ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomFinding work
Hi

So, what is the situation with finding a job and how difficult is it adapating to american working life than that of the UK?

I work in recruitment as a Bid Manager, anybody work in similar sector or role?

thanks

Nigel, the other half of "beaner0500"!!

Edited by beaner0500, 20 February 2006 - 10:12 PM.

beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-02-20 22:11:00
United KingdomRegarding Time Lines and Interviews and other topics... :)
I can't remember who it was but I believe it was someone who has an interview in May. There are three people listed on the London Interviews string - http://www.visajourn...opic=120&st=540.
They are crashandcari, Baileyj96 and MrsW2B. Maybe check their timelines out.
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-04-21 09:10:00
United KingdomRegarding Time Lines and Interviews and other topics... :)
You'll be given an exact interview date and time. I've read on here about at least one person who requested an interview during a specific month and their request was granted. So it's worth a try if you want to email the embassy after packet 3 or send your request in on the checklist with packet 3. But since the visa is good for 6 months you shouldn't have any problems working through February if you anticipate a December interview.

Regarding trips to the States after the packets have been sent...Nigel came over right after he sent everything back from packet 3 and he had no problems. As anyone here will tell you it's entirely up to the POE officer to let someone in or not. Bring evidence of ties to the UK and answer questions honestly and odds are you'll be fine. Most of the times when people mention they've been turned away it's because they've had a history of staying for long periods of time in the States throught VWP.
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-04-18 16:30:00
United KingdomClaiming UK Tax
ladybutterfly - was it you who sent a link directly to a form to get tax back? i know someone did and i sent that link to nigel but of course he's lost the email. if you still have the link we'd be very appreciative!

thanks,
christine

forget it i found it!

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/p85.pdf
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-05-17 15:17:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
We're approved!!! London has quite the approval record stacking up.
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-04-18 08:07:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Nigel told me his interview time is 10:30 am on April 18th. Could someone please update the time since I hadn't given it to you before?

Thanks!
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-27 14:28:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
I'm not sure what time Nigel's interview is. His packet actually got mailed to his parent's address since that's his official one as far as the post office is concerned. His mom opened it and told him April 18. As soon as he gets a hold on the packet I'll let you know the time.
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-23 10:25:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congrats Sammy!!! So happy for you.

Nigel just got packet 4 today and his interview is April 18! I have a grin from ear to ear that won't go away. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders knowing when the interview is. Woohoo!!!
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-23 08:36:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Just got a reply back from the embassy that they have not yet received Nigel's checklist. It was sent about a month ago so I'm hoping it's at the embassy and just hasn't been opened rather than lost in the mail. I'm not sure Nigel sent it registered mail unfortunately. So basically no new news here. Still waiting for that darn packet 4 with our interview date!!
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-21 10:31:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congratulations techgirl! Only a few more weeks and you'll be together. Very happy for you :)
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-14 12:39:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congrats Cheeky! Nigel and I are just a few days behind you in our timeline so I wonder if he'll be getting any mail soon! He actually doesn't have his police report back yet so we're happy for an interview sometime next month. Love the second quote on your signature by the way :)

Speaking of which, how long did it take most of you to get your UK police report? Did it take the 40 days they say it will?
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-09 10:14:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Hi everyone....How do I get Nigel and I added to the list of pending interviews? We just sent packet 3 back about a month ago so I'm not expecting an interview date anytime soon :)

christine
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-03-08 13:45:00
United KingdomShipping from U.K. to U.S.
Seems like UPS is the way to go for most stuff. And I'm going over for one last trip in the beginning of May so I'll probably bring a big suitcase with me and take some of his stuff back with me. Still not sure what he'll do with his bikes but I'm sure we'll figure it out.
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-04-21 09:07:00
United KingdomShipping from U.K. to U.S.
Hi all,

Nigel is looking into shipping some of his stuff over when he comes since he has a few bikes. Can anyone recommend a shipping company they used?

Thanks!
c
beaner0500Not TellingEngland2006-02-20 19:23:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Oh, excellent! Thanks for letting me know that.
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-15 03:30:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
These sound very like the experience I had at my medical at Bentinck Mansions last week.

I think I must have had the same doctor as you, BrookNTwon - a blonde physician, who was not very chatty! I was quite anxious beforehand, however, I found the medical to be quite painless in terms of embarrassment & actual physical pain (just taking the blood sample lol). The radiographer was a jolly sort of guy who was very warm and friendly, which helped. My whole medical took around 45 minutes also. All in all, I'd say anyone who is anxious at all about the medical shouldn't be. It is really not invasive at all.

I also did the eye test with my contacts in (she only asked if I wore them when I was halfway through the first line) tongue_ss.gif

I'm a bit confused (disappointed?!) though that I didn't get a copy of my x-ray to take home with me, as someone has mentioned before on this thread. Perhaps they have stopped doing this?
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-14 21:22:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Jun 12 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think the panel physician (or anybody else) can look at your personal medical records unless you request them.

So you're filling out a form with a doctor who knows nothing about you. Why over-explain things?
Have you ever suffered from depression? You said you didn't, so the answer is NO
Have you used drugs? You said you didn't, so the answer is NO

They can know of illegal drug use if it's recorded in any kind of police incident, but not from something you reported untruthfully to your personal physician.


You may be right, but I told them about my medical history honestly, because you never know when hiding the truth may come back to haunt you...
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-08 18:35:00
United KingdomInternational Moving company
You're welcome! Please let us know how you get on with whoever you decide to ship with yes.gif
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-23 13:18:00
United KingdomInternational Moving company
Howdy, fellow Scottish VJer!

