ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects

Question number 18 on the new form:

"Has your fiance(e) met and seen you within the two-year period immediately "receding" the filing of this petition?"

Was 'receding' in the last version? I don't have my copies at work with me.

Our tax dollars at work.


That has to be a typo! Shouldn't it be "preceding"?
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-15 10:09:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects
[quote name='PorknBeanz' date='May 16 2006, 03:13 PM' post='199542']
[/quote]
I want to agree with you because it does seem only fair--and a lot less like profiling. But someone must have done some research and found out some grim statistics about IMB marriages in particular or they wouldn't have written the law in the first place. Although trying to fit logic into the legislative process is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
[/quote]

When the senator from Washington thought up this law in 2003 a study was commissioned to gather statistics on physical abuse in visa-related marriages, and abuse of the system in general. That study and another subsequent study, found the actual number of confirmed abuse cases was so small as to be meaningless in the context of the large number of visas issued.

When she again tried to get this law passed in 2005, the senator didn't mention the study because it would hurt her platform of fighting rampant abuse of poor illiterate women brought to the US by abusive men. In fact, there were no hearings at all. IMBRA was added to the law protecting women act and there was only a voice vote.

When IMBRA was challenged, the study was brought to light. A federal judge issued an injunction against IMBRA for probably violating two of our constitutional rights. He also felt the law was overreaching and unfair in that it only covered IMBs. Since there was no statistical evidence that IMB marriages were prone to abuse, why not protect people who meet in brothels, or libraries? Why are international Match.com marriages exempt from the initial contact disclosure requirements of IMBRA? To be fair, the law should state that domestic women who meet domestic men in the US should have to carry a letter showing how many children they've had, every address they've had since they were 18, and that they're not in the sexual predator database.
[/quote]


!!!!! :o :(

It sounds a bit similar to the argument I had with my mother when I used to be on Yahoo! Personals. "But mom, he could be just as crazy if I met him in a bar on a Friday night!!"

Thanks for the information. I didn't know that.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-16 14:19:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects


It doesn't matter how you met.

"Q #10: Does this law apply at all to couples who did NOT meet through an IMB?

Answer: Yes. This law does NOT APPLY ONLY TO IMBs. There are provisions in this law which apply to ALL petitioners and couples, regardless of how they met. They apply to ANY K Visa petititoner, even those who did NOT meet their fiancee or spouse through an IMB, but for instance just through friends or family. "


from:

http://usaimmigratio...ex.php?itemid=2


But didn't someone say that that particular site was trying to encourage people to hire an attorney. So wouldn't it behoove them to state that it affects everyone? I think I remember someone saying that, but I could be wrong??? :wacko:



Well, actually it makes more sense to me. Why would someone who goes through an "IMB", which is still loosely defined, be more apt at having a domestic violence background than someone who met their fiance through a chat room? They both should be scrutinized the same.

JMHO


I want to agree with you because it does seem only fair--and a lot less like profiling. But someone must have done some research and found out some grim statistics about IMB marriages in particular or they wouldn't have written the law in the first place. Although trying to fit logic into the legislative process is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-16 13:33:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects

It doesn't matter how you met.

"Q #10: Does this law apply at all to couples who did NOT meet through an IMB?

Answer: Yes. This law does NOT APPLY ONLY TO IMBs. There are provisions in this law which apply to ALL petitioners and couples, regardless of how they met. They apply to ANY K Visa petititoner, even those who did NOT meet their fiancee or spouse through an IMB, but for instance just through friends or family. "


from:

http://usaimmigratio...ex.php?itemid=2


But didn't someone say that that particular site was trying to encourage people to hire an attorney. So wouldn't it behoove them to state that it affects everyone? I think I remember someone saying that, but I could be wrong??? :wacko:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-16 13:07:00
IMBRA Special TopicsVermont and RFE (involving IMBRA)
It seems to me that they knew exactly when they were going to start sending all the emails and RFE's (The probably had to have 50 committee meetings to decide on the wording) So they were just stacking up all the files in some corner...and they dealt them out to their employees like cards to have them send out the RFE's and the emails. That's my theory on the no-pattern scenario.

