biggish data

I'm guessing he said this because your fiancee would have to show her passport to collect money at Western Union, and her name goes on a list. If you send cash in a letter (and it doesn't get opened on the way) you are good to go.

The point of my post was not that I consider the KGB a threat to the USC, rather a warning not to bring unwelcome attention to the fiancee.

That's right. I don't know if there is any more to it than that now, but the person receiving used to have to deposit the money in the National Bank and fill out a form. Only if the transfer was from America. Again, I was there doing business, not meeting women, and it was some years ago. The Democracy in Belarus Act put me out of business.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-17 20:20:00

Put "tourism". If they ask for an itinerary, tell that you have a guide, the schedule is flexible, but you want to see Mir Castle, the olympic training center (skiing and target shooting), and the war memorial museum. The first two are outside Minsk, the last is right downtown.

I always had business visas, so the invitation never raised any eyebrows. Not sure about personal ones. You will find most people in Belarus very welcoming.

Edited to say that this is an idea, but since I have no experience with anything other than business visas, please rely on those with experience as "tourists".

Personally, I would not put any mention of your fiancee in your visa application. I just don't see any upside for you, and potential downside for her. You don't want to put her on anyone's radar.

Back in 2005 my fiancee sent me 1 or 2 emails (out of hundreds) from her computer at work because her crappy dial-up interenet was down at home.

Two weeks after I visited, the KGB shows up in her office and grills her manager about me and her. They had all my particulars and itinerary in hand and asked about all kinds of questions.
Nothing came of it, other than paying like $10 for internet useage, but it was embarrassing, and made her private business public.

I wouldn't underestimate these guys, and what they can find out if they want to dig into it. And this regime is pretty distrustful of anyone from the West right now. I would not give them any reason to look harder at your fiancee.

There you go. You are a tourist. They may laugh at you in passport control, but the KGB probably won't chase you either. And another thing. Do not send money from America.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-16 19:52:00

i have been to belarus a few times, i never had a problem, I put i am visiting family. if you are worried put you are visiting friends. The Kgb aren't going to question you or throw you in Jail. and the visa in you passport will only show what dates you went there. so when you copy them and send them in as proof, it won't have any red flags

It was interesting that the only real question I had in the US Embassy in Ukraine at Vika's K-1 interview was about my business visas from Belarus.

One time I had to get a new Belarus visa before my last one had run out, as my stay in Minsk would take me past the expiration. The embassy here stamped "visa canceled" on the old one, and put a new one in my passport. When I arrived in Minsk, I had to give a lengthy (for passport control) explanation for that. I thought they didn't believe me, but they were just checking me out. Turns out, when some one (maybe an election monitor) gets kicked out, they get that same stamp on their visa. So the officer wanted to make sure I hadn't been thrown out, then given another visa by mistake or something. You would think the dates would explain it :lol:

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-08 21:26:00

Put "tourism". If they ask for an itinerary, tell that you have a guide, the schedule is flexible, but you want to see Mir Castle, the olympic training center (skiing and target shooting), and the war memorial museum. The first two are outside Minsk, the last is right downtown.

I always had business visas, so the invitation never raised any eyebrows. Not sure about personal ones. You will find most people in Belarus very welcoming.

Edited to say that this is an idea, but since I have no experience with anything other than business visas, please rely on those with experience as "tourists".

Edited by Brad and Vika, 08 August 2012 - 07:15 PM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-08 19:12:00

Sole Custody

I just learned that the birth certificate has not been made yet. It's only been one month since birth. My fiancee said that by law she has to give the name of the father especially since her marriage stamp is in her passport and his name is in it. I heard that when registering a child a woman doesn't have to give the fathers name. and then you don't need fathers permission to leave Ukraine. Is anyone aware of that possibility? Someone posted an email from US embassy in Kiev that stated since fathers name is not in the birth certificate no other documents are need it. This would solve so many problems. If anyone knows, please let me know.

If they were married, Vika and MIL both say that his name will appear on the birth certificate, unless she has a DNA test or somehow proves he is not the father. The presumption is that the husband is the father. If they are not married, she doesn't have to put his name on the birth certificate, but he can initiate action to keep the child in Ukraine until his parentage is disproved.

