Inappropriate Interview

[Laure&Colin 558]

The manual you cited also states that officers must respect the rights of the person they are interviewing.

Is privacy not a right respected by the US government? I'm starting to believe it's not, and that unlike what I was thinking, the rights of foreign immigrants are protected a lot more in my country of origin. Which by the way is also a popular destination for immigration...

[Leatherneck 693]

You have a right to answer the questions or not. The CO could not care any less about your sex life. If you feel so strongly you could tell him you will not answer them and the interview is over. It's that simple. It's your choice. Nobody is twisting your arm. Why do you feel you can impress on the US that we should let you in as a resident without your cooperation? You don't have to move here. You are asking to move here.

What you are not aware of is the amount of people that will pay $ 10,000 to move to the US because they want to live here. There is so much fraud that if the CO is not convinced about your relationship ( and they were not convinced in this case) that it is within their right to determine if they are telling the truth or a "sham".

We were prepared to answer such questions because we knew they were doing their job and we support them in making sure that fraudulent people don't come into this country and suck our resources, health care, food stamp programs and other government benefits dry.

By the way, we were not asked these kinds of questions as I would bet 98% of people are not. The other 2% should do a better job of proving their relationship to the CO and not making him figure it out. Our interview was so simple because we were prepared and presented a strong case.

I am really sick of people who come to this country and complain about it. These are the same people that were complaining when they left their own country. At least here you can get involved in government and you have a chance of changing it. Talk to your congressman about this but don't say they can't ask these questions because they can.

Well said! It would be like immigrating to China then complaining about human rights.

Edited February 26, 2012 by Leatherneck

[southcalhog 43]

Well said! It would be like immigrating to China then complaining about human rights.

Thats Well Said Also!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Well said! It would be like immigrating to China then complaining about human rights.

I disagree. Why shouldn't someone want to better their adopted country by participating in open discourse, a protected right of all people here? I suppose I wouldn't do this in China, for fear of retribution, but the US does not punish people for disagreeing, thank god. If these immigrants obtain citizenship, then they can vote and lobby for changes to the way things are done. I think the real issue is that some people are trying to make a solution without understanding why the current solution is in place, and that comes off poorly.

[southcalhog 43]

I disagree. Why shouldn't someone want to better their adopted country by participating in open discourse, a protected right of all people here? I suppose I wouldn't do this in China, for fear of retribution, but the US does not punish people for disagreeing, thank god. If these immigrants obtain citizenship, then they can vote and lobby for changes to the way things are done. I think the real issue is that some people are trying to make a solution without understanding why the current solution is in place, and that comes off poorly.

I disagree with what you stated Harpa......You cant Automatically go in a LOT of other Countrys and participate in open dialog for a Variety of reasons like one is NO Tolerance for Anti Country Sematics of whatever Country it is. they Absolutely will NOT tolerate that and I think "Leatherneck" used China as a prime example.We have rights here, and the rights we have does Not extend to most of the Countries of the World. Notice I said "MOST".You have retribution in China and most other Countries. Immigrants coming here can after going through the correct Immigration path can and Should vote! That is what will make whatever difference in the laws we have here.People Vote, US Congresspersons Vote, The President Signs!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I disagree with what you stated Harpa......You cant Automatically go in a LOT of other Countrys and participate in open dialog for a Variety of reasons like one is NO Tolerance for Anti Country Sematics of whatever Country it is. they Absolutely will NOT tolerate that and I think "Leatherneck" used China as a prime example.We have rights here, and the rights we have does Not extend to most of the Countries of the World. Notice I said "MOST".You have retribution in China and most other Countries. Immigrants coming here can after going through the correct Immigration path can and Should vote! That is what will make whatever difference in the laws we have here.People Vote, US Congresspersons Vote, The President Signs!

But we aren't talking about "MOST" countries, we're talking about the US, where people -- including non-citizens -- have the right to express their like or dislike of government or its policies. This extends well outside the ballot box, which, though an integral part of the citizenry's dialogue with its government, is not the only means of expression for those who are in the US. To say that we should sit down, shut up and be thankful we've got what we do have is decidedly un-American in sentiment.

My ex, when he first came to the US, was unsure about how to express what he found uncomfortable or just not right about American institutions as an immigrant. I told him that as he was planning to become an American some day, he should let rip. He's to the right of me, which has led to some interesting debate, but we both think it's been great training for being an involved and active citizen. He's applying for citizenship in a few months and I think he'll make a great, opinionated and informed American later this year, not least because he's felt free to become express both support and dissent.

[southcalhog 43]

But we aren't talking about "MOST" countries, we're talking about the US, where people -- including non-citizens -- have the right to express their like or dislike of government or its policies. This extends well outside the ballot box, which, though an integral part of the citizenry's dialogue with its government, is not the only means of expression for those who are in the US. To say that we should sit down, shut up and be thankful we've got what we do have is decidedly un-American in sentiment.

