Club Colombia AOS!

[parkpapa 0]

Charles,

I'm so sorry to hear that things aren't working out. I pray that everything works out for the best. Do you really want to help her to remain in the country?

Dre

Thanks for the good thoughts and your prayers. Things are day to day for now. But, I have no reason to deny her the chance to remain here. One of her dreams has been for her boys to be able to receive an education here (frankly, worlds better than what they would have in her relatively small home city).

As for things working out, I can only say that no one should ever underestimate the differences (and, therefore, difficulties in adjustment) in culture and family values that we see between here and Colombia. For now, we are at a truce. We'll see what tomorrow brings. But I would still like some advice or guidance on the issue of a divorced K-3 prior to AOS.

Charles

[Mononoke28 135]

Thanks for the good thoughts and your prayers. Things are day to day for now. But, I have no reason to deny her the chance to remain here. One of her dreams has been for her boys to be able to receive an education here (frankly, worlds better than what they would have in her relatively small home city).

As for things working out, I can only say that no one should ever underestimate the differences (and, therefore, difficulties in adjustment) in culture and family values that we see between here and Colombia. For now, we are at a truce. We'll see what tomorrow brings. But I would still like some advice or guidance on the issue of a divorced K-3 prior to AOS.

Charles

I'm also really sorry to hear that things are not working out, but it may be a phase before things get better. Things happen for a reason, that's for sure.

As for your question... you mean "divorce prior to Removal of Conditions"? If so, then don't worry about it. She can file to Remove Conditions on her own as long as she can prove that she entered the marriage in good faith and that everything was legit between you two while she got her visa and her AOS was approved. I personally believe that's the least of her future problems because taking care of herself and two boys in this country is not easy task.

Here's a summary about Removing Conditions after a divorce: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Good luck Charles and I really hope everything works out for everyone in your family!

Diana

[Mike and Adriana 0]

I haven't been on the site for forever. Got an e-mail asking me to update my timeline, so I did and just couldn't resist taking a peek at this thread to see who was still around. Charles, I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. I always felt that you things would work for you, but you are only one part of the equation. There is no doubt that Colombianas can be very difficult. I have been VERY lucky with my wife and step-daughter, but I have had the opportunity to see the opposite by looking at the behavior of some of the "friends" my wife has met through English class here. My advice to any gringo now would sure be much different than it was a few years ago.

That said, I think you already received the proper advice on the Lifting of conditions. She can go it alone as long as she proves your marriage was legit and only with the best intentions. However, that MAY mean she has to rely on you for some evidence and perhaps a letter agreeing to that. You certainly have a great attitude about all of it. Not sure if others of us, including me, could be quite so charitable. If you haven't already, do see a lawyer, not only about divorce, but about your obligations under the support agreement you had to sign when the visa was received. Your wife is quiet a ways away from citizenship, so you have legal obligations for her and the kids and you need to determine the extent of those and try to protect yourself.

And Andrea....great to see you still posting....you and I go way back to the beginning....we really got the Club Colombia thread going again after the original founder went AWOL. Those were the days! However, I'm sorry to see you are still having problems - wow! At least you finally got the visa for your husband. I am so sorry that this has been so difficult.

As for us, our 3 year anniversary is in September. My wife has been taking English lesson and has adjusted well to the U.S. My step-daughter is finishing 6th grade and is doing very well. Her English is impressive and she doesn't miss Colombia, other than missing the family. They go back to Bogota every summer for a month. Marriage has been very good and I am lucky to have such a great wife. We just mailed our I-751 today. My wife will apply for citizenship in 2010. All is well.

All the best to all of your old friends. I'll check in on you from time to time.

Good luck, Charles and Andrea!

Mike

Thanks for the good thoughts and your prayers. Things are day to day for now. But, I have no reason to deny her the chance to remain here. One of her dreams has been for her boys to be able to receive an education here (frankly, worlds better than what they would have in her relatively small home city).

As for things working out, I can only say that no one should ever underestimate the differences (and, therefore, difficulties in adjustment) in culture and family values that we see between here and Colombia. For now, we are at a truce. We'll see what tomorrow brings. But I would still like some advice or guidance on the issue of a divorced K-3 prior to AOS.

Charles

[parkpapa 0]

Thanks Diana and Mike for your kind words and information. Of course I hope that none of it is needed but we'll see. I suspect at times that my wife must be more bull-headed than other Colombians, but then again, I'm not always the easiest to get along with. Hate to admit that age has made me more set in my ways (especially with the boys) but that may be the case. As I said, we're working at it. Anyway thanks again.

[parkpapa 0]

I should have added....

Yes, I misspoke. They have received the AOS. We are now a bit less than halfway through the initial two year wait to renew her permanent residency.

At this point, if they leave, Lorena has said she will find a way to go it alone without my help. She doesn't even want her half of my retirement pay when (or better if) I retire. I've tried explaining that in Missouri 90% of the time the husband has no option but to pay half... even if she doesn't want it, the court will give it to her. Aside from that, I also feel a moral obligation to her and the boys to provide what support I can since I'm the one that brought them here. Again, we'll see what happens. I hope and pray for the best - whatever that might be in the great scheme of things.

