September 2013 I-130 Filers

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

thank jen for your kind words and the hugs i got some feedback today from my congressman strangely because i got a email from one of the senator's the other day saying until after the shutdown resolves they will not be able to respond and help me but the congressman's office wrote this (see below) i actually faxed the wrong congressman ooops lol ........so i responded with a email explaining more in detail of our situation and am going to fax another privacy release just in case they need it. I hope they help us and can get this moving along a little faster

Greetings Mrs. Saad,

Congressman Denham and I have received the privacy release form forwarded to us by Congressman McClintock’s office.

Since you are within Congressman Denham’s district, we are happy to assist you.

I have read the situation and have some questions.

USCIS has certain criteria that must be met in order for an expedite to be considered and granted.

You mention humanitarian grounds.

It would be beneficial to your argument if you were able to provide additional evidence supporting your claim.

This evidence can be submitted along with your privacy form and a letter from Congressman Denham.

However, if you are unable to gather further evidence then I will go ahead and send your request along with a congressional letter from Congressman Denham that your I-130 be considered for an expedite on humanitarian grounds .

Let me know,

Melody Maldonado

Constituent Services

Congressman Jeff Denham (CD-10)

4701 Sisk Road Suite 202, Modesto, CA 95356

Nice! Hope your case will get expedited!

Do you have any of that evidence? will it be difficult to obtain?

To me expedite means somebody is going to jump ahead in line at the exspense of others..We all desperately want to get our loved one's home with us to America..But I dont want to force my way to the front of the line..

Well, I understand why you're feeling bitter about this...

Some of us, though, are in very dangerous places. If there is a valid reason for an expedite- I am all for it...

Yup!! He's here til the 22nd!!

Yay hope you guys are having A LOT OF FUN!

Aw that blows. I'm sorry. Idk why every country doesn't offer it. My hubby is from the UK.

Here's how it went at customs:

What is your purpose? "To visit my wife."

Do you plan on living here in the future? "Yes, we filed our I-130 spouse visa."

Do you still have a full time job in the UK? "Yes. (Prepared to hand over letter from his employer but the officer waved it away)"

When do you plan on returning? "October 22nd"

Ok, enjoy your stay.

He took a long time coming through customs so I got worried but it was due to a long line and because of the shutdown, not as many officers were working.

Wow that looked easy!

But then, they usually do let people in if they :

1) are citizens of VWP country

2) have strong ties to their home country

Glad he got in without any problems!

Yeah, Poland is not and likely will never be a part of the program. Our government just doesn't treat Poles kindly, and I have yet to figure out why. My wife was denied a visitor visa to come visit me and cried the entire bus ride home (2 hours from the Polish capital). It was brutal for her and I felt like a terrible boyfriend because I couldn't be there to wipe here tears. Just awful.

But what are we going to do. It is what it is. Just have to work within the system.

I think Poland should reconsider being the U.S.'s ally.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

Hope you're having a super weekend too, girl Good luck with calling NVC tomorrow

Random question, not meaning to pry but I'm curious: if your hubby is British why do you have the Netherlands in your profile info? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'd understand.

I think he might have a dual citizenship and lives in the Netherlands? or has a British citizenship only but lives in the Netherlands.

It's easy to move around within the EU No work permits or anything like that necessary.

[r060106 109]

I think Poland should reconsider being the U.S.'s ally.

I'd rather that not be the case, because then Americans with spouses in Poland, such as myself and your husband, would not be able to enter without a visa I'm guessing. Then I'd really enter into a depression if that were the case, especially with our baby coming up.

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

I'd rather that not be the case, because then Americans with spouses in Poland, such as myself and your husband, would not be able to enter without a visa I'm guessing. Then I'd really enter into a depression if that were the case, especially with our baby coming up.

In international law there is a term called "reciprocity rule".

On its basis, we (Poland) should have Americans require visas as well.

That's not the case, and probably will never will be.

Why wouldn't we be able to enter without B-1 visas if we weren't your ally?

We're not part of VWP now, anyways.

We should put our foot down. It's just ridiculous.

Our soldiers die for your freedom. Let me leave it at that.

Edit : re-read your post... You meant Americans would be able to visit.. They would be. With a visa.

Edited October 6, 2013 by Blueberry Pancake

[r060106 109]

In international law there is a term called "reciprocity rule".

On its basis, we (Poland) should have Americans require visas as well.

That's not the case, and probably will never will be.

Why wouldn't we be able to enter without B-1 visas if we weren't your ally?

We're not part of VWP now, anyways.

We should put our foot down. It's just ridiculous.

Our soldiers die for your freedom. Let me leave it at that.

