ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Africa: Sub-SaharanAlready have a wife.......
Hugs to you at this moment cray5ol.gif Does his "wife" know that he married you to get to the United States? If she does know, then it may not do any good to get in contact with her. You may just hurt yourself by being lied to by more people.

Please be very careful, as others have suggested, if he is willing to go to this extent to get a green card he might not stop at anything to make sure his secret remains hidden. I would additionally suggest to remove your passports, birth-certificates and any legal documents you have from the house. Any and all personal information on you also needs to be protected as it can be quite easy to cause financial and personal damage. (I speak from experience on this) Please also make sure that you "safe" people to check on you and be around you more often during this time. At all cost be safe first and USCIS second.
chispasFemale02008-04-02 00:53:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAlready have a wife.......
Yeesh,
This is a hard one to swallow and it truly affects every cell in your body to find this out. The advice on making hard copies of all is very good advice. You don't want to lose that at all. I also believe that your marriage would be considered invalid if he is legally married to the other woman. In this case, he would have comitted a fraud and you'll have to report it to ICE asap. Please take care of yourself and do just one thing at a time. It will be overwhelming to tackle the legal and emotional issues all at once. If you need any additional steps or just to see it written out, pm me and I will send it to you. Lastly, don't let this make you feel any less or embarrassed into silence. Your sanity and health are much more important now than ever before. I wish for an army of support to embrace you at this time.
chispasFemale02008-03-31 12:01:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanINTERVIEW A SUCCESS
Congrats. Lots of good news this week. dancin5hr.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-11 15:31:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanWE Approved
Very Good! kicking.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-10 09:49:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanK-3 visa approved
More Congrats and best wishes.
chispasFemale02008-04-11 15:32:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanGhanaians and Their Quest to Live Abroad
I saw a documentary about the Canary Islands and the people who risk their lives trying to get into Europe. Here is one of the clips.




Here is yet another.
chispasFemale02008-04-07 13:30:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHusband is doing very well
heart.gif That is sooooo cute. I am happy for you two. Does this mean that when I feel the ground shaking it will be you two and not an earthquake? jest.gif You deserve the best girl.
Hugs
Chispas
chispasFemale02008-04-14 13:28:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAir Tickets one way
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Apr 11 2008, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chispas @ Apr 11 2008, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whappin' Zee,

I sent money over via Western Union for the RT ticket. For me the RT ticket was cheaper than the one way so that is what I bought. The travel agency didn't accept credit cards, so it had to be in cash. I have heard of others buying their tickets at the airport counter with the credit card, but I am not sure how that works.


So, he went to a travel agency to purchase his ticket there in Nigeria? Or was the travel agency here in the US? Is it cheaper to book from there directly?


Hola Z,
He purchased his ticket there in Cameroon. It was cheaper, but if you don't have the money within a few days, they cancel the reservation.
chispasFemale02008-04-11 23:29:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAir Tickets one way
Whappin' Zee,

I sent money over via Western Union for the RT ticket. For me the RT ticket was cheaper than the one way so that is what I bought. The travel agency didn't accept credit cards, so it had to be in cash. I have heard of others buying their tickets at the airport counter with the credit card, but I am not sure how that works.
chispasFemale02008-04-11 13:22:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanInterview in Lagos tomorrow
Hola,
I totally understand what you mean when you say there isn't anyone whom you can speak to about the VISA journey. Many of us online have felt the same way and unless you've gone through it, going through it or know first hand; you don't know. The only people I could speak to about this process for the longest time were the people on VJ. Even now, I don't bother to share what I went through with too many people. Just know that there is an army of supporters behind you and that all will be well tomorrow. Rest well tonight if you can rolleyes.gif
Chispas
chispasFemale02008-04-15 14:13:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVisa Approval


More love in the air kicking.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-17 09:37:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanInterview done!!!!!!!!
Wow! Congrats! Another new Californian on the way. I know you are extremely happy to get to this point and will quickly remember those longs days of waiting. Love is in the air for all of you heart.gif


chispasFemale02008-04-17 09:20:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCongrats everyone!!!
QUOTE (pjjoy @ Apr 17 2008, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wanted to say congrats kicking.gif kicking.gif to everyone out there that just got approved, got thier interview date, passed the interview, got the visa and those that have thier love ones at home right now.

My hubby`s interview was a success too!!! he was only asKed two questions ( where does she work, how did you met) didnt even ask for email, phone record etc, just looked at 2 wedding pictures (he was done in 5 minutes) but the wait for the interview was almost 8 hours just like everbody else have indicated on this forum) He picked up his visa and will be here by first week in may. kicking.gif kicking.gif .It`s been a really loooooooooong journey but thank God it`s over now!!!!