Best to go ahead and get his permission. With a child that young, you might consider starting with a request only. If he says no, tell him that he will need to support his child for the next 16 years or so. That support could be officially dropped if he signs the letter. I am saying don't lead with a bribe, negotiate.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-16 19:48:00

Sole Custody

Just looking this over. I think the OP is saying sole custody, but means consent to take the child out of Ukraine. I don't speak from experience with child custody in Ukraine, but I believe you don't need sole custody. You do need fairly clear consent.

I think Gary (Gary and Alla) has written quite a bit about this. In his case, I believe the ex husband owed child support, and the support was forgiven in return for consent to remove his child permanently to reside in another country. Also an agreement not to pursue support in the future. I am not sure about cash changing hands or not. It seems to me that a court anywhere will allow consent to relocate much easier than a termination of parental rights. Sole custody without a visitation schedule is tough here too.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 15 August 2012 - 10:19 PM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-15 22:18:00

Where is Gary?

Sorry for the distant reply... I see also Gary is back!! Skinny Dipping? What a relief, I thought maybe there was an "accident" between you and Alla at the shooting range...

It was a nice time, the kid liked the battery cars to drive on the street, and the 5D cinema. I spent a fortune on 5D, they had 4 seat cinema in Nikolaev center. He also play with kids at Lidia grandmother home and he make friends, young ones who can speak some english. They even gave him their ball as gift (though i left it a grandmothers to give back).

And yes, the boy went to interview as well. Interviewer asked how they were getting along just before approving us!! But also, my son and I are very close because he did not have mother up until now... so we hang together if you know what i mean. In the meantime, Lidia and I are married (Aug 18). She very like it here and is great mother for my son as well. Lidia is much younger, 42 vs 20, so also it help i have certified letter from her mother and have my son present to show family to them. (see my timeline for interview experience... Lidia didn't have to even answer question)

Congratulations to you both. We wish you the best of luck, and have a smooth rest of the journey :dance:

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-23 15:49:00

Where is Gary?

Yes, i came out with my son (6 years old) and landed sunday. Lidia meet us by train Sunday. We had interview Monday. On wednesday the 3 of us round trip to her city for 7 nights and return kiev Wednesday (visa delivered friday). Already had our return plus her one-way (3 seats together) purchased for Thursday. We flew JFK which is why i thought Gary may also be on this route.

Thanks for all the congrats. Is very nice we are so happy.

You are most welcome! Do I understand you took your six year old to Ukraine to meet her? :wow:

That took courage. Not going to Ukraine specifically, but traveling that distance for that meeting with a six year old. How many times have you been to Ukraine? What was your son's impression?

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-07-29 11:33:00

Where is Gary?

Happy times... i am also in ukraine now, just approved for K-1 monday and we travel back together next week (pending the 2-3 day fedex delivery or even 9 day for that matter)... Will have to keep a lookout for "G" on the airplane. Not that i know what he looks like, but would be sure to recognize them as a couple / family.

Congrats to you! I am guessing you bought the ticket in advance? We should have a poll.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-07-26 19:54:00

Brides Website Changes Man's Life...

I only paid $99 for my wife and selected her from an online catalog......Scout's truth !!

I don't doubt you Phil. I also know that to be about 3% of your story :lol:

From all you have written here over the years, I doubt there was much fantasy marketing involved. Feel free to correct me.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 28 August 2012 - 08:30 PM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-28 20:30:00

Brides Website Changes Man's Life...

I feel a rant coming on

For sure for sure. The VJ forums in Russia are chock full of these types of stories and warnings to the ladies. My wife was being contacted daily with expressions of interest and she has told me quite a few interesting stories of what some of the guys were asking.....to call them sex maniacs is being gentle!!

