I'm a disabled USC. Questions about sponsorship.

[Boiler 46,156]

Ohh yes.

[juststartingout 0]

Ohh yes.

Wow. That's sad considering it is a legitimate relationship. And which part of the situation do you suspect would be the issue? And why wouldn't the same issue cause problems with AOS?

[Boiler 46,156]

Well not sure where to start, you seem to hit most of the obvious ones.

My assumption will be that AoS will be a lot easier.

[juststartingout 0]

Well not sure where to start, you seem to hit most of the obvious ones.

My assumption will be that AoS will be a lot easier.

Discouraging, actually..

[Anh map 2,098]

Wow. That's sad considering it is a legitimate relationship. And which part of the situation do you suspect would be the issue? And why wouldn't the same issue cause problems with AOS?

Given your bf's nationality, if the interview was to happen in his home country the red flags would be flying for all the things you've mentioned. Age difference, some sort of disability (probably would get you better feedback to share some sort of clarification on the disability), introduced by a family member, possibly different religions.

Interviewing here the cultural norms are less of an issue.

[juststartingout 0]

Given your bf's nationality, if the interview was to happen in his home country the red flags would be flying for all the things you've mentioned. Age difference, some sort of disability (probably would get you better feedback to share some sort of clarification on the disability), introduced by a family member, possibly different religions.

Interviewing here the cultural norms are less of an issue.

I see.

I met my boyfriend's brother through my ex-boyfriend of 3 years, who lived and still lives right here in my hometown in the US. He is a permanent resident of many, many years, and definitely not through me.

My boyfriend's brother was actually interested in me romantically and started introducing me to his family members because of his personal interest in me. I did not share those feelings, and he's actually not happy about the situation as it stands...at all. And, it has nothing to do with any of the "differences" but rather because he feels slighted and rejected, even though my position with him was always clear.

Part of my degree (minor) is in the Middle East and I have worked in Jordan. I would venture to say that our situation is not the typical internet romance and that we actually met through more "traditional" means than many international love affairs. I have connections and relationships there (friends, obviously) that are seperate from my boyfriend, too.

ETA: I prefer to keep medical information private where it belongs. However, I can say it is not psychological nor emotional in nature and is effecting my life less and less which is why I have been able to be a full time student, just earned a second bachelor's degree, and am now pursuing graduate studies. This has shown myself and my doctor that I will be able to resume work soon.

Edited May 10, 2012 by juststartingout

[Anh map 2,098]

I see.

I met my boyfriend's brother through my ex-boyfriend of 3 years, who lived and still lives right here in my hometown in the US. He is a permanent resident of many, many years, and definitely not through me.

My boyfriend's brother was actually interested in me romantically and started introducing me to his family members because of his personal interest in me. I did not share those feelings, and he's actually not happy about the situation as it stands...at all. And, it has nothing to do with any of the "differences" but rather because he feels slighted and rejected, even though my position with him was always clear.

Part of my degree (minor) is in the Middle East and I have worked in Jordan. I would venture to say that our situation is not the typical internet romance and that we actually met through more "traditional" means than many international love affairs. I have connections and relationships there (friends, obviously) that are seperate from my boyfriend, too.

ETA: I prefer to keep medical information private where it belongs. However, I can say it is not psychological nor emotional in nature and is effecting my life less and less which is why I have been able to be a full time student, just earned a second bachelor's degree, and am now pursuing graduate studies. This has shown myself and my doctor that I will be able to resume work soon.

If it is not a permanent physical challenge then it's not likely to be an issue. If you were to need a permanent care giver that's another possible flag.

FWIW: any and all topics are fair game in the interview. If you introduce your disability to the equation or it's visibly apparent, it's fair game.

[juststartingout 0]

If it is not a permanent physical challenge then it's not likely to be an issue. If you were to need a permanent care giver that's another possible flag.

FWIW: any and all topics are fair game in the interview. If you introduce your disability to the equation or it's visibly apparent, it's fair game.

No offence intended to you lovely gentlemen, but if I needed or even wanted a caregiver, I would opt to find a lady to help. :-) I work out, take karate, snow ski...I don't need a caregiver at all. I'm sorry that I don't feel comfortable with a huge elaboration on my medical history, but suffice it to say, I don't need or want a caregiver.

ETA: It's not physically apparent at all. The only reason it will come up is if they ask specifically why I am on SSDI. In "normal" situations, this is a blatently illegal question. This was the reason for my original inquiry, as the interviewer, I assume, follows different rules.

Edited May 10, 2012 by juststartingout

[Kazulie 132]

Call USCIS and ask to speak to a tier 2 person. Ask them if COs are allowed to ask about your condition. If they are, you'll have until your interview date to warm up to the idea that you'll have to speak to someone you don't know about your condition. Be prepared for them to be intrusive about it, too. ( not saying they will be, but it kind of is their job. ) better to be prepared for the worst.

If they are not allowed to pry on your condition, ask the tier 2 what you should do or say if they happen to ask you questions about it anyway.

I also do not feel that your case will be a walk in the park. Mena country, major age difference with the wife being older, friends with the family...

Good luck! You'll need it as much as the rest of us!

[juststartingout 0]

Thank you all for your input.

I am curious why knowing his brother before meeting him is a negative? That's the only point that is confusing to me. It seems a natural way to meet people.

[Boiler 46,156]

Sounds like you are familiar with the culture and therefore how your relationship would be perceived.

[juststartingout 0]

Sounds like you are familiar with the culture and therefore how your relationship would be perceived.

I guess I have a different perspective because I see a generation of change in Jordan. My relationship with my ex-boyfriend was an age-gap relationship also. And, he is already an established permanent resident with no immigration benefits to gain from me. We ultately broke up because he just wanted to live together and not marry and I ultimately wanted the commitment of marriage. For those not familiar with the climate of change in the younger generations in Jordan, I suppose this would sound counter culture. My ex is still living in my community, in a new relationship with someone also older than he is and living together.

I have a girlfriend who i met in college who is Palestinian. She does my cover and is currently in a relationship with a catholic guy. She doesn't need immigration benefits either. The fact of the matter is that things are changing.

[juststartingout 0]

Eta: My ex's family are a traditional family from a small village. I've visited them. The oldest brother is in his 40s and married to a local lady who is 17 years older than he his. They have 4 kids. It wasn't a marriage about immigration or country or money. They are both poor and Jordanian. No one there blinks an eye at them. I really feel some of this is just stereotyping.

[DandT14 272]

I was just thinking, even if they can't ask you about your disability, they probably can ask him. I don't think ADA protects him (but I could be wrong.) Just something to make sure he's prepared for. If it comes off like he's uninformed, I would guess that would raise flags as well.

[juststartingout 0]

I was just thinking, even if they can't ask you about your disability, they probably can ask him. I don't think ADA protects him (but I could be wrong.) Just something to make sure he's prepared for. If it comes off like he's uninformed, I would guess that would raise flags as well.

Excellent point. He's informed, of course. I guess I just need to get used to the fact that my personal business isn't so personal during this process.

I did try to call and they told me to make an appointment at the local office and ask the question. Odd.