Advance Parole RIDICULOUS for USC/Canadians

[Cassie 8]

We don't expect any "special treatment" either; however, Canadians are able to enter the US on an "automatic" Visitor's Visa...if I understand that correctly, it means Canadians are already different than other immigrants in that they don't need to APPLY for a Visitor's Visa....that's the mindset Doug is in as far as requiring Advance Parole.

I hear what you are saying, but at the same time, visitor visas are a completely different kettle of fish than fiance/spousal visas, as others have said. We lose whatever special status we have in the visitor visa realm once we apply to become permanent resident status. AP isn't the "oh, have fun while you're visiting the USA" paperwork, it's the "ok, we're letting you back into the USA to continue your adjustment to PR status" paperwork. Completely different mindset, and one that all of us, no matter what country we originally came from, have to deal with.

[pj1959us 0]

The reason you're able to cross borders so easily is that you are assumed to have "visit-only" intent. England "visitors" don't have to obtain a visa, either; they just enter (normally, barring any other causes for restrictions) on VWP, as do many others from various countries. I don't see how that is any different than your situation except that travel entails crossing an ocean. Since a K-1 is a one-time entry, then AP is unfortunately one of the requirements in order to cross borders again once immigration has begun.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Why should canadians be given any special exemtion from AP.... if I wanted to re-enter the US before I got my Greencard I had to have AP.... before I moved here and got married I too could enter the US without a visa as long as it was as a tourist.... as far as I can see that is the same restriction for canadians.... so unless you sugest that the need for AP be removed from any person who is from a country where no visa is needed to enter the US I dont see why Canada should be treated any diffrent...

Kez

[john_and_marlene 162]

Even before getting the K-1 you may be denied entry if it is determined you have immigrant intent. After getting the K-1, there is no longer a question of intent.

There was never any "free movement" between the U.S. and Canada -- there was always the possibility of denial at the border albeiit slight.

[Krikit 1,165]

Why should canadians be given any special exemtion from AP.... if I wanted to re-enter the US before I got my Greencard I had to have AP.... before I moved here and got married I too could enter the US without a visa as long as it was as a tourist.... as far as I can see that is the same restriction for canadians.... so unless you sugest that the need for AP be removed from any person who is from a country where no visa is needed to enter the US I dont see why Canada should be treated any diffrent...

Kez

I think it stems from the fact that Canadians are treated differently, just by virtue of being Canadian. If you go to the Florida DMV you can see it in action.

I do find it frustrating that, up until I came here on a K-1, I could come and go at will. But I also understand that I am now in an immigration process and I must abide by different rules. *shrug* If I had to do it all over again i would definitely choose the K-3 over the K-1. C'est la vie.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The Florida DMV is a state department - not federal. Foreign licenses are handled differently by each state. Georgia does not recognize Canadian drivers' licenses as being different than any other foreign license so there are no exceptions just because I had a Canadian license.

The US is a foreign country from Canada. Canada is a foreign country from the US. Each country has the right to set the requirements of who and how to allow someone across their boundaries. Canada and the US have enjoyed a long and special relationship because of our shared border - but don't ever forget - there is a border there and it doesn't exempt you from being subject to the same rules and regulations as every other individual seeking entry across that border, especially if you want to move across that border on a permanent basis (immigration). Being Canadian is special - but not because of how it allows you to be treated in the US or in any other country of the world, for that matter - but because it means you are a citizen of a great country; just don't expect others to think it is as special.

Edited June 5, 2007 by Kathryn41

[Krikit 1,165]

The Florida DMV is a state department - not federal. Foreign licenses are handled differently by each state. Georgia does not recognize Canadian drivers' licenses as being different than any other foreign license so there are no exceptions just because I had a Canadian license.

The US is a foreign country from Canada. Canada is a foreign country from the US. Each country has the right to set the requirements of who and how to allow someone across their boundaries. Canada and the US have enjoyed a long and special relationship because of our shared border - but don't ever forget - there is a border there and it doesn't exempt you from being subject to the same rules and regulations as every other individual seeking entry across that border, especially if you want to move across that border on a permanent basis (immigration). Being Canadian is special - but not because of how it allows you to be treated in the US or in any other country of the world, for that matter - but because it means you are a citizen of a great country; just don't expect others to think it is as special.

Wow. Are you mad at me or something? I wasn't arguing against any of the points you made. In fact, I agree with them. I was merely speculating as to why the OP's fiance possibly felt the way he did.