I have heard a few tales as well, though not from the wife. I met a woman from Odessa once, that married a guy who worked nights. She met him a couple of times, brought her son here trusting him, and wound up trapped in the country with no vehicle, limited English, and no husband unless she wanted to sleep during the day. When she told him after a couple of years (right before LOC) that she couldn't continue to live like that, he dropped her and her son off in front of a police station and told her they would help her. The shelter she wound up in helped her with LOC and divorce. She cleans houses now.

Now I only got her side of the story, but it is the kind of stuff retold as a warning back in Ukraine, Vika says. Something like "that smart city girl with the child psych degree married a guy overseas, and look what happened. You have lived your whole life in this village, are you crazy?".

I think a lot of it comes from stereo typing and misconceptions. I know that a segment of the population believe that women everywhere are willing to do anything to come to America with its streets lined in gold. Of course, the other misconception is that they are submissive women. When it comes to RUB women that really cracks me up.

It is stuff like that, that keeps guys trying to find the drop dead gorgeous woman that will be their wife and sex slave. Maybe these guys need to come into the light and see if what they are looking for really exists. Now that being said, it does not mean that many of us don't have hot looking wives and enjoy a terrific sex life. But a lot of other things come into place before that happens. I think the primary item is that we guys can't be idiots.

There can be some misunderstanding, and I also think that there is a fair amount of fantasy marketing involved sometimes - for men and women. The unfortunate, the lonely, the bitter, are all told that the relationship and the family they have always dreamed about is just around the corner. Whatever your interest, we have the perfect match, and for a mere $6,000 we will take you there, trim your nails, shine your shoes, and make the intro. We will even provide some one to help you talk to each other! What could possibly go wrong? :lol:

Just because it's on the internet doesn't make it some magical, mystical experience. It should be no different than dating a girl next door.

Oh sure it is, because.... well because. Sure, fat old bald guys never fall in love with swimsuit model home makers here, but over THERE, it happens all the time. And for a trivial $400 per month....

Again, I think what I wrote above applies to women as well as men, and there is no right or wrong way to meet your better half. I totally get that the intro services (virtual and brick n' mortar) are businesses, and sometimes have well intentioned people behind them. The more I hear, the more cruel I think the marketing can be sometimes though.

Rant over, sorry.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 28 August 2012 - 08:17 PM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-28 20:15:00

Brides Website Changes Man's Life...

they are made for each other. It's Nature's Way (humming to Spirit...!!!)

This one definitely cuts both directions. It plays both to the stories we read often about scammers and abuse. We see loads of stories about guys chasing women half way around the globe, sending money, etc. to find that she never intended to have a life with that guy. In Eastern Europe they see stories about old, crazy guys with no social skills shopping for young girls that are abused, or even killed. I could see this story translated and appearing on both sides of the lake.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-28 08:59:00

Okay I am offically confused

We wear shoes all over the house. At this point Vika is pretty good about covering food and putting it in the refrigerator (MIL is not :lol:

). Any wardrobe issues were dealt with years ago mostly. No one walks around in their underwear generally, and I wear gopnik clothes when I want to. In the house or out. Vika does not wear mini skirts or see through clothes. The issue for us is just conforming to the culture, and I appreciate her making the effort.

It looks like Dave took care of business (good on him), despite the usual level of tactful disagreement here in the RUB forum.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-03 17:53:00

Okay I am offically confused

No matter how you go about this, you're going to be wrong.

True

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-31 18:49:00

Okay I am offically confused

I would just explain it to her like you were her biological dad. Tell her that culturally here, that much skin is not appropriate in front of a male your age, and you wish she would put some more clothes on. Turn it around, and ask her why she wants her mom's husband to see that. I bet that puts an end to it. She is no doubt a good girl that just never thought it would bother any one.

Edited to say that if it were me, I would have the above conversation with my wife in the room, so there was no possible misunderstanding because of language and whatnot.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 31 August 2012 - 11:29 AM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-31 11:27:00

Buying a ticket that went through Moscow also would have been good because if she misses one flight, there'd be another one soon, probably. Not with the hourly frequency of the SPb<>Moscow shuttle, but quicker than waiting around for a flight to Kiev that might not even be a daily route. Also, Aeroflot has REALLY stepped up their game and is as good or better than as their Western counterparts. Food even on short haul flights, attentive flight attendants, comfy seats, good entertainment options.