Maybe they are filed alphabetically by petitioner's last name? Probably not.

I admire the patience and positive attitude you guys have!
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-20 13:08:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
That's so sad. :(

I feel lucky that England is a VWP countries AND that they have good airfare deals sometimies.

I wish I could snap my fingers and send you guys to your honeys.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-27 15:30:00
IMBRA Special TopicsMail Order Bride Newspaper Article /Star Telegram

Ugh -- "Mail order bride." That language casts doubts on the legitimacy of ALL international relationships. I find it funny that people don't expect there to be more international unions -- in this age of (relatively) cheap travel and access to a nearly free global communication system, it seems only natural that people will meet each other and develop relationships. Aside from myself, for instance, I know of 3 other girls who met their fiances while studying abroad, another who met hers while on vacation, and I think a majority of people in here met their future spouses online. I don't see why people still think it's so weird (even a little unacceptable? :rolleyes:) to have a fiance/fiancee who lives overseas.


You're right...yet I still kind of dread the "how did you meet" question and explaining that we met online.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-15 15:45:00
USCIS Service CentersTalked with Vermont
Woooooo hooooo! :D
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-16 10:12:00
USCIS Service CentersTalked with Vermont



So im all excited and i get ahold of stephen to tell him the good news about talking to vermont... im not gonna trash him cuz i love him way to much..BUT i will say its really hard to compete with my news and the fact england just won the spot in the worldcup hes been waiting for!! I just dont get the sports thing! :P


Hahahaha, I'm in the same boat! No point in discussing mere paperwork with Barrie right now...

:lol: :lol: Stephen said the night before the world cup "hunny are you gonna be like all the other wifes and be bitchy with me during football", i said no i will talk to you after the game...thinking it would be 1 game... then he tells me its for a month...... so i say then your telling me ive been replaced with a ball!!! he said no but it will take alot of my time for the next month...So i said fine and told him i will find something to replace him with for the next 30 days! I just havn't figured what to do yet....I guess loads of posts and replys on VJ :lol:


When I said to Mike "Oh, World Cup, who are we rooting for?" I could see his dirty look over the phone! :lol:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-15 15:30:00
USCIS Service CentersTalked with Vermont
:star: Yes! Finally some good news for you QDilly. Or any news at all for that matter! Go Vermont!! :star:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-15 13:52:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket
Thanks, November seems so far away! I have a pretty big suitcase, if you curled up and didn't mind the cargo hold....
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-29 11:48:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket
Thanks! I'm already counting the days and hording vacation time. :D
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-29 10:00:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket




OK OK, it's bmi. :)


I have flown on BMI and I liked it.
Have fun!

I'm flying on U.S. Airways for the first time--in 3 and a half weeks(the countdown has started).
I usually fly on British Airways.



Cool, thanks for the info on BMI. I'd never even heard of them! So I was reluctant to book...but I sent Mike a text message and he assured me they were for real. :lol: I'd rather fly on Virgin, but Mike would rather not have to drive all the way to London to pick me up, so Manchester it is.

Now onto finding my passport and getting it renewed! :wacko:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 14:02:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket

Airfare to Europe really drops once November hits... that IS a great deal though...

How exciting! Always nice to have something to look forward to.

Now where's my RFE.....??? :)


I know it's a ####### shoot, really. And I'll be bummed if it's very much cheaper, but some November flights were already sold out and I didn't want to get stuck.

And you never know, RFE might be in a mail truck on it's way to you. Wish I could make it go faster for you! :huh:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 10:35:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket
Yeah, send us a list of everything you get done *that* day. Riiiight. :D

1) Checked my itinerary
2) Checked VJ
3) Called airline
4) Checked VJ
...
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 10:23:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket
And you only have 1 day left, Tracy...can you even sit still?
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 10:12:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket

Excellent news Wrenly! Glad you found a good deal!