My ex, when he first came to the US, was unsure about how to express what he found uncomfortable or just not right about American institutions as an immigrant. I told him that as he was planning to become an American some day, he should let rip. He's to the right of me, which has led to some interesting debate, but we both think it's been great training for being an involved and active citizen. He's applying for citizenship in a few months and I think he'll make a great, opinionated and informed American later this year, not least because he's felt free to become express both support and dissent.

I dont know maybe we got "lost in Translation" You absolutely correct regarding the ability and Opportunity to protest or speak up regarding American policies here. the Post i reference to was the post above.........comparing other Countries to the USA! You also right even immigrants can Speak up we dont disagree about that.My reference like I said was comparison to OTHER Countries!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I dont know maybe we got "lost in Translation" You absolutely correct regarding the ability and Opportunity to protest or speak up regarding American policies here. the Post i reference to was the post above.........comparing other Countries to the USA! You also right even immigrants can Speak up we dont disagree about that.My reference like I said was comparison to OTHER Countries!

All right -- glad we are in agreement!

[Leatherneck 693]

I disagree. Why shouldn't someone want to better their adopted country by participating in open discourse, a protected right of all people here? I suppose I wouldn't do this in China, for fear of retribution, but the US does not punish people for disagreeing, thank god. If these immigrants obtain citizenship, then they can vote and lobby for changes to the way things are done. I think the real issue is that some people are trying to make a solution without understanding why the current solution is in place, and that comes off poorly.

You're certainly free to disagree. I stand by my comment, if one doesn't like human rights abuses, (sane and rational folks would sanction human rights abuse) it would be foolish to immigrate to China then start complaining. That is an issue for the people of China to solve with the support of other nation states, not for new immigrant.

"Redress of grievances" is an available option to those that seek change.

The point the OP was making in that post was very simple, why move to a new country and complain, when those complaining were probably the same ones complaining about the place they left.

[pddp 240]

OK then...KEEP IT MOVING!

I get really annoyed at you folks that treat the USA like it's some kind of doggy park, you use it to do your business, then off you go. Well, do not let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you! I proudly wore the uniform and was ready at any hour to put it all on the line so ungrateful folks like you could have your say. Well, to some of us, AMERICA IS SOMETHING SPECIAL! There is no other place for us to "...move to" and enjoy the full host of rights under the Bill of Rights.

Some of you Europeans tend to exhibit the biggest 'holier than thou' attitude and contempt for the U.S., of course you're free to do so.

Wow. That's disrespectful and misinformed.

Who are you to tell anyone where they should live? Who are you to tell me what I should be into in my life? For you it may be the US, I may not give a hoot of these artificial creations we call nation states in the first place, why should that offend you? Everyone's got their thing, mine may be fishing. Why should that be a problem?

What angers and upsets me is when my fellow human beings are being subjected to abuse or ill-treatment that denies them their dignity. I don't care when or where, why, or by who. There is no justification for such treatment, anyplace, ever. "Holier than thou"? That, my friend, would be you. These things happen in America all the time, but you choose to close your eyes to it.

[Leatherneck 693]

Wow. That's disrespectful and misinformed.

Who are you to tell anyone where they should live? Who are you to tell me what I should be into in my life? For you it may be the US, I may not give a hoot of these artificial creations we call nation states in the first place, why should that offend you? Everyone's got their thing, mine may be fishing. Why should that be a problem?

What angers and upsets me is when my fellow human beings are being subjected to abuse or ill-treatment that denies them their dignity. I don't care when or where, why, or by who. There is no justification for such treatment, anyplace, ever. "Holier than thou"? That, my friend, would be you. These things happen in America all the time, but you choose to close your eyes to it.

Lady, I didn't tell you or anyone else where they should live. Personally, I couldn't care less where you live. When you make this statement, "I don't hate the US, but it's nothing special to me. Just another country with good and bad things.

Well, there are millions of people that feel this country is special to them, whether it is to you or not. Of course America is not perfect, I'd rather live in flawed American that some perceived perfect little utopia any day. Where is that country where I can immigrate to and enjoy something the likes of the Bill of Rights? Where is that country where I can enjoy my God given and the natural right to self-defense, which includes the ability to possess and carry a firearm? Where is that place, I might be tempted pack my bags, move there and go fishing.

Sorry, if you have not figured it out yet, I am not a 'let's all hold hands, hug, smile, sing, be extra nice to each other and make the world a better place.' So I do not get excited when someone endures a series of embarrassing and humiliating questions.

Finland and Chicago, um, I really would've been surprised if you had sentiments opposite of those you espouse.

[Leatherneck 693]

The manual you cited also states that officers must respect the rights of the person they are interviewing.

Is privacy not a right respected by the US government? I'm starting to believe it's not, and that unlike what I was thinking, the rights of foreign immigrants are protected a lot more in my country of origin. Which by the way is also a popular destination for immigration...

Yes, I also noticed you made no mentioned that questions related to sexual relations are not prohibited, despite the manual clearly

showing it is allowed.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Topic has been locked for review

After review, this topic is remaining closed. The discussion has become combative and adversarial and as such is inappropriate for the immigration related forums.

Edited February 28, 2012 by Kathryn41