Visiting an illegal alien in the US

[ldungren 0]

Hi, I am originally from Bulgaria but am currently doing one year Masters in London, UK.

My sister came to the US 7 years ago on a student visa but overstayed and has been living in the US out of status ever since.

I would very much like to visit her for Christmas but do not want to jeopardize her status or put myself in a bad spot by not revealing I have relatives on the visa application.

Is it safe to disclose her information on the application and do I have any chance of getting a B2 visa with her being there illegally?

Thank you, any information will be appreciated.

[kzielu 1,149]

It is definitely not safe to disclose her details - I heard about cases where ICE captured people that came to pick someone up at the airport (and were out of status).

[Noah Lot 391]

However, lying during an interview is not wise...nor ethical....and if you are caught, what will you say? 'Gee, I'm sorry, now give me the visa?'....doubtful that will happen. Why do you think it's OK to lie? I don't understand why people think it's OK to lie.....is that normal in Bulgaria? (obviously your sister lied about her intentions when she applied and received her student visa)...

[skiptex 225]

i don't lying on any of this forms is smart thing to do...

does B2 specifically ask STATUS of Relatives in USA.. (jus wondering)

[Noah Lot 391]

i don't lying on any of this forms is smart thing to do...

does B2 specifically ask STATUS of Relatives in USA.. (jus wondering)

If the form does not, the CO will....and the more stammering that takes place, the faster the applicant's credibility will erode.

[scotty2009 13]

I would not lie. When I applied for visa before, I was TOLD by the officer that "you have a brother on a student's visa"

How did they know? I don't know.

[Noah Lot 391]

I would not lie. When I applied for visa before, I was TOLD by the officer that "you have a brother on a student's visa"

How did they know? I don't know.

They have access to a tremendous amount of electronic data, so a word to the wise....try to cover up the truth and see what happens....with the understanding that once you damage your credibility, it is awfully hard (i.e. impossible) to repair it...certainly it won't happen overnight, nor after some feeble apology for having fibbed....better to tell the truth and deal with the outcome...

[ldungren 0]

However, lying during an interview is not wise...nor ethical....and if you are caught, what will you say? 'Gee, I'm sorry, now give me the visa?'....doubtful that will happen. Why do you think it's OK to lie? I don't understand why people think it's OK to lie.....is that normal in Bulgaria? (obviously your sister lied about her intentions when she applied and received her student visa)...

Noah, where in my inquiry does it say I intended on lying???? That is your assumption and I'd rather you keep it to yourself. I simply asked for an advice if I can disclose her information on the application. I gather this is not such a great idea so I won't be applying End of story. And no, lying is not normal in Bulgaria but thanks for being a judgmental #######.

[Noah Lot 391]

Well gosh....let's see....one Bulgarian lied (your sister) and one hasn't...so it looks like it's a 50-50 proposition that lying is prevalent in Bulgaria...but you are not alone by wondering about choosing not to reveal something pertinent on one's visa application. Seems like it's the thing to do nowadays....if you are so ethical (according to yourself) why haven't you contacted ICE in my country and told them about your sister? Or do your ethics have a limited boundary?

[Noah Lot 391]

Noah, where in my inquiry does it say I intended on lying???? That is your assumption and I'd rather you keep it to yourself. I simply asked for an advice if I can disclose her information on the application. I gather this is not such a great idea so I won't be applying End of story. And no, lying is not normal in Bulgaria but thanks for being a judgmental #######.

I think the expression (for where you are currently standing) is 'sawed off' (spelled slightly differently)...cheers.

And no, there is nothing stopping you from revealing her 'lack of status' (among other less desirable attributes) on your visa application...nothing.

Edited October 12, 2011 by Noah Lot

[ldungren 0]

forget about it

Edited October 12, 2011 by ldungren

[Guinness 3]

Someone pass the popcorn this is getting good

[Boiler 46,013]

The application form requires you to list your any relatives in the US - your sister.

It does not ask for their address.

Chances, well low, but higher than not applying at all.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Well - technically your sister is not "out of status" - her student visa is most likely marked "D/S" - and only an IJ can make the determination if she is out of status based on that. (if picked up, and she is not in school - the IJ will mark her out of status at that time and then deported).

I have read a few cases where having family members out of status caused the embassy some pause in issuing a B-2 (which is one of the reasons why they ask if you have family in the US - they can look up the info on visas/entry/exit) - If I remember right - one case was denied out of hand. (since one family member didn't follow the rules, you might do the same thing).

Really depends on the fraud rate of your country - it seems to me.

Like Boiler said - nothing ventured - nothing gained.

[ldungren 0]

Thanks to everyone that was kind enough to give me a relevant response and advice. I will research this in detail before I do anything. I will most definitely not lie on the application so it's a matter of figuring out how much of a risk it is for her. If I don't get a visa, I don't get a visa, it's just a matter of not making things worse than they already are ( for her that is)

Ummit, she was under a J1 visa- my mistake- I am not sure if that changes anything, probably does.

Once again, thanks for your input

Edited October 12, 2011 by ldungren