I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for your love and support on this forum.I didn't feel as lonely as i would if i didn`t have my VJ family.Thank you all!!!!!!! and i also pray that those who are still waiting will have good news to share very soon.

It seems like the Embassy in Nigeria is really trying to get things moving. I wonder what has changed? Whatever it is, congrats and much success to all. Love in the air for you too.

chispasFemale02008-04-17 11:38:00
Africa: Sub-Saharanupdate on interview
QUOTE (Akinstacey @ Apr 17 2008, 05:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, so for any of you who are yet to go thru the interview.......I can tell you what my fiance experienced:

He arrived by 7am. Went inside and sat down. He had previously made his payment at one of the banks and he had the receipt with him. One of the security men asked him what Visa he was there for, he told them it was the K-1. the man told him to go to the window to make his payment. My fiance was confused...he told him that he already made the payment at the bank. The man said no, no, no......you shouldn't have done that, you need to make the payment here. My fiance was so worried, he had no phone with him (he left it behind becuz they don't allow it inside) so he couldn't call anyone to ask about it. He almost left to go check up on it, but he believed he had done the right thing so he didn't pay any attention to the man, he just sat down and waited. HOURs later they collected some of his papers and then asked him to sit again. he waited several more hours and then was called to the window. The man (an older white American) asked him "so tell me about this woman" . My fiance rambled on about how we met, all about my family....what are future plans are, etc. The man asked to look at the pictures. He asked my fiance "who tied my hair wrapper" lol. They joked about it and my fiance offered him some emails, IM's etc. He only took one or two and he only took a couple of my paystubs and my 2007 tax return. He didn't need any other evidence. He asked him where I work and how old are my children. They spoke a little more and then he got up to get something....he returned with a blue paper and told my fiance "congratulations, come back in one week to pick up the Visa". It literally took 8 hours of waiting but the interview only lasted about 8 minutes. good.gif


Thanks for sharing.
chispasFemale02008-04-17 09:43:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanNon Immigrant visa for sister
I believe the only answer to the question will come after you try to obtain it. If your sister can show that she has not reason to stay here after arriving, that might give her points to making it possible. Her age, marital status, occupation, stability all play a part in that decision.
chispasFemale02008-04-18 11:05:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanThe violence is out of control!
QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Apr 4 2008, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
reading this, i thought it was detroit. blink.gif


LOL,
good.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-04 10:03:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanThe violence is out of control!
Wow! The week before my husband left he didn't stay at his house, but at a friend's place instead. He said the word got around the area quickly that he was leaving for America and people began asking him about it. He wanted to go to his hometown a week before his departure, but his family insisted that he not arrive in his town until the morning of his flight. Most everyone wanted his telephone number here in America and email address (money requests came in as soon as he landed). mad.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-04 09:50:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCAN I PICKUP MOM'S VISA ON HER BEHALF?
QUOTE (debouy @ Apr 18 2008, 01:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys,
My Mom was recently approved for an immigrant visa at the lagos consulate.She's been told to come and pick up her visa next wednesday.However she will not be able to pick up the visa personally.I was wondering if i could pick up her visa with the blue visa collection document given to her?
Thanks


I have not heard of anyone picking up a visa for another person who was not present. If you can accompany her then that might be accepted. If there is a reason why your mother can't make it to the embassy, they might feel she is unable to travel or that there is hanky-panky. You may want to call them directly if you have circumstances that prohibits her from going in person.
Good Luck
chispasFemale02008-04-18 11:02:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanApproved Visa In Hand
QUOTE (one love @ Apr 18 2008, 04:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well. First I want to thank the one that made this possiable Our heaven Father. And then to all of support that i have received here on VJ... So many friends OI have made.. And My husband has enjoyed reading as well.. Our POE is Atlanta. I left Lagos Thursday.. Just got home at 1am this morning.. We had to take seprate flights.. Due to Lagos Airport issues.. Thats another story in its self.. But Thank God for everything..


Welcome back and welcome to him. I was just in Atlanta a few weeks ago, and the airport was abuzz with people running in heards from one place to another. That other stuff is behind you now so enjoy this time together
chispasFemale02008-04-18 09:00:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFaith should never be underestimated!
Great story. I think he comes tonight Zaina. It isn't my SO, but I am excited to read her good news. There is a flight path right over my house so around eleven something tonight if I hear a plane I'll think of them. LOL jest.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-25 12:51:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHusband was able to pick up his visa!!!!!!!!!
OMG! Yea, yea, yea! I can just imagine the butterflies in your stomach at this time. Are you guys going to ride around the city a bit? I took my SO to the Golden Gate bridge the day after he arrived and he was truly impressed with the view. Coming in at night is a little disorienting so it was great to see the city during the day. Don't forget to bring him a jacket to the airport biggrin.gif

Edited by chispas, 24 April 2008 - 11:51 AM.

chispasFemale02008-04-24 11:48:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVisa Approved
QUOTE (Divine Mercy @ Apr 23 2008, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My computer is broken at home urgh. I couldn't post yesterday and tell ya'll about the interview.