However, that does not negate the fact that that link specifically gives only Canadians the right to have Florida Resident cards and driver's licenses without having to provide proof of legal residence.

Edited June 5, 2007 by Krikit

[mrsserendipity 0]

here i am thinking the main thing to focus on is that we are together with our spouses. isn't that all the matters? isn't that what this whole thing is about? concentrate on your life together...wherever that may be. if you're together, screw everything else. don't even think about it. this process is about love, not convenience or pride and heck even justice, lol.

worry about building a life together instead, everything else will come

[Doug n Amanda 0]

Why should canadians be given any special exemtion from AP.... if I wanted to re-enter the US before I got my Greencard I had to have AP.... before I moved here and got married I too could enter the US without a visa as long as it was as a tourist.... as far as I can see that is the same restriction for canadians.... so unless you sugest that the need for AP be removed from any person who is from a country where no visa is needed to enter the US I dont see why Canada should be treated any diffrent...

Kez

I think it stems from the fact that Canadians are treated differently, just by virtue of being Canadian. If you go to the Florida DMV you can see it in action.

I do find it frustrating that, up until I came here on a K-1, I could come and go at will. But I also understand that I am now in an immigration process and I must abide by different rules. *shrug* If I had to do it all over again i would definitely choose the K-3 over the K-1. C'est la vie.

Ditto, ditto, and ditto....couldn't have said it better myself, thanks!

[Doug n Amanda 0]

here i am thinking the main thing to focus on is that we are together with our spouses. isn't that all the matters? isn't that what this whole thing is about? concentrate on your life together...wherever that may be. if you're together, screw everything else. don't even think about it. this process is about love, not convenience or pride and heck even justice, lol.

worry about building a life together instead, everything else will come

I agree that a life together is the main goal, and we are already confident that will happen. We don't worry...we are in love...for the last time in our lives Perhaps that's why we have the ability to question the system/government/rules.....we are solid in our relationship and our future.

Doug gets so worked up, and when I try to calm him down, he says SOMEONE has to work for change where change is due.....otherwise, he'll just grow black and white spots and "moooo".

[Saddle Bronc 124]

This whole debate sounds rather analogous to an issue raised on the Grasmick Forum about TD's being unable to work in US.

I can remember reading a page-long email from one of the "advocates" of TD's being allowed work, Linda Deck (who had written a book on that subject--which I didn't bother reading).

The analogy: all TD's (the vast majority of whom are Canucks) are foreigners in USCIS' eyes; plus, their argument in its favour was that "Canada allows the derivative spouses of tempworkers to also work; why does the US not do so?"--which itself infers that US should act the same as its northern neighbour (invalid, as the US is a separate country not even in Commonwealth). Of course, pointing it out was received no better than (my anticipation of) my earlier post here.

[Krikit 1,165]

This whole debate sounds rather analogous to an issue raised on the Grasmick Forum about TD's being unable to work in US.

TD = ?

[Saddle Bronc 124]

This whole debate sounds rather analogous to an issue raised on the Grasmick Forum about TD's being unable to work in US.

TD = ?

the dependent "derivative" visa of TN-1 (TN-1:TD is almost analogous to H1-b:H4).

Admittedly outside the glister of VJ, but...

[Doug n Amanda 0]

Thanks for the question, Krikit...I wanted clarification as well....I ASSUME (frightening) it means truck driver, in which case brings about a whole NEW area for some intense discussions, I'm sure, and definately not the direction I want to go.

Cherry, not sure what you meant by your last post not being received well? I'm open for all thoughts, negative or positive in this process, especially from senior members who know far more than I. One thing I do know for sure is that the perception seems to be that we expect special treatment, or that USA and Canada should adopt one anothers' rules/politics? Not intended!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Thanks for the question, Krikit...I wanted clarification as well....I ASSUME (frightening) it means truck driver, in which case brings about a whole NEW area for some intense discussions, I'm sure, and definately not the direction I want to go.

Cherry, not sure what you meant by your last post not being received well? I'm open for all thoughts, negative or positive in this process, especially from senior members who know far more than I. One thing I do know for sure is that the perception seems to be that we expect special treatment, or that USA and Canada should adopt one anothers' rules/politics? Not intended!

My earlier post inferring "well, if you're complaining about the AP, remember that you had other options":

Actually, the answer is rather simple.

There ARE several options other than K-1 (CR-1/IR-1, DCF) where AP is NOT required at any time.

(i know you didn't want to hear this but...)