Harsh Question

[Jack&Ana 1]

In general, I think the level is low but it should take into consideration the situation of the applicants. If they're students or very young, it would be unreasonable to demand for more.

I don't think it's politically incorrect to ask of a couple of grownups to be responsible for their actions and I agree with Leatherneck. The Income Poverty Level leaves very little room for emergencies, especially when kids are involved.

[Leatherneck 693]

I agree, but I don't understand why active military should not be within the same rule. military spouses eat and get sick, too, and the money they need is the same as civilians.

So you don't think that those that are willing to put it all on the line should get a break?

Take a look at military pay, then you might have a better understanding.

[Leatherneck 693]

Our active military is the reason we can bring foreign nationals here. Lets salute them. If they made 1/2 of what they deserve, they would be 500% of the poverty guidelines. Thank you all who serve this Great Country!

Edited February 24, 2012 by Leatherneck

[Dan & Jenni 457]

i think they should actually take in to account a persons outgoings as well as their income as just because someone earns well over the 125% poverty level, it doesnt mean that they can afford to feed another mouth. it should be based on what you afford and not on what you earn.

[Operator 1,927]

I think one thing to remember is that requiring a certain level of income is not there to act as a deterrent or hurdle for the applicant or petitioner (beneficiary or sponsor) it's there to protect the general public from immigrants becoming a social burden.

I worry when I read posts of people who are petitioning for a soon to be spouse and his or her dependents when they make just 125% of the guideline. Supporting a family of 3 on $23,162 a year seems like an impossibility to me. I personally wouldn't not bring the person I love into that type of financial situation.

I'm sure I'll get hammered for this but I would double the requirement if it were up to me.

i think they should actually take in to account a persons outgoings as well as their income as just because someone earns well over the 125% poverty level, it doesnt mean that they can afford to feed another mouth. it should be based on what you afford and not on what you earn.

Well said! The income to debt ratio in this country is staggering.

[Samantha78 117]

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.

The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.

No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.

So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.

I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

I completely agree with this. Although it may be helpful/easier for some people to have this poverty guideline, it is not a sufficient enough amount in order to live a life, especially in the US.

As you say, pregnancy is extremely expensive and just scraping by is not a good option. Some people may not mind having their head barely above water, financially, but there are so many problems that could arise at any given moment, causing you to drown. Raising that guideline would not only be helpful to the petitioners and bene's in the longrun, but it would filter out those who may, in turn, become financially dependent on the government later down the road. Not saying that it would be the immigrant, because it could easily be the USC who applies for welfare or other benefits.

[easyriders2011 14]

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.

The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.

No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.

So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.

I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

I couldn't disagree with you more.

I am an American citizen, covered by my 4th amendment right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. In this case I consider having my wife with me here as 'pursuing my happiness'.

As a veteran who has served this country and at one point I technically wrote an open check that included up to and including my life; I believe I should enjoy the same benefits that are FREELY and OPENLY given to all of the illegal aliens who step one foot on US soil, and they are entitled to FREE education, healthcare, welfare, and they are protected with anchor babies.

But such is not the case. Instead I have to prove that I can support my wife before she is allowed to come here.

I have to prove she will not obtain any government services, that I am a USC am already entitled to.

I have to pay thousands of dollars to get her here, whereas illegals pay a few hundred to be sneaked across the border and then its 'alli-alli oxen free' and they're in the big bucks of a welfare government system that penalizes those who play by the rules.

I think it would be very interesting / telling if the media would work with the government and conduct a poll on legal immigrants what their opinions are for legalizing illegal aliens? They can't be viewed as immigrant-phobic, because they are immigrants. But they more than anyone else can tell you about the hardships and bureaucratic nightmares the USG puts on its own citizens while ignoring and assisting those who technically should have no rights in this country.

[Samantha78 117]

I think one thing to remember is that requiring a certain level of income is not there to act as a deterrent or hurdle for the applicant or petitioner (beneficiary or sponsor) it's there to protect the general public from immigrants becoming a social burden.

I worry when I read posts of people who are petitioning for a soon to be spouse and his or her dependents when they make just 125% of the guideline. Supporting a family of 3 on $23,162 a year seems like an impossibility to me. I personally wouldn't not bring the person I love into that type of financial situation.

I'm sure I'll get hammered for this but I would double the requirement if it were up to me.

Well said! The income to debt ratio in this country is staggering.

I never really paid attention to how low some of the guidelines were, as I knew I was over the amount enough to be comfortable, but reading this - family of 3 - $23, 163 - that is absurd!!!! I also cannot see how in the world anyone can get by on that...it's a struggle waiting to happen.

I don't know about doubling it but raising it, absolutely.