And hey, everyone has horror stories with each airline. Its really just a ####### shoot! :lol: I've always been happy with American but there are some who hate it and won't fly with them. Can't please all the people all the time! Plus we like to share good deals like that one!!


OK OK, it's bmi. :)

Best thing is (aside from seeing Mike again), I'll be there for my 30th birthday!!
:star: :star:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 09:35:00
United KingdomJust Booked Ticket
Guys!!! I'm so excited. I found a great flight deal: $376 round trip Philadelphia to Manchester!! I'm not going to tell you the airline for fear you'll tell me bad things about it and I just don't wanna know. :D But I searched on Expedia.

November 11th I'll be in Mikey's arms!!!! (Secret hopes of this being the engagement trip...) (L) :dance: (L)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-28 09:05:00
United Kingdom'Chip' on credit cards?
Tracy--just be careful (I sound like my mom *rolls eyes*). They were talking on the radio the other day about people who had their wallet and cash on one side of the SECURITY CHECKPOINT and didn't have it on the other side. I'd put your cash in your jeans pocket!

You can't even trust the people in security!!!
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-26 14:55:00
United Kingdom'Chip' on credit cards?

Thanks Wrenly!! :)

And no, I didn't get a good deal on airfare!! :lol: Mainly because I am flying in the summer (after Memorial day and before Labor Day), which means rates are as high as they can be. Also I don't fly out of a major airport (Nashville, then O'hare/Heathrow), so I have a connection to add to the cost as well. Anyway, I'm flying American. We got annoyed with United after his first time here. American is the only other one w/ decent fares from Nashvegas.

I'm also looking at going back in November. Looks like it'll be $750 round trip, though that may go down some as we get out of summer. (That's about $120 more than I paid last year when I went in September.)

You should do pretty well on Virgin, esp. if you fly out of a major airport w/out a connection. They only fly to Gatwick, though, which rules it out for me (fiance lives a stones throw from Heathrow).


Sorry to keep taking this off topic, but I think Virgin does go to Heathrow:

PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR OUTBOUND FLIGHT
Departs Arrives Flight Cabin / Fare Type Duration
New York (JFK)London (LHR)VS026 Economy (lowest) 6:40 Hrs
10 NOV 07:30 10 NOV 19:10


You might want to double check on their site. I LOVE flying with them!
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-26 13:29:00
United Kingdom'Chip' on credit cards?
Did you get a good airfare deal? What airline? I'm looking to head over in November. Hoping the prices go down a bit. Cheapest I've seen so far is Virgin Atlantic.

Thanks for the info about the credit cards!

Have a wonderful time!
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-26 13:00:00
United KingdomWhos in the UK but actually not in the Capital London?

Wow lots of peeps! Thanks for speaking up. Yeh can totally relate about the London assumption, when I went to the US all Andys distant relatives assumed I was from London yet I have a Scottish accent ....well half Scottish half American because I listen to Andy alot and it just sorta goes all funky. You ever find that?

Neat I'm in the next town over from Bolton ...Bury :yes: Personally I don't like the area, it's classed as a "rough" place to live, gangs and such. I'm glad to be moving too. One thing that shocked me when going to the US was how FRESH everything was and how the trees looked so healthy, I mean I know England is known for its gardens but god look at the trees in peoples front yards in the states they bloom...at least in my town they're all soggy and wet, dark and half dead. Anybody ever noticed the air quality especially in california is so different? I didn't have ONE asthma attack! I swear... amazing. :thumbs:


Yeah, I'm not sure Mike is at all thrilled to be there. He too mentioned how green everything was. He also said that he was surprised to see how all our mailboxes were out by the road, cos in Bolton they'd get smashed the day after they got put up!! But I do live out in the country a bit. :)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-23 10:19:00
United KingdomWhos in the UK but actually not in the Capital London?

Hello? Is there anyone out there? hehe , just wondered if their were any couples who actually aren't in the London area. Seems most couples from the UK the other half is from Kent or somewhere "near." Anyone not quite as near? I'm in Lancashire :)


Well I need to beef up on my UK geography, but my SO is in Bolton, near Manchester.

