almost six months when the Consular Officer working on our case quit. One of the years, we were told there are suppose to be 10 Consular Officers working, but they only had three because of vacations and people quitting. Then they are closed on both American and Ghanaian holidays. I wrote directly to the Director of the Embassy, she sent me a letter four months later (in April 2006) stating that they had not received the additional paperwork we had turned into the Embassy in December 2005. That was a lie. We had the receipt to prove it.

It's been over two years since my husband and I married and we have had nothing but problems with the US Embassy in Accra as well as the medical facilities they required us to use. Currently, the US Embassy in Accra claims to no longer have our case, it was sent back to the US for further review. Whatever that means. I have not been able to track down if it's with the NVC or the USCIS.

I actually researched do-it yourself divorces and/or annulments. It's really hard to keep the faith. I made a commitment and a promise, but every day the weight of it pulls me further and further down into the well and I can't see the light any more......

I wish I would brought my husband over on a visitor visa like many others I know have. They all have their green cards (the last one received his in August) and at least they were together during the process. Unfortuately, I tried to do it the correct way.

Wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers, but at this point, I don't think God's listening any more

[ForeverAmen 0]

Dear ReggaeDancer2,

Wow! I dare not say to you that I understand how you are feeling. I can relate, because I too had a rough time getting my now husband here (the "correct" way). I do not know any details with regards to how the US Embassy in Ghana works. My experience was with the Cameroon embassy, and it was a challenge! So much so, that I had to get my Congressman involved. I agree that two years is a long time. Especially when others (myself included) received their SO within 6 -12 months. However, I strongly encourage you to do what is in your heart; whether it be to continue with the immigration process, or divorce/annulment. Most importantly I wish to stress again that I don't want to say that I "understand" how you are feeling, but I can "relate". But above all PLEASE keep in mind that whatever the situation, God is always listening. Believe it or not, sometimes what we receive as His 'no' is actually His 'yes'.

Be strong in whatever you pursue, and always trust God.

Boaz

[akatagirl 0]

Reggae Dancer and All4Kweku,

My heart goes out to the both of you. My husband and I have yet to turn in our paperwork to the Ghanaian Embassy but after reading about your hardships with embassy and a&o's interview which will be in 6months time, its really hard for me to keep the faith. Waiting 2 years is a very long time, I have not posted much on here lately cause I like you, seeing others get approved and interview dates is great for them but makes me feel down knowing whats come for me and my husband with the Ghana Embassy. So far we have had so much difficulty dealing with this embassy and I sincerely hope that things will turn around for both couples. God is listening and there for us even when we think he's not. Take care and please know for those of us that are going thru the Ghana Embassy, you are all in my thoughts and prayers....

[a&o 4]

Ugh, it is really depressing to read about problem after problem with the Accra consulate. I was amazed by how quickly we got through the USCIS & NVC: I suppose that raised our hopes too much.

I went to the consulate to try and speak with someone about the possibilty of changing our interview date this morning and was basically shown the door. The attitude is like I'm trying to get away with something devious. I just feel defeated. Especially when you look online at NIV interview scheduling and see that if my fiance was going as a tourist he could be interviewed next month on several dates. At this stage, the K-1 fiance visa is a NIV, but that doesn't register with them. I am next going to send a letter and see where that gets me (probably nowhere). E-mails have so far been responded to with a flat out no.

All4Kweku: I hear you when you say you need to just live your life and not be wound up with the constant waiting. You have my best wishes and if I can help with anything from Accra while I'm still here please let me know.

In general it's just a poorly run consulate. Turnover is high and even the website is full of misinformation or outdated instructions.

I wonder if there's anything we can do to change how things are done in Accra? A letter to the new ambassador here? Anyone think that will help?

[ForeverAmen 0]

This is absolutely frustrating! Although my SO is now here, I take these matters seriously because of the drama we occured. After reading the various posts, I had a conversation last night with my husband concerning "What can we do?" I know its a seperate embassy, but this does not change the fact that we (taxpayers) are paying the salary of those employed by the embassy, and in return we receive awful service!