We will keep our collective eye out next time, whenever that is. I think Vika did most of the searching this time, and the Aeroflot tickets were a few hundred more for us. MIL won't be coming back soon, and her dad complained that he was "going to die" before she returned this time, and upset MIL so much she wanted to leave early. He is fine, and FIL did a much better job than she expected keeping house, etc. She says she learned a good lesson, and won't be changing flights next time. I think we should still prepare though, by making sure she flies through Russia, or a country that has Russian speakers or will give her a transit visa overnight. I think that means Czech or Poland.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-12 10:15:00

Are there any flights to Ukraine that don't go through Western Europe? I now absolutely refuse to do any route that isn't SPb>Moscow>New York because I was sick of getting stuck overnight in Europe.

I don't know, but would have jumped at a flight through Moscow. I thought about Prague too, as there would at least be Russian speakers there. No dice, because the ticket was Lufthanza. Lesson learned there.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-09 20:51:00

MIL is back home. It took 5 days, 4 reticketings, and 2 trips to the airport. The Lufthanza strike, flight delays and cancelations, and weather problems all figured in. Yesterday we waited at the airport for hours until her flight to Newark finally left.

With every change, there was an intervening event that nullified it. Word to the wise, for those of you bringing relatives. Because she had no visa for any country but the US, she could not overnight anywhere if there was a delay en route. Because she spoke little English, she would have been unable to work out issues with tickets either. For example, one change rescheduled her to fly through Heathrow on BA. The flight to Germany from there was delayed, and we were told "don't worry, her ticket will be sorted when she gets to England". I asked how that would happen, as she cannot communicate in English - no answer, just another rebooking on Lufthanza the next day.

The funny thing is, when she got to Kiev she was afraid during the taxi ride from the airport. The driving scared her, and the condition of the taxi was terrible, she told Vika :lol:

. Now she is frustrated at the length of time it will take by train to get home to Kherson. FOur years ago she told Vika that a drivers license wasn't necessary.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-09 19:20:00

They're all lazy no-good desk-warmers until you're approved. Then they're the best friend you've ever had.

That last bit might be a little strong, but :yes:

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-21 18:50:00

Starting on September 9th, it's going to be a whole new ball game, so we'll see.

Yeah no. It's not a question of background checks. It's "will they stay or will they go?"

Right

The laziness of the American Consul is one of those nasty rumours that just will not die.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-20 17:04:00

I didn't buy it either. It was an entertaining story though.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-16 19:54:00

My MIL related something to me today that I thought I would share here.

We payed for an agent to help her fill out her visa B application, and prepare her documents and proofs. It cost about $50 alltogether. MIL says that the agent believes there is a simple reason that a Schengen visa + timely return will get you a B-2 to America. She says that the American authorities are just lazy, and they know that the EU background checks are thorough, so they don't need to do all the work if the Schengen visa was recent.

I thought that was pretty funny. Kind of like saying that some one will make a good parent because they had several pets.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-15 22:26:00

No, I have definitely heard that as a big factor before and that is always what I tell people to do if they want to visit the US: get their zagran and a shengen out of the way, and then think about the US.

Most of the people we know personally that brought an in-law (or plan to) recently are doing this. I don't know any way to judge, other than the results.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-08 17:34:00

Great info Brad! Thanks

No sweat. I will add that MIL told us the letter from our congressional rep seemed to help at POE too. She couldn't communicate with the officer, but understood they were asking what she was doing in America.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-06 17:30:00

Still no extract required. MIL cooks up a storm, and really seems to be enjoying her visit. So far, we really haven't gone anywhere further than a 90 minute drive.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-04 11:36:00

Good luck, Brad.

If you need extract, just say the code word.