It's funny...when I introduced him to co-workers and friends when he was here, so many of them assumed he was from London! They don't know the accents very well, I'm thinking. :no:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-20 15:12:00
United KingdomBA - British Airways
I like Virgin much better than BA. The people on BA I've always found to be very friendly, but I feel even more like a squashed sardine than usual on their economy class. No room for your legs at all! (I'm 5'6)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-07-03 11:21:00
United KingdomBritons tire of cruel, vulgar US: poll

[snip]

Part of the problem, for me, is that often people only see the US thru the eyes of the media..which always carries some reporting bias (oops showing my sociology degree roots here, lol)..and a lot of them will either never have been there, or not know any Americans personally.
I think this poll could be equally used to describe how people felt about the UK in its Imperialist days - with the exception of the Bush comments/current world affairs :lol:
I've no doubt SOME Americans are 'rude and ignorant' but then so are PEOPLE from EVERYWHERE.


Well said. :thumbs:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-07-05 13:45:00
United KingdomWho Gives in first?


Thanks so much! I'll call him as soon as I'm off work. If I could have given him a cuddle this would have been over on Sunday. :)


... and there's the problem...

Respect the fact that he did not want to take his mood out on you, and give him his space. The sooner you can work those sorts of cues out, and accept them of each other, the better off you'll be. I used to get bothered when he would want to end a phone call because he was 'tired', even though I had more I wanted to talk about... or sometimes just listening to him BREATHE is enough for me... :blush:

But I know now how he 'shuts down' when he's tired (unlike me who can go weeks on a average of 5 hrs of sleep a night) and I let him go... it's not like it's our last chance to talk or anything like that....

Be patient with each other... it's easy to let the little things intrude. Rise above them!!

Jen


To quote Marie from When Harry Met Sally "You're right. You're right. I know you're right." :)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-07-05 15:37:00
United KingdomWho Gives in first?
Thanks so much! I'll call him as soon as I'm off work. If I could have given him a cuddle this would have been over on Sunday. :)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-07-05 15:07:00
United KingdomWho Gives in first?
Ok, I'm hoping I've been posting on here long enough to start a topic like this. :)

Mikey and I are in a bit of a snit. The whole thing went something like this.

He was supposed to call on Sunday. Sunday afternoon I got a text message:

"I know I was supposed to call you today, but I'm in a really foul mood today and I don't want to take it out on you. I'll talk to you soon."

I forgot to breathe before I text'd him back with "Oh there's a good reason. I have to go wash my hair now." And promptly turned my phone off. *sigh*

Instead of the message I expected from him pleading for forgiveness ;) I got "I'm not really in the mood for sarcastic comments."

So yeah. Now it's a stalemate. I feel very silly. We had a text back and forth yesterday but it was just about something of his that I found and wanted to know if he wanted me to keep it.

I really want to call him, but I'm stubborn and want him to call like he was supposed to.

As I'm typing this out, I realize I sound about 10. I guess I should just call.

I hate thinking he's over there upset with me. :( But I also hate thinking he didn't call because he was mad that Rooney got a red card. You know? Sorry.

Edited by Wrenly, 05 July 2006 - 02:30 PM.

WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-07-05 14:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresD'oh! Sent out old I-129F today
I have a feeling everyone is just going to tell you to wait for the RFE. Sorry. :(
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-15 15:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview today at London Embassy :)))))
Wonderful! :thumbs:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-06-13 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBut What About Now


Thanks to everyone who responded. I've been feeling the great bond you all have and I'm anxious to be a more active part of this community once I've got that ring on my finger. ;)


No need to wait until you have a ring on your finger to join in. The more you know, and the earlier you know it, the better.

If it's any help, doing the I129f/K1 process from the UK is generally pretty painless, relatively speaking.


Thanks! From what I've been reading it's that "relatively speaking" that'll get you every time. ;)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-11 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBut What About Now
Thanks to everyone who responded. I've been feeling the great bond you all have and I'm anxious to be a more active part of this community once I've got that ring on my finger. ;)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-11 12:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBut What About Now

i would save lots of money, just kidding.