VJ has sent archived the numerous post I placed this past year regarding my issues with my husbands embassy. He entered the USA on a K-1 Fiance visa, and I sitll feel like it took an act of Congress. The journey is over in terms of trying to get him here. But I still am covered with 'war wounds'. So if anyone is interested, I will be glad to research names, addresses, phone #'s of various Congressmen; share a few 'helpful' notes, etc., etc. Whatever .......

Your situations are different. Different people, different embassy. But if there is ANYTHING I can do, please let me know.

Boaz

[All4Kweku 0]

Not to be a wet blanket...BUT..I have sent letters to the office of Inspector General (who supervise and monitor consular posts). I followed up with phone calls. No replies. I mailed Consular Affairs who sent me a form letter "thanking me for contacting them with my concerns". After that. Nada. Maybe another round will do, but who really knows at this point..

Ugh, it is really depressing to read about problem after problem with the Accra consulate. I was amazed by how quickly we got through the USCIS & NVC: I suppose that raised our hopes too much.

I went to the consulate to try and speak with someone about the possibilty of changing our interview date this morning and was basically shown the door. The attitude is like I'm trying to get away with something devious. I just feel defeated. Especially when you look online at NIV interview scheduling and see that if my fiance was going as a tourist he could be interviewed next month on several dates. At this stage, the K-1 fiance visa is a NIV, but that doesn't register with them. I am next going to send a letter and see where that gets me (probably nowhere). E-mails have so far been responded to with a flat out no.

All4Kweku: I hear you when you say you need to just live your life and not be wound up with the constant waiting. You have my best wishes and if I can help with anything from Accra while I'm still here please let me know.

In general it's just a poorly run consulate. Turnover is high and even the website is full of misinformation or outdated instructions.

I wonder if there's anything we can do to change how things are done in Accra? A letter to the new ambassador here? Anyone think that will help?

[akatagirl 0]

I am wondering if another round of letters and emails and phone calls would make a difference somehow at the Ghana Embassy...This makes me very worried for those of us that still have to deal with the Ghana Embassy and for those that must deal with them in the future..Waiting 2 years and this embassy losing another vjer's petition, and waiting 6 months for an interview...OMG, just thinking about this make me stress out way too much....I no I dont have any room to complain because others have been apart from their significant other far longer than I have but the 8 months I have been apart from husband has been a lot to bear and to think that I may have to wait another possible 8 months or longer to be with him permanently is too much to contemplate..Sorry don't mean to complain on here but this visa process is beginning to get the best of me...

[ReggaeDancer2 0]

I have sent letters to my Congresswoman and made phone calls - what a waste of time. All they could do was make a "polite" inquiry on my behalf. I have written to the State Department, Inspector General, the Ambassador of the Ghana Embassy, the US office of the US Embassy to Ghana, etc. etc. I started these letters last December/January. I am still JUST NOW getting responses. Supposedly our case has been issued an investigation case number. It's been three months and still haven't heard anything.

I had to email the US Embassy in Accra every single day for two months before I finally got a response that was not automated. They said our case was being reviewed. My husband was able to talk the guards into letting him in the Embassy (he has been there so many times, he is on a first name basis with them) and found out that our case was sent back to the US.

Called NVC, they said they don't have it. Called USCIS, they said they don't have it, but if it was sent back, it takes 120 days for them to log it back into their files. In this day of computers, I dont' understand this backwards bullsh**.

I am seriously beginning to think this is racially motiviated since we are an interracial couple. Every couple I know who has had problems with the US Embassy in Ghana have been interracial couples.

We were approved by USCIS in first week January 2005. Interview successfully passed July 21, 2005. Visa was suppose to be issued October 2005. Filed additional paperwork December 2005. Case disappeared and had I not written the Ambassador, I wonder if our case would still have been sitting in someone's file somewhere.

In between time, when my husband did see a Consular Officer, they told him I didn't want him any more because I took too long to file additional papers and then I missed one section and didn't fill it out correctly. (Hello, they didn't send any instructions with the form). After we refiled, they told my husband he would pick his visa up July 26, 2006 so we waited. On that day, they told him to come back in two weeks.

It's crazy. Hindsight is always 20/20 and I wish I had never listened to anyone and filed for a visitor visa like I wanted to. Once someone is in the US, it's harder to make them leave. Case in point, my ex who came legally on an HB visa and has been illegal for the last five years. He just got his "no contest" paperwork approved by the State Department and will be on the way to being legal very soon.