He got the visa, he picks it up on Tuesday. It was a very very difficult interview. He was given the 3rd degree about every other time he has visited the embassy and what he was there for. He was grilled about me, my kids, our kid... etc. I don't have all the details but when I do I'll post them and do the embassy review. The interview lasted over 30 minutes.


Woo hoo girl! It is about time they granted that man the VISA. Celebrate for me with some juicy Philly hoagies. Throw in a couple of twinkies too . kicking.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-24 09:56:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanThank Jesus
QUOTE (Osakeme @ Apr 23 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone,

I want to thank God for everything and all the blessings this process has had. I am now Mrs. I can not believe how quick the civil marriage service is.....it is like drive through marriage. laughing.gif
Today forever continues.......................... heart.gif


I like the drive through marriage comparison. kicking.gif Congrats
chispasFemale02008-04-24 09:54:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAnyone do a prenuptial?
A woman I work with husband is an immigration lawyer here in San Francisco and when they got married they had a prenup. Their reasoning for getting one is that they both have children and wanted to make sure that if anything were to happen to either of them their children would be protected. They also have a living will so that family members would know what their wishes were in case of their deaths and also protect their children. When I got married, he was really upset that I didn't get one and couldn't beieve I would naively not get a prenup since I have children and my SO also has children. Right now, I wished I would have gotten one
chispasFemale02008-04-23 10:46:00
Africa: Sub-Saharanhusband just got home
I wish you both the most blissful life any couple could ever wish for. wink.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-28 10:02:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAOS Approval
Great news. Congrats until 1 year and 9 months comes around. dancin5hr.gif
chispasFemale02008-04-30 01:28:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPolice Certificates
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 8 2008, 03:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chispas @ May 8 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 8 2008, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chispas @ May 8 2008, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Which other countries did he live in Europe?


He lived and worked in Amsterdam, Netherlands.


Ok, I am not sure of the Netherlands, but in France and England as long as they received their money and the application they provided the information. My sister-in-law went to the local police station in France and paid for the report then they sent it directly to my SO. England was a little harder and I was able to get an employee there to accept my application and money. They sent it directly to him with a copy to the US Embassy. Can friends or family of your SO help get it ordered and then sent to Ghana? The other thing to take into consideration the reason why he left the Netherlands and went back to Ghana. They may ask about that as my SO was grilled on his life in Europe more than his life back in Africa.


Hi Chispas,

Samuel does have family in Amsterdam, but it wouldn't do us any good now. Our interview is Monday. Plus...I was reading exactly what Zee sent me a link to. They will not accept a copy from the beneficiary AT ALL and NO EXCEPTIONS. So, I am just praying for Monday to be a good day, even if we have to wait a few extra weeks for the police certificate. ClockWatch2.gif


Thanks for the advice!


Aww Too bad they wouldn't. A copy of what we ordered was sent directly to the Embassy too so that made it easier. Good luck on Monday. Hope all goes well.
Chispas
chispasFemale02008-05-09 09:23:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPolice Certificates
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 8 2008, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chispas @ May 8 2008, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Which other countries did he live in Europe?


He lived and worked in Amsterdam, Netherlands.


Ok, I am not sure of the Netherlands, but in France and England as long as they received their money and the application they provided the information. My sister-in-law went to the local police station in France and paid for the report then they sent it directly to my SO. England was a little harder and I was able to get an employee there to accept my application and money. They sent it directly to him with a copy to the US Embassy. Can friends or family of your SO help get it ordered and then sent to Ghana? The other thing to take into consideration the reason why he left the Netherlands and went back to Ghana. They may ask about that as my SO was grilled on his life in Europe more than his life back in Africa.
chispasFemale02008-05-08 16:22:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPolice Certificates
Which other countries did he live in Europe?
chispasFemale02008-05-08 11:43:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanSuccessful Interview!!!!
Congrats Chica! Are you leaving to go over there soon?
chispasFemale02008-05-12 12:28:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanInterview Details
Congrats again good.gif
chispasFemale02008-05-13 09:43:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanUNOz rain...
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ May 13 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (unononehigher @ May 12 2008, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Zainab, my husbands current state of mind is yet to be discovered or named, so calling him mentally ill is an insult to those of us who are legitimately mentally ill.


Uno, I was asking seriously. The way you describe the turn around sounds like he could be mentally unstable. He wasn't using you for a green card obviously. But why love turn to scorn? Seems something out of kilter in him. Wondering if he has an untreated illness.