Charles

Edited May 30, 2009 by parkpapa

[paisita411 0]

Charles,

You're absolutely correct that the cultural differences are huge. Add children and x-husbands/wives to the mix and it can be even more challenging. You definitely are very generous and very considerate to your wife. She's lucky to have you in her life. I wish you the best.

Mike

Yes..I'm still here, trapped in immigration hell. Good to hear that your wife and step-daughter have adjsuted so well. My husband has been here now for 18 months. He's also adapted very well. Our journey has been long and arduous but well worth it. I never expected for the immigration process to be as difficult as its been for us, but being on VJ has made it tolerable. I can always count on good advice and support. Speaking of good advice, Diana has become our fearless leader in Colombia Club. I bet she misses your help. The two of you have been my pilars these past three years.

Stay tuned...I'm praying hard over my mailbox in hopes of finding good news inside very soon.

Dre

[HAL 9000 96]

Hello all.... Long time since I've been here but things happen.

I'm writing requesting information for my wife. She has had her fill of this gringo and wants to leave. Her problem - and mine, by extension - is that we are still 11 months away from being able to apply for removal of conditions. From what I read here and on USCIS, as a K-3 visa holder and 'permanent resident', she cannot apply on her own for removal of conditions. Is that correct? If she divorces me, what options does she have to remain here ..... other than accuse me of abuse.

Of course, I hope that we can work things out but she isn't interested in counselling. Any help would be appreciated. At least I hope I can do one thing that will make her happy before she goes.

Charles

Wow Charles...

I truly hope you two can patch things up!

[subguy812 1]

Alexandra's AOS paperwork was delivered and signed for yesterday....now the waiting begins

[Mononoke28 135]

Alexandra's AOS paperwork was delivered and signed for yesterday....now the waiting begins

Good luck Troy!!

Diana

[subguy812 1]

Diana,

Thanks for all!!

[HAL 9000 96]

Any more updates from old timers and younglins alike?

[parkpapa 0]

Any more updates from old timers and younglins alike?

Not much new here. Things have calmed down a little, which is a good thing. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

[Bill y Bella 0]

Keep the faith Charles. If it is any comfort to you, Bella has had her bags packed several times in the past year and if it was not for the kids, I would have gladly driven her to the airport!

However, each time we pulled back from the brink and we are finally getting ready to file the AOS paperwork just before our 1 year wedding anniversary.

Can everyone take a look at the list of documents I am submitting for Bella and see if I missed anything? I have not done the kids' packages yet but they will be similar I guess. Do I need to duplicate the entire I-864 section for each child or can I refer to Bella's application?

1. Cover letter and table of contents
2. I-485 Application to adjust status with photos
3. Copies of passport, visa & I-94
4. Birth Certificate (translated) & Marriage Certificate
5. I-129F NOA2
6. I-693 Report of medical examination and vaccination record in sealed envelope
7. G-325A Biographic information
8. I-864 Affidavit of Support (I am using a combination of employment and assets to qualify).
9. --Summary Letter
10. --Form
11. --Employment confirmation letter
12. --2006 Tax Transcript
13. --2007 Tax Transcript
14. --2008 Tax Return
15. --Financial Statement
16. --Bank Statements
17. --Documentation of Real Estate Assets
18. ----Appraisal
19. ----Deed
20. ----Property Tax Bills
21. ----Mortgage
22. ----Loan Payoff letter
23. ----Title Search
24. I-765 Application for employment authorization
25. --2 photos
26. --Application
27. --Copy of passport identification page
28. I-131 Application For Travel
29. --Letter
30. --Application
31. --2 Photos
32. --Copy of passport ID page

As far as fees, I am submitting $2,210 total for Bella and 2 kids.

Sound right?

Thanks!

[Bill y Bella 0]

Any more updates from old timers and younglins alike?

I wrote to Byron a few months ago to see how he was doing. He said everything was great except for the small matter of Leidy (without AP) unintentionally going to Canada for Chinese food in a car with some illegal relatives and getting arrested when she tried to come back.

It sounded like everything was going to work out but yikes!

[parkpapa 0]

Keep the faith Charles. If it is any comfort to you, Bella has had her bags packed several times in the past year and if it was not for the kids, I would have gladly driven her to the airport!

However, each time we pulled back from the brink and we are finally getting ready to file the AOS paperwork just before our 1 year wedding anniversary.

Thanks for the encouragement, Bill. I hear you about driving to the airport. Most of our difficulties have revolved around the kids, however, but we are still working at it day to day.

As for the paperwork, I know you'll have to do the I-131 and I-765 for the kids, but much of the rest is covered by your wife's application. It seems absurd on the face of it that minor children need work authorizations, but that's our government at its best! As for the final cost and other specifics, I'll have to leave that to others with more recent experience.

Charles