Wish everyone the best. I heard they now send people for the medical exams before the interviews (which is what should have been done all along instead of wasting everyone's time).

[Kanyiri 0]

I remember at some time during my time on this site, there were posts about every congressman on any committee that had to do with immigration issues. Their office addresses and phone numbers were posted. I know that some wrote to them and got nothing productive in response.

As far as speaking to the Ambassador, she has no power over the consular officers. They have a weird chain of command which does not include the Ambassador, so talking to her is likely not to reap any rewards. When I was looking into this, I was able to find the manager of the consular officers in country, but I don't think that did any good either.

The entire system seems to be set up so that the consular officers don't have to worry about getting in trouble for denying a visa. The system would rather have them constantly denying than constantly giving out visas. There are all sorts of reasons that they can deny someone and really no one is going to question their decision. The US is paranoid about terrorists and fraudsters so they would rather deny legitimate people than let a few bad eggs through. Unfortunately, I don't think their system is working b/c the bad do get in and it seems more of the good are kept out.

This system makes the most frustrating process that I've ever been through. The applicants are basically powerless against the interviewers. It's a waiting process that could last forever. I was even researching jobs in Ghana just so that I could no longer have to deal with it all. If I married Re in Ghana I would have automatic citizenship in Ghana.

Anyway, I'm rambling. It wouldn't hurt to write to the congressmen or Ambassador. The worst they can do is say they can't help. And maybe one will be touched by a story and respond well.

My prayers are with you all.

[ReggaeDancer2 0]

I remember at some time during my time on this site, there were posts about every congressman on any committee that had to do with immigration issues. Their office addresses and phone numbers were posted. I know that some wrote to them and got nothing productive in response.

As far as speaking to the Ambassador, she has no power over the consular officers. They have a weird chain of command which does not include the Ambassador, so talking to her is likely not to reap any rewards. When I was looking into this, I was able to find the manager of the consular officers in country, but I don't think that did any good either.

The entire system seems to be set up so that the consular officers don't have to worry about getting in trouble for denying a visa. The system would rather have them constantly denying than constantly giving out visas. There are all sorts of reasons that they can deny someone and really no one is going to question their decision. The US is paranoid about terrorists and fraudsters so they would rather deny legitimate people than let a few bad eggs through. Unfortunately, I don't think their system is working b/c the bad do get in and it seems more of the good are kept out.

This system makes the most frustrating process that I've ever been through. The applicants are basically powerless against the interviewers. It's a waiting process that could last forever. I was even researching jobs in Ghana just so that I could no longer have to deal with it all. If I married Re in Ghana I would have automatic citizenship in Ghana.

Anyway, I'm rambling. It wouldn't hurt to write to the congressmen or Ambassador. The worst they can do is say they can't help. And maybe one will be touched by a story and respond well.

My prayers are with you all.

and it's funny how the Consular Officers refuse to give their names. My husband knows a couple by sight, but every time he asks their names, they refuse to tell him.

My Congresswoman basically told me that no one is "in charge of" the Consular officers and there was no one to write to or complain about them and their treatment of petitioners.

Well, the NVC stated they do not have our case and the USCIS states they do not have our case (and if the Embassy sent the case back, allow 120 days for them to log it and review it - Embassy claims they sent it back in June 2006) and the US Embassy in Ghana states they do not have our case. So once again our case is missing.

Maybe I should apply for a visitor visa for my husband. Since no one has our CR1 paperwork, it doesn't exist, right?

I have been getting counseling from my Priest and he says I should perservere, as God will see us through.

Edited October 17, 2006 by ReggaeDancer2

[a&o 4]

It's terrifying that the consular officers have no oversight. It seems like it can't be true, but hearing all these stories makes me think that it must be true. (And of course the Congresswoman would know.)

All4Kweku, I do think you should apply for a visitor visa. I mean, what could it hurt at this point? They are so disorganized, and they claim the IV and NIV interviewers are different people (this is the excuse they gave me when I asked why if there are plenty of open appointments for NIV interviews in Nov/Dec do they have IV interviews booked up into May 2007). If he is certain he wouldn't be denied a visitor visa, then why not?

You are in my thoughts and I wish you well.