Hola Uno,
You know I know the out of kilter thing very well. blink.gif Zaina you are so right! It is so hard to tell if your being used for the green card when there are other emotional issues present. I can go on forever on this subject, but Uno I think you are in a perfect position to look at the situation "before" he gets here. I so wish I had that insight before the emotional tsunami arrived in my home and began destroying us. I can't begin to express in words what it is like living with someone who arrives here undiagnosed and is then diagnosed while the whole family thinks maybe it is Ju-ju in America that caused it. Even with the overwhelming evidence that the behavior existed before it is still an uphill battle to go against "some" traditional beliefs. We are often exposed to look out for the scammer and the grifter but not realizing that mental health is something else we should be aware of. The language and cultural difference sometimes delays the "red flags" that appear, but the pain is still the same Uno. I feel your pain to the bottom of my soul. Whatever mood changes your SO has, it is not you. Truly it is not because of you.
Hugs
Chispas
chispasFemale02008-05-15 12:28:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanUNOz rain...
Uno,
My heart just sank to the pit of my stomach when I read your story. After I read it all that lump jump into my throat and has been stuck there since. I can't even imagine what you are going through right. Some of the insults you mentioned resounded in my ears as if I had lived them all over again. I just sent strong hugs to you today.
chispasFemale02008-05-12 10:03:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHow many times has your SO filed for other visa
1 only. Fiancee
chispasFemale02008-04-28 10:03:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHappily ever after
Congrats and may the honeymoon last a very very long time. I understand about the ash on the skin thing very well. Take care
Chispas
chispasFemale02008-05-21 13:07:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanWanted to stop in and say HI!!!
QUOTE (moon1968 @ May 6 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone...... Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted......These days I am very busy with my Husband and My Mother.....And work.....Anyway, Want to let everyone know things are going very well....It will be 2 months since my Husband has been here with me in the states......He has adjusted very well.......I could not have asked for a better Husband......Doing the CR1 has been a blessing for us.......With in a month and two weeks he had his Social Security Card and recieved his green card....He has been looking for work.......He has a job waiting for him as soon as he gets his Drivers Lic. We will be working on that this week......We have no more fees until it comes time to Lift conditions..........In the mean time he is abel to start work.....That is something he is anxious to do.......Along with driving..LOL ......He is so very happy here with the food and everything else.....Really there has been no adjustment problems.....So far with the two of us we have had no problems or disagrements at all.......When somthing happens or something is bothering us we are able to talk about the situation and come to and understanding that is acceptable to the two of us.......I think talking on the computer as much as we did helped prepare us or gave us very good communication skills......Anyway.....That is enough for now.....I hope everyone here is doing well and getting along fine.......I hope that with everyone on this Journey finds their way to the other side.....Once you get here It makes everything you have gone through and waited for worth the wait if you just dont give up......trust me I have been there.....Love to all.......


thanks Moon. I can fell the happiness in your writing and I am happy all is well with both of you. Enjoy these special days and moments free of fees. kicking.gif
chispasFemale02008-05-06 08:56:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHome Improvement Series by William Femi Awodele
Sounds interesting JJ. Thanks for the post. It is always great to see the variety of resources available to us.
chispasFemale02008-05-01 09:27:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male * Take 2
QUOTE (JJWashington @ Feb 20 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chispas @ Feb 20 2008, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just as an insert here, I may not be able to participate in the discussions because I never received my book nor a refund from that company in NY. I am none too happy at this moment with them. Tried to get the money back and it is a difficult task too.


I had to do a "dispute" with PayPal and the next day, I received my refund from C and B. I received my book from Amazon.


goin the paypal rout. Thanks
chispasFemale02008-02-22 13:28:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male * Take 2
Just as an insert here, I may not be able to participate in the discussions because I never received my book nor a refund from that company in NY. I am none too happy at this moment with them. Tried to get the money back and it is a difficult task too.
chispasFemale02008-02-20 16:22:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male * Take 2
QUOTE (Omoba @ Feb 13 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No catch up needed , we are still on the first chapter and will remain there for as long as it takes.

Chispas, I don't know what grading on a curve means blush.gif , never heard that expression before.........lol......don't forget I am
a naturalized German so some lingo I don't understand.
Teach me Teacher.....translate. biggrin.gif


LOL,, I didn't know what it was either when I first arrived in the U.S. Grading on the curb means I stand out on the street corner and ....... laughing.gif No, not really. A curve is when you take the highest grade and make 100% then adjust the others to meet that spread. Another way is when you take the median grade and make it a C. The scores higher are your Bs and As and those lower your Ds and Fs. Habe ich es gut erklärt?
chispasFemale02008-02-13 22:31:00