Yes, that I had gathered! :lol:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-08 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBut What About Now
Hi, I've been lurking around here for a bit reading the goods the bads and the uglies of this whole K1 process. My boyfriend is a UK citizen, we aren't engaged yet, but everything is definitely headed that way. Are there things we should be doing or saving now that will save us any pain and stress when we start the process? Should we start now saving communications or is it too soon for them to "count." :huh:

Thanks for being here, and all the best to all of you! :star:
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-07 19:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresClarification on IMBRA Recall
I'm sorry for all you guys who are facing a delay. :(

It almost makes me glad Mike and I haven't started the process yet, hopefully by the time we are ready things will have smoothed out.

I know it's silly to say, but hang in there!!!
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-11 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiry date of notorization for I-134 Affidait of Support

Dear Larry,
thanks for yr reply, so actually that expiry date should be the expiry date of the job of the Notary
as far as I think I understood, Right?So it should be valid for good (more/less).

Whats IMHO? So maybe I can just to look in it.

THanks alot



IMHO stands for "In My Humble Opinon" :)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-15 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiry date of notorization for I-134 Affidait of Support


Yes, and I just confirmed my thoughts with our notary here at work. A Notary's commission is for 4 or 6 years, upon which they have to apply again. But whatever they signed while their commission was valid is valid.


So it means that when the Notary signed, his job (or commission) was still valid and his job (or commssion)will expiry on the 1st of June, but then it doesnt matter because his signature at the time he signed was still valid. Please dear friend confirm me if I understood well. So actually if it is like that it means that the notorized document is valid even after the 1st of June, I am right?


THanks!!!!!!!!!!


Yes, that is how it was explained to me by our notary at work.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-15 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiry date of notorization for I-134 Affidait of Support
Yes, and I just confirmed my thoughts with our notary here at work. A Notary's commission is for 4 or 6 years, upon which they have to apply again. But whatever they signed while their commission was valid is valid.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-15 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiry date of notorization for I-134 Affidait of Support
I'm not 100% on this, but I think the expiration is for the actual notary him/herself...as in they are certified for a specific time period and have to get recertified periodically. Like an inspection sticker on your car. So what I think is that since he/she was qualified as of the date they notarized your document you won't have any problems. But again, I'm not absolutely sure.
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-15 12:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTOUCHED IN PERSON

HI ALL......I'M STAYING IN VERMONT THIS WEEK.....SOOOO..MY FIANCE AND MYSELF DECIDED TO TAKE A LITTLE RIDE TO THE VSC IN ALBANY(ONLY 20 MINS AWAY)....WE WAITED ABOUT 30 MINS, AND A VERY NICE GUY CAME TO THE WINDOW, WE THEN ASKED HIM ABOUT WHATS GOING ON WITH THIS NEW LAW, WELL...HE DID NOT KNOW A THING, BUT SAID THESE EXTRA SECURITY CHECKS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW YEARS. HE ASKED BILL AND I IF WE EVER HAD A CRIMINAL RECORD AND WE BOTH SAID NO. HE KNEW I WAS FROM CANADA,ONLY 70 MILES AWAY FROM BILL...HE ALSO ASKED IF WE PUT OUR LETTER ON HOW WE MET, AND IF WE SENT PICTURES, SHOWING THE 2 OF US TOGETHER, AND WE SAID WE DID PUT THAT IN....ALL HE SAID WAS THAT WE WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THIS. ALL IN ALL...HE HAS NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THIS...SO WHILE WE WERE THERE, I HANDED HIM OUR NOA1, HE TOOK IT IN THE BACK TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY STATUS CHANGE, AND CAME BACK WITH, "WE CLEARED THE FIRST SECURITY CHECKS". SO IN REALITY, WE WERE TOUCHED IN PERSON...LOL :dance: BUT SORRY TO SAY, WE STILL DO NOT KNOW WHATS GOING ON.... :(


Wow, it seems so crazy to me that you have to go through this whole process to be with someone only 70 miles away!! Good luck with everything! :)
WrenlyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-05-16 15:18:00