PoE for same-sex partner

[Pekan 11]

To begin with, I'd like to thank everyone for huge support and motivation. Our K-1 visa was approved yesterday. The next big question I have is that what PoE we should use as a same sex couple. I am worried about harrasment level and a possible denial for admission.

Our final destination is Dallas. Therefore, I think Houston or Dallas as PoE would be very convenient. However, big old TX doesn't really sound like a promising place to use as PoE.

Is there any same sex couple who can share their experience with me?

Or anyone suggests a PoE?

Thank y'all

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Oh man, your expectations for American tolerance seem kinda low!

Use whatever PoE is most convenient for you I would say.

I can't imagine you would be harassed. Especially not by the officers! They are professionals after all and i guarantee you aren't the only same sex couple they have encountered.

True Texas is known for being hm... Less than progressive on some issues but it won't be an issue. Especially in a big city.

That being said, if anything happens or if you are treated unfairly in any way due to your sexual orientation please report it and if you are able ask to speak to a different officer or someone higher up. It should not be tolerated.

Edited November 4, 2015 by MorganandMichael

[Anh map 2,098]

There is no reason for denial of entry unless the person is carrying some sort of contraband. Focus on the positives of being together and getting married.

The POE will be the first place they land in the US (or abroad if they come through one of the pre clearance airports) so if it's a connecting flight it could be another city.

Book the best flight (money, time, quality) that you can. If there's a connecting flight be sure to leave enough time for clearing immigration.

Get married and then file for adjustment of status. The fun and the fees never end.......

[Shauneg 762]

You obviously are making it a bigger deal than it is. What kind of preconceived notions to you have? It's funny how you lack tolerance because you have it in your head someone else will be intolerant. Isn't what you're doing exactly what you're afraid of someone else doing? Judging?.....

[Pekan 11]

Thank you for replies. It is not that I don't know about American tolerance. I guess it is just about the anxiety level when things are about to be finished!

You obviously are making it a bigger deal than it is. What kind of preconceived notions to you have? It's funny how you lack tolerance because you have it in your head someone else will be intolerant. Isn't what you're doing exactly what you're afraid of someone else doing? Judging?.....

Wow. Easy! I am not judging anything or anyone. There is NO CONCLUSION in my original post. I have "concerns". That's the reason I am asking if anyone can share their experience. so that I can conclude something. We all have waited/have been waiting for finishing this ever taking process. I believe it is fair to ask a question if you are worried about something, regardless of ithe legitimacy of the situation.

"What kind of preconceived notions to you have?

You can see the answer on my profile. I hope this gives an answer to your question. Maybe this makes you happy that I am not attacking back instead.

and you have a nice day!

[baron555 934]

To begin with, I'd like to thank everyone for huge support and motivation. Our K-1 visa was approved yesterday. The next big question I have is that what PoE we should use as a same sex couple.

There is no distinction made between different sex and same sex couples. The airlines will give you a ticket as long as you pay for it. How would anyone know you are a same sex couple?....unless you are wearing a sign or something.

I am worried about harrasment level

You'll need to proceed slowly as you learn what level of tolerance different people and locations have of same sex couples. Yes, same sex couples will encounter varying levels of tolerance; you'll see both ends and again it depends on the location and people around you. Large, cosmopolitan cities can be more tolerant than small towns, and yes different states or areas of the US can be the same. As far your arrival and passage through the airport, you may want to refrain from public expressions of love and affection, unless you are attempting to make a statement, to which you may get some expression back.

and a possible denial for admission.

Nope, not legal. They can deny for other reasons though......contraband in the luggage, terrorist affiliation or evidence of same, improper language, but not being a same sex couple.

Our final destination is Dallas. Therefore, I think Houston or Dallas as PoE would be very convenient.

Those are very large, international airports....they see all sorts of characters passing through....you most likely wouldn't be the oddest that they've seen!

However, big old TX doesn't really sound like a promising place to use as PoE.

Don't generalize so much. Yes you will find some locations and individuals in Texas that are steadfast against same sex couples...but you'll find them anywhere. You'll also find many locations in Texas that are very accomodating.

Is there any same sex couple who can share their experience with me?

Can't help you there; don't be so paranoid. Your USC partner should be able to guide you along.

Or anyone suggests a PoE?

Dallas or Houston are fine.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Either DFW or IAH will be the same, because you will be dealing with federal agents, not local TX state authorities.

Having said that, the actual POE will depend on your route. Immigration is cleared at the first US port, not at the final destination necessarily. If you fly from Turkey to Dallas, via NY, for instance, you'll clear immigration in NY.

All in all you can sit back and relax. Your K-1 is no different than any other couple's.

To begin with, I'd like to thank everyone for huge support and motivation. Our K-1 visa was approved yesterday. The next big question I have is that what PoE we should use as a same sex couple. I am worried about harrasment level and a possible denial for admission.

Our final destination is Dallas. Therefore, I think Houston or Dallas as PoE would be very convenient. However, big old TX doesn't really sound like a promising place to use as PoE.

Is there any same sex couple who can share their experience with me?

Or anyone suggests a PoE?

Thank y'all

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

You obviously are making it a bigger deal than it is. What kind of preconceived notions to you have? It's funny how you lack tolerance because you have it in your head someone else will be intolerant. Isn't what you're doing exactly what you're afraid of someone else doing? Judging?.....

I think you are being a little harsh... While it's true OP is being a little over paranoid and may have miscalculated the level of tolerance here, he isn't coming from a place of hatred, he is just worried. I think it's sorta unfair to compare that to people who would judge him for his status as part of a same-sex couple. And to be fair Housten is the largest U.S. city without anti-discrimination laws that specifically protect LGBT individuals. I'm not saying it means that OP can/will be discriminated against, but it is kind of a scary thing to hear about! I'm sure the media and the image that is painted of America does help that well (ie Kim Davis type individuals getting fame)

As for you OP, I am sad to say that I can not guarantee that throughout your life here everyone in America will welcome you with open arms. I can't promise that you will never get strange looks from people when you walk down the street holding hands with your beloved. But I do hope that if it happens you do not let it get to you. Like all of us here you worked hard to get your visa to be with the person you love and you should be proud and not let anyone take that away from you!