Edit : re-read your post... You meant Americans would be able to visit.. They would be. With a visa.

Yes, I know all about reciprocity. It's ####### what America does to Poles. I never said it wasn't. Please don't misunderstand. If I was in the government Poles would have the waiver, but unfortunately my government doesn't treat Poles with the respect they deserve and I absolutely despite that. Like I said earlier, I had to sit there 5,000 miles away knowing my then girlfriend had to take the bus ride home alone, crying her eyes out for two hours and I couldn't do a thing about it. Nothing, not even call my congressman or senator. Becuase they have no say in visitor visa denials, not even the ambassador does either.

Having to get a visa would put even more unnecessary strain on my and my wife's relationship and would really make it more difficult, especially with the baby on the way, like I said. Which is why I consider myself very fortunate to not need a visa from Poland. All I said was that it would make the situation doubly worse if both countries required visas. Sorry if I struck a nerve or something....

Edited October 6, 2013 by r060106

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

However, is being part of VWP such a great idea?

Now, on B-2 visas, we can stay in the U.S. up to 6 months.

It's only 3 months on VWP.

Strong ties requirement applies both to being granted a B-2 visa and at POE on VWP.

Sigh. I'm irritated.

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

Yes, I know all about reciprocity. It's ####### what America does to Poles. I never said it wasn't. Please don't misunderstand. If I was in the government Poles would have the waiver, but unfortunately my government doesn't treat Poles with the respect they deserve and I absolutely despite that. Like I said earlier, I had to sit there 5,000 miles away knowing my then girlfriend had to take the bus ride home alone, crying her eyes out for two hours and I couldn't do a thing about it. Nothing, not even call my congressman or senator. Becuase they have no say in visitor visa denials, not even the ambassador does either.

Having to get a visa would put even more unnecessary strain on my and my wife's relationship and would really make it more difficult, especially with the baby on the way, like I said. Which is why I consider myself very fortunate to not need a visa from Poland. All I said was that it would make the situation doubly worse if both countries required visas. Sorry if I struck a nerve or something....

Makes sense.

But, trust me, if you required a visa to Poland, it would be just a piece of cake to be granted one.

Now worries though, this will never be the case We will never put our foot down. Ha!

[r060106 109]

However, is being part of VWP such a great idea?

Now, on B-2 visas, we can stay in the U.S. up to 6 months.

It's only 3 months on VWP.

Strong ties requirement applies both to being granted a B-2 visa and at POE on VWP.

Sigh. I'm irritated.

Yes, but a B-2 is difficult to get from what I've read and heard. I'd rather be able to stay for 3 months rather than 6 and have to go through the mess of getting a visa, regardless of the country. I know the strong ties requirement applies. Just saying.

Makes sense.

But, trust me, if you required a visa to Poland, it would be just a piece of cake to be granted one.

Now worries though, this will never be the case We will never put our foot down. Ha!

I realize you're irritated, but please don't take it out on me. Trust me, I've had my fair share of irritation and was fuming after my wife was denied. I couldn't even contain myself and had to go blow off steam in the lobby at work because I couldn't think or anything. My government upsets me in more ways than you know and knowing there's really nothing I can do about it makes me even more upset and frustrated. Think of it from an American citizens point of view: we pay taxes and are citizens, yet we have to jump through so many hoops just to bring our spouses here, hoping and pray everything goes right and we are allowed to be with the one we love. Unlike in the EU, where it's relatively easy to bring a spouse with you from the many things I've read and is something that the EU respects.

Edited October 6, 2013 by r060106

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

Yes, but a B-2 is difficult to get from what I've read and heard. I'd rather be able to stay for 3 months rather than 6 and have to go through the mess of getting a visa, regardless of the country. I know the strong ties requirement applies. Just saying.

I realize you're irritated, but please don't take it out on me. Trust me, I've had my fair share of irritation and almost put my fist through a wall after my wife was denied. I'm not even joking and couldn't even contain myself and had to go blow off steam in the lobby at work. Otherwise I probably would have thrown my computer monitor half way across the room. My government upsets me in more ways than you know and knowing there's really nothing I can do about it makes me even more upset and frustrated. Think of it from an American citizens point of view: we pay taxes and are citizens, yet we have to jump through hoops and basically kiss our government's ring just to bring our spouses here. And then hope and pray everything goes right and we are actually allowed to be with the one we love. Unlike in the EU, where it's relatively easy to bring a spouse with you and is something that the EU respects and doesn't always view as a fraud.

Re: B-2. I know it's difficult... It's a matter of luck, I think?

