Every time I see a post about AP

[Amhara 460]

My guy and I had a relatively easy AP - only 59 days in regular AP and 40 days stuck in ready (NIV). From the time the USEm received our case to the time our visa in hand was 167 days, or 5 months and 14 days. So we know what it's like to wait and wait, but we are grateful our AP lasted as short as it did. I have read and heard experiences that are heartbreaking; there seems to be no reason why someone is in AP for so long. Many stories on here on VJ are scary given how long some need to wait - even in cases of clean backgrounds. What is keeping those cases on hold, few know.

However, there are justifications for AP. It's not foolproof (how long was the San Bernadino shooter in AP for?) and it's not transparent, but it's necessary. It's the best DoS can do to balance national security with the visa issuance laws. I post this because this article: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/pakistan-hangs-anti-blasphemy-law-governor-assassin-160229022556488.html just made me grateful for the type of protections in place, no matter how effective or ineffective they may be. We will never know who has been turned away, nor will we know how many have abused the system.

Yes, AP sucks, but so is the condition of the world today. AP isn't a personal vendetta; AP is a necessary step.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

*** Thread moved from Off Topic to General Immigration Discussion -- observations are applicable to several visa processes. ***

[Cathi 5,748]

I agree. My husband also had AP, about 10 weeks, but I never complained. With the world the way it is today AP ESPECIALLY in T countries is justified. If people cannot understand why their spouse/fiance/family member is put under AP for security checks, they are clueless(in my opinion). Everyone wants their significant other here yesterday, I have seen many say that immigration is their "right" when in REALITY it is a privilege. I would much rather our government be overly cautious than not cautious enough. I also believe the loophole of adjusting status from a non-immigrant visa(b-1, f-1, VWP) should be closed. I don't care if someone "suddenly" decides to marry and wants to stay, I truly believe they should have to go home and undergo counselor processing and go through the same security checks BEFORE they are allowed to live here. Also I think with k-1 visas the petitioner must prove they have the funds for adjustment of status before the visa is approved. How many times do we see on this site people come and say "oh we don't have the money for AOS so my significant other will have to be out of status indefinitely" or "my significant and I married within the 90 day window 11 and a half years ago but we could never afford AOS until now". Really? You knew when you applied for the visa you would need the money for AOS. Sorry to be so blunt, I just don't understand the stupidity of many. Truly....

[Amhara 460]

Why can people adjust status and stay here after marrying? I understand the idea of family unity - cool. I could understand if it was for someone who has been here for many years, but on VWP? You would think that if someone had the privilege of VWP, the spousal/fiance visa processing would be easier for them? Sure, international travel is expensive, but waiting can be much cheaper too!

I don't know. Nobody has the answers...