Thanks man. MIL arrived OK, but her phone definitely doesn't work here. We got her all settled in, and took a little driving tour in the rain. It isn't MIL I am worried about though :lol:

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-07-14 15:45:00

MIL is due to arrive in an hour. The go-card apparently doesn't work in her phone, or her phone won't work here :lol:

The T-Mobile card we bought her did work from Germany though.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-07-12 18:37:00

Another thing that I am reading here on VJ consistently, and seeing on other sites also. MIL/FIL must stick to the "vacation only" story. As soon as they make a statement that may lead the CO to thinking there is some other motivation they can be turned down.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-06-23 15:28:00

She took delivery back in Kherson. I think it took about five days to reach her.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-06-14 11:28:00

I think a Schengen visa is most helpful when you have a "high-risk" tourist visa applicant who may not own property--I.e., women under 30 and men under 35.

I don't disagree with this, but there seemed to be a number of VJ members relatives in the same situation as my MIL that did not get a B visa. They owned properrty, had a pension and salary, were married, same age, etc. MIL told my wife that there were also other women her age at the Embassy the day she interviewed with similar circumstances (according to them) who were turned down.

If getting a B visa really is the ####### shoot it seems to be, maybe things like a Schengen visa or congressional interest would help. MIL also says that the CO asked her who lived with her, so she was able to briefly mention her dad's poor health and the care he needed. If they wanted to check, she had the ZheKo document (not sure I have that acronym correct) to prove grandpa lives with them. Maybe none of this stuff matters at all, but I wanted to put the information out there so VJers could see what might be different from their relatives' cases, or what they might do differently.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-06-02 09:56:00

I wonder if the Schengen visa really does help. I don't think I have read about any FSU applicant with a recent, timely return from the Schengen zone that was denied a B visa for the US. If nothing else, it is a demonstration of willingness to return, and not overstay a visa.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-05-31 20:22:00

As you all may have seen in my recent post history, we did get MIL a 5 year multi entry visa. Based on her comments, the CO's decision was made before the interview started. She had all the standard ties to Ukraine (pension, property, job, husband)and certification of her ill and unwell dad living with her and FIL. In addition, she had a recent Schengen visa with timely return, and I asked our Congressman to have the appropriate staffer email the consular section. They also provided a nice letter for MIL to take to the interview.

I wanted to put this out there because I have read lots of posts stating that an in-law got a visa without a hitch, and a bunch stating that a visa was denied with no apparent reason. Please post your story so RUB members can see what works and doesn't.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-05-31 17:55:00

Green Card approval

Congrats...

It's strange to me how AOS works so diffrently for some people. We had no interview and it was approved in under 3 months. Others have gnashing of teeth, submitting evidence and long waits. (shrugs shoulders)...

Maybe it is the Kherson connection. We had no interview either :lol:

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-13 16:48:00

Green Card approval

Congratulations! We also found congressional inquiries to be helpful. Those staffers have direct connections to USCIS liason managers that we common folk can't get to.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-12 10:18:00

D + 4 years

And Brad, you and Vika have your own now to bring joy in your home. You once told me the hardest thing was getting used to the care they give us. That is true. I always have something she made for lunch as she does not want me eating "horrible food".

Alla and I committed to each other, not to some vows that someone else made up and we think that is important. We committed to each other with our own promises we know we can keep. All I know is when I had a heart attack and woke up from surgery, I saw Alla's eyes looking directly into mine and all 4 boys in the room with me having come from all over the USA and world.

When I was no good to anyone in the world for anything, she and the boys were there. I don't forget that. No one should forget what they did to be together. We are not like normal families, we have a lot more to be thankful for. The quantum physicis alone boggle my mind and I cannot think of the fact that any one of 1 million things would have, could have, prevented me from ever meeting this wonderful woman...but they didn't happen and I feel like I won the lottery or something.

And Visa Journey was such a blessing. Heck, when I asked this Goddess to marry me I did not even know there WAS such a thing as a K-1 visa. Right after getting engaged I thought "Gee, I have to figure out how to get her here" I googled something and VJ popped up and I have been loyal ever since!

Again, best to all of you.