Same rules apply to J-1 visas and I was granted 4 in my lifetime. Last one- straight out of college, no job, no ties, nothing. And still... I got it. And got another one exactly a year later.

I was also let in to the U.S. 3 months prior to my visa expiry date. They only questioned me more.

It would be nice if there were actually rules. Not luck or CO's mood.

The only rule right now is that everyone is treated as an intending immigrant has to prove otherwise to be granted a visa.

I am not taking it out on you! Sorry if I came across that way...

[r060106 109]

The only rule right now is that everyone is treated as an intending immigrant has to prove otherwise to be granted a visa.

I am not taking it out on you! Sorry if I came across that way...

Yes, I agree there should be rules. It irritates me a lot and the "intending immigrant" protocol upsets me as well. It is the complete opposite of our legal system here: "innocent until proven guilty".

No worries. Dobranoc from the states.

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

Yes, I agree there should be rules. It irritates me a lot and the "intending immigrant" protocol upsets me as well. It is the complete opposite of our legal system here: "innocent until proven guilty".

No worries. Dobranoc from the states.

One of the basic rules of Roman law

Dobranoc from Poland!

Edited October 6, 2013 by Blueberry Pancake

[adricas 1]

We are both in Israel (seems like that is probably the case with you also) -- I hope there are no associated delays!

Yes, same case here, I really hope that we get some news at least to have an estimate as how long it can take then you deal with the waiting easier but, it's so random I feel it's going to take a minimum of 9-10 months ....

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

I feel it's going to take a minimum of 9-10 months ....

I really believe that this mess with I-130s will end soon.

They figured out how to clear the I-129f/K-1s backlogs.

They must figure out how to do the same with I-130s.

And this, my friend, will happen soon

(Hopefully)

[Jematt 7]

Nice! Hope your case will get expedited!

Do you have any of that evidence? will it be difficult to obtain?

Well, I understand why you're feeling bitter about this...

Some of us, though, are in very dangerous places. If there is a valid reason for an expedite- I am all for it...

Yay hope you guys are having A LOT OF FUN!

Wow that looked easy!

But then, they usually do let people in if they :

1) are citizens of VWP country

2) have strong ties to their home country

Glad he got in without any problems!

I think Poland should reconsider being the U.S.'s ally.

Hope you're having a super weekend too, girl Good luck with calling NVC tomorrow

I think he might have a dual citizenship and lives in the Netherlands? or has a British citizenship only but lives in the Netherlands.

It's easy to move around within the EU No work permits or anything like that necessary.

Thanks Blueberry! Yep--you got it. In Europe, people are much more easily able/willing and supported in moving around easily, without crazy permits. Compared to what we're dealing with, doesn't that sound wonderful?

I hope you've had a great weekend! Sunday here....tomorrow begins my next chat with rude people at NVC..lol.

R106....if you're irritated now, wait til you "meet" the unfriendly folks at NVC. I'm so unimpressed...and for them, it's not taxpayer money...WE are paying them with our fees for this.

I really believe that this mess with I-130s will end soon.

They figured out how to clear the I-129f/K-1s backlogs.

They must figure out how to do the same with I-130s.

And this, my friend, will happen soon

(Hopefully)

Blueberry, I hope you're correct!!!!

[r060106 109]

I feel it's going to take a minimum of 9-10 months ....

I feel that way too. But hey, look on the bright side, if you were married less than a year when submitting your I-130, you'll likely be able to get an IR-1 upon entry because it will end up taking so long and you'll have been married 2 years or more. So it's not always so bad. That's the way I look at it at least. Knowing I'll be away from my wife hurts, but also knowing that we might never have to deal with all of this stuff ever again until citizenship makes me so happy.

R106....if you're irritated now, wait til you "meet" the unfriendly folks at NVC. I'm so unimpressed...and for them, it's not taxpayer money...WE are paying them with our fees for this.

They may not be nice, but at least you're at the NVC stage. Just saying. Something that can't be said for the rest of us.

[Jematt 7]

I feel that way too. But hey, look on the bright side, if you were married less than a year when submitting your I-130, you'll likely be able to get an IR-1 upon entry because it will end up taking so long and you'll have been married 2 years or more. So it's not always so bad. That's the way I look at it at least. Knowing I'll be away from my wife hurts, but also knowing that we might never have to deal with all of this stuff ever again until citizenship makes me so happy.

They may not be nice, but at least you're at the NVC stage. Just saying. Something that can't be said for the rest of us.

Hmm...yeah, guess I should be happy about that. Today is one of those days when I'm missing my hubby like crazy...so nothing feels soon enough... I try not to indulge in those feelings too often, but...some days, it's just harder.