[Samantha78 117]

i think they should actually take in to account a persons outgoings as well as their income as just because someone earns well over the 125% poverty level, it doesnt mean that they can afford to feed another mouth. it should be based on what you afford and not on what you earn.

That's a great point......anyone can make a ton of money but if the outgoing amount is close to or equal to the income, then it doesn't mean much at all how much they're making. I have seen so many situations of people where I live, who have done this process, met the very minimum guidelines, and barely have food to eat and are living in a rat shack. It shouldn't be this way.

[san diego 407]

There are a lot of costs associated with bringing foreigner to this country, even if the foreigner has college degree. I am exactly 1000% above the poverty line but considering that my wife does not work it does put some financial strain on my lifestyle that I am used to. Recently I have seen the thread where OP was asking if she can apply for food stamps once her fiance arrives. This is absolutely ridiculous. You may be barely above 125% line but have to apply for food stamps right after arrival of the foreign spouse. This is crazy. While love and happiness is basic, it should not be at the expense of other tax payers. Personally I make $180,000 annually and pay a lot in state and federal taxes. I do not feel like paying for food stamps of the USC that cannot sustain his/her household only because his/her spouse arrived from another country.

[san diego 407]

I couldn't disagree with you more.

I am an American citizen, covered by my 4th amendment right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. In this case I consider having my wife with me here as 'pursuing my happiness'.

As a veteran who has served this country and at one point I technically wrote an open check that included up to and including my life; I believe I should enjoy the same benefits that are FREELY and OPENLY given to all of the illegal aliens who step one foot on US soil, and they are entitled to FREE education, healthcare, welfare, and they are protected with anchor babies.

But such is not the case. Instead I have to prove that I can support my wife before she is allowed to come here.

I have to prove she will not obtain any government services, that I am a USC am already entitled to.

I have to pay thousands of dollars to get her here, whereas illegals pay a few hundred to be sneaked across the border and then its 'alli-alli oxen free' and they're in the big bucks of a welfare government system that penalizes those who play by the rules.

I think it would be very interesting / telling if the media would work with the government and conduct a poll on legal immigrants what their opinions are for legalizing illegal aliens? They can't be viewed as immigrant-phobic, because they are immigrants. But they more than anyone else can tell you about the hardships and bureaucratic nightmares the USG puts on its own citizens while ignoring and assisting those who technically should have no rights in this country.

I respect that you served our country. I respect the fact that you would like to pursue love of your life. However:

1) You can find your love in US.

2) If you like to bring her here you need to make sure you can sustain her and do not put strains on other tax payers, wouldn't you agree? If you can do it without government assistance this is fine. However, the chances are that you will not be able to if you do not meet 125% requirement at the very least. Why would other tax payers have to pay for your pursuit of love?

[john_and_marlene 162]

I agree, but I don't understand why active military should not be within the same rule. military spouses eat and get sick, too, and the money they need is the same as civilians.

There are some differences with the active military income. For one, they get a tax-free housing allowance that is not included in the gross income calculation. More importantly, the family members are covered for health care with no premiums to pay. So, the income they need to show is not the same as a civilian who's income should cover the full cost of housing and health care.

[Brian121957 43]

A college student can't automatically make a bunch load of money - but their income may improve in the future.

I recently had the opportunity to attend my son-in-laws senior project presentation for is Bachelor of Science Engineering degree. I also saw a few of the other students. These were all students that had completed 4 years and were just weeks from graduation. But there were a few and one in particular that real did not know what they were doing. But he was going to get a degree just like the others. When he gets out in to the job market it would not take long for a prospective employer to see what does NOT know. He is NOT going to make a lot of money. But he will have a potential future in the food service industry. Can you say "Do you want fries with that?"

[CAdreamer 14]

Personally, I think the guidelines are pretty low. I'm a worrier and it would make me crazy to be constantly wondering what unexpected expense was going to come up and sink me. But if that's what the US government has said is its guideline, so be it. I'm know a lot of people live at or below the poverty line and make it work for them.

What I don't understand is the option for a co-sponsor. Where else in life would two people, who are apparently mature enough to enter into a marriage, be able to say 'hey ma/pa (or auntie/uncle.. or friend/neighbor..); me and my love want to get hitched but we're kind of strapped for cash. How about you just agree to pick up the slack in our bills whenever we need it for the next 10 years or so?'

Seriously??? I think if you can't make the minimum amount required on your own, perhaps you should consider making some changes in your own life before bringing someone else in to the country to share it, and expecting someone else to cover the bills.

[AmyWrites 593]

I think in some cases, i.e students, it's fair. Otherwise, it's not. And I don't like the idea behind the K1 visa.... to easy for people to just not AOS and stay out of status, and if you need 90 days to be sure, why are you promising to financially support them before they even come here anyway?