RFE for Step-Daughter

[M & C 6]

In August 2011, I sent in 1-130 applications for my husband and step-daughter. My husband's application was approved at the end of February, but more evidence was requested for my step-daughter. They asked me to send another copy of my birth certificate and her birth certificate (clearly showing her parents' names)and also secondary evidence such as school records, church records, and pictures (particularly pictures of early childhood). They said they are looking for evidence establishing parentage. I took this to mean they want to establish that my husband is really her father. My husband took this to mean they want evidence/pictures of her with her birth mother AND her father (my husband). I worry that sending pictures with the three of them together will start people thinking my husband and child's birth mother are a couple and raise red flags at the interview stage. My plan was to send only pictures of our daughter and our daughter and my husband together through the years. Any advice/thoughts on this matter? Anybody been through the same situation and lived to tell the tale?

[Inky 1,111]

They want proof of your parentage of her.

[ndu26 114]

your plan definitely sounds better. her being in the pic does not serve any purpose.if you have other pics to use then pls do so (IMO)

[M & C 6]

Well #######. They said they want evidence from her early childhood and not just evidence gathered for the purpose of satisfying the request. I obviously wasn't around during her early childhood, as I only met my husband 2 years ago and we have only been married since June. I am really not sure what to do. As for current evidence of my parentage of her, the only thing I really have are her pictures up on the walls with my other two daughters' pictures and brief interactions with her while I speak to my husband online or on the phone. And, of course, the marriage certificate showing that I am married to her father.

Another thing mentioned in the RFE was the possibility of getting DNA testing to prove parentage. This and the documents from early childhood are the reasons I was thinking they wanted to establish a relationship between her and my husband. Once again, as I wrote step-daughter on the form, it's probably obvious that her DNA will not match mine.

I am so confused and not sure at all what to do...

[M & C 6]

Well #######. They said they want evidence from her early childhood and not just evidence gathered for the purpose of satisfying the request. I obviously wasn't around during her early childhood, as I only met my husband 2 years ago and we have only been married since June. I am really not sure what to do. As for current evidence of my parentage of her, the only thing I really have are her pictures up on the walls with my other two daughters' pictures and brief interactions with her while I speak to my husband online or on the phone. And, of course, the marriage certificate showing that I am married to her father.

Another thing mentioned in the RFE was the possibility of getting DNA testing to prove parentage. This and the documents from early childhood are the reasons I was thinking they wanted to establish a relationship between her and my husband. Once again, as I wrote step-daughter on the form, it's probably obvious that her DNA will not match mine.

I am so confused and not sure at all what to do...

[Inky 1,111]

DNA test sounds like they want it from you since the RFE was sent to you. Sounds like they dont think she is your step-daughter and they thing she is your real daughter. Hence the DNA request and your birth cert and Her birth cert etc.

[ndu26 114]

_{I believe they will ask for DNA to prove she really belongs to your husband( since you are filing for her on the basis of your marriage to him). Just assume they want you to prove you are not using the opportunity to bring in another family member( or their daughter)}

_{You shd be fin once they prove the girl is his. They may also want to verify that her mother is aware that her daughter is about to be taken out of the country and may ask for documented verification of this. That or Inky's idea.}

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

All of above is correct, but what they really wants is proof that will show that your husband was invovled with his daughter durning her childhood years. They will be requesting the DNA in addition to all of this.

Edited March 9, 2012 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[M & C 6]

I guess it's worth mentioning that the reason they gave for needing my birth certificate is to establish my citizenship for my step-daughter's case separately. When I sent in the original I-130 packet, I sent my husband's and step-daughter's petitions together, referencing the other's name on each form, and I only submitted one copy of my birth certificate. The letter stated that they need a separate copy for each case, in the event that the two cases get separated in the future (which they are at this point). I am wondering if they kept the copy of her birth certificate I sent in with the original packet with my husband's forms too. Either way, it will not be difficult to send them another copy of each.

I guess I will send in the specifically requested documents and the secondary evidence we have-receipts and reports from her schools-particularly the one in Ghana where she's lived with her daddy since January 2010 (when her mum brought her to visit and she chose to stay with him when her mum returned to Lagos)and pictures of her as an infant and through the years, showing her alone and with her daddy-focusing heavily on the past two years of her living with him.

As that is the only relationship I have documentation to prove, in her case, I will send in the above-mentioned documents and pray like crazy that those are the ones they want. Thanks for all your help, everyone!