I altered the quote a bit, and put this up for consideration Hang in there! I posted the attached link over in General Immigration - thinking to encourage folks with issues going through their process. It seems to work here too.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-12 09:05:00

D + 4 years

Congratulations. Always nice to hear about a relationship on here that is a long term success.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-11 20:37:00

Lets see if this worked. I know you are all on pins and needles. We had our dual citizenship bundle of joy this last weekend! (I wish it was that easy for us to get it!) Mom and little Felix are doing great, as is daddy. 7lbs8oz and 20.25in or for you metric people, like my MIL, 3.4kg and 51.4cm What a feeling! Im sure we will have some questions about citizenship and all that fun stuff soon. PS dodge pickup truck and mercury sable, Cessna coming soon... but i still prefer waking up with my wife.
DSC_0469small.jpg 260.64KB 22 downloads

Congratulations. Life gets a whole lot more interesting for awhile now, take it from me

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-25 19:05:00

Orphans in Russia, at least, have to be available for adoption for Russian parents for a certain amount of time before they are allowed to be placed with foreign families. So there is an even greater chance of getting a child with some sort of issue if you are foreign.

Even though unemployment and everything is better here than in most parts of Western Europe, wages are lower and there is a view that there is not much room for growth. And even if things aren't great in Europe now, they probably will be in the future and it's just seen as a better life, with working formal institutions. Also now they are making medicine and education paid, which sucks.

The first paragraph explains a lot. In your second, it looks like you are saying that foreign marraige is an accepted way to access superior economic opportunities in the EU?

There is a couple in our town that has adopted two Russian children, a boy and a girl. Neither of them speak Russian, so they are paying one of our friends to help the kids retain their Russian and try to learn to read and write it. The boy is about 8 and the girl is 5 or 6. With the exception of the boy being a bit belligerent towards learning his Russian, they both seem pretty normal.

I have a client whose son and daughter-in-law adopted a Russian boy (2 years old I think). He had a very difficult time adjusting, hitting at day care workers and parents, throwing shoes, etc. at them. Their pediatrician said that in addition to the normal adjustment problems and his perceived lack of stability in life generally, their son also showed signs of personality disorder common with kids born to parents that have substance abuse problems. Apparently the background information on adoptable kids is either sketchy or unavailable.

When Vika and I were in the US Embassy in Kiev, there were a number of adoption interviews going on. The parents to be couldn't speak any Russian, but Vika could understand what the kids (pre-teens) were saying. Apparently the kids did not fully understand what was happening to them, and the translator for the orphanage was not really translating the entire conversation. If those older kids were misinformed or not understanding that they were leaving Ukraine permanently, I can only imagine what happens to the younger kids. One of the pre-teens was already making nasty sounding, hostile comments about her American parents. I remeber Vika saying that those parents were going to have lots of trouble.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-17 11:53:00

It would do any American a lot of good to see other parts of the world - and not just the third world bits. It's humbling.

I agree. As a cold war kid myself, and as a guy who did a hitch in the Marines during that period, I have to say that I was surprised at how the rest of the world looks compared to what I was taught. I found that true most places I have been.

Most people seem to be pretty happy where they are, and lots of them have zero interest in leaving there, and less in coming here.

To test my foto-posting prowess (ha), here is a foto of Mini-Bone, which I can't figure out how to rotate 90 degrees, but it's good for all of us to hear our neck vertebrae crack, ouch man. He's 20 months old now but was 5 months old in this foto, which remains my favorite of many good ones, gee man.

Good loking kid T.

Adoption by foreigners is viewed negatively because there have been high profile cases where Russian kids were adopted by American families and things went very wrong.

I think with the political situation now, dating/marrying foreigners is seen positively because there is more opportunity in Europe and the US.

Again, very interesting. Here, kids from Ukraine and Russia are said to be high risk. Meaning that there is a pretty high incidence of health or mental problems in the kids that are adopted out overseas. Not surprising that foreign adoption is viewed negatively in Russia either. It is no secret that many states here do a terrible job even fostering out American kids, let alone adopting.

About foreign marraige, I was unclear about something you posted. There is more opportunity for what in Europe exaclty? You could have meant marraige, happiness, careers (although that wouldn't make much sense).

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2012-09-16 13:05:00