I am also currently thinking about international shipping, and have just had a recommendation from a friend for this company:

http://www.worldwide-packnship.com/

I haven't called them for a quote yet, but I trust they will be a very reliable company to deal with. Hope this helps!
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-19 13:05:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Tamanna @ Sep 16 2009, 04:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (macd @ Sep 16 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there Tam, I'm sorry to hear you've been so delayed thus far.

Packet 3 is really just the forms and checklist that you need to fill out and send back to the embassy. Seeing as you have already filled all that out, all you need to do now is post it all to the embassy!

Check out this link for more info: http://london.usemba...a/iv/iv_15.html
(Packet 3 nowadays is often just a letter from the embassy which contains your case number and this link to online documents that you fill out and print)



Thanks for your advice macd. Just to let u know, I sent another email to the embassy after posting onto this forum, asking them when I could send in my forms. To my surprise, they sent a reply within 8 hours, which is as below.

"As long as you have a case number, which you do, you download the forms from the website and complete and return them to the Immigrant Visa Unit. If you wish to wait for official notification, you should allow a further 3 – 4 weeks. You will not be sent forms, however, you will be instructed to download them from the Embassy website."


Needless to say, I went straight to the post office after getting this email, to post off the forms. Now we wait and see what happens next. Thank you once again macd for taking the time to reply. It just nice that somebody actually understands your frustrations about this whole crazy visa process. Cheers!


No trouble : ) Support is why we are all here. God knows we all need each other, as only people who are going through this process can really understand. Glad you've got the documents off in the post now. Good luck with the next stage!

macdFemaleScotland2009-09-17 16:36:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
Yeah, tell me about it. We've had loads of strikes over the summer. They are such a pain. Info on the latest one here:

BBC news

There are so many strikes lately I can't keep track. I only know about this one because I was complaining to a friend about not getting any post, and she told me there are strikes down south this week. They should sort it out already! Grrrr
macdFemaleScotland2009-09-17 16:33:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Britt and Duv @ Sep 16 2009, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think, and recent history proves, that London are just being overly cautious with their approach to Interview times.

Looking at the past month or so, here are the figures for Interviews being processed

Date Packet 3 Sent - Day of Interview....................... Days in between are worked out approximately

08/25 - 09/25 30 days!
08/21 - 09/30 39 days!
08/17 - 09/02 16 days!!!!
08/24 - 09/14 19 days!!!
08/14 - 09/16 32 days!
08/19 - 09/18 29 days!
08/14 - 09/10 26 days!
08/14 - 09/28 44 days
07/23 - 08/14 21 days!

Here's hoping that we all get ourselves off to see our loved ones ASAP!!!!


Thanks for that! I think I will be nearer the 44 day mark, as I have been waiting since August 11th...

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I just heard that there were postal strikes in London yesterday, which means there will be backlog, which then means that correspondance from the embassy will be slowed up for the next week or so. Blah. Oh well, it's good to keep this in mind... I'm assuming we can call the embassy and be told our interview dates over the phone in the meantime. Keep the faith, people! good.gif

macdFemaleScotland2009-09-17 16:20:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (haleywynne @ Sep 16 2009, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the advice macd! Only we heard someone worse than we were expecting sad.gif


Royal Fail strikes again, my fiance sent packet 3 next day delivery on August 27th, but the embassy said they didn't receive it until September 9th! Grrrrrr...

Then he said 6-8 weeks for packet 4 and then 6-8 weeks from then for the interview. So much for being here for Christmas sad.gif


Yeah, the same sort of thing happened to us actually. I sent it recorded 1st class delivery on 5th August, and somehow it took about a week to get there. I'm with Ian and Lisa on the dates thing - the embassy is probably just covering themselves, so fret not! Frustrating as it is, at least you know what's going on now, which is better than being in the dark.
macdFemaleScotland2009-09-16 10:04:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Tamanna @ Sep 16 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,
My name is Tam and I have been following this forum for a long time (since my K1 petition as sent off) but have never posted on any of these forums. I currently am "stuck in a situation" and was hoping for some advice/suggestions.
Essentially, my fiance and I received the NOA2 on the 31st of July, which was then forwarded to NVC where it was stuck at AP for a bit. Finally on the 17th of August, it was finally forwarded to the US embassy in London. Now, since the 17th, I have been waiting for my packet 3 to be generated and this has yet to happen (even after waiting for almost a month now).
I have been on the phone numerous times these past few weeks with both the DOS and the embassy (via the premium line) only to be told that packet 3 has not been generated yet. Now for the confusing bit - there were two occasion where I was told by the embassy, there was a slight glitch and it showed on the system that I was currently awaiting an interview date. This is the part that confuses me seeing as I never sent in any forms to the embassy as yet. I was given a reference number and told to email the consular services. So I emailed the embassy, telling them its been a month and I have not received packet 3 as yet, only to be told to download the forms. That was it, no instructions or advice as to when packet 3 was going to be generated or when to send the forms in. So I called the premium line again today, only to be told to wait as my packet 3 had still not been generated yet, and to call in a week.
So to cut my long, confusing story short, my question is, what do I do now? I have filled out all the paperwork for packet 3 (just waiting to send it off) and all the documents needed for the interview have all been sorted. Anyone have any suggestions, or anyone else, who is in the same boat as me??? PLS HELP!!!!


Hi there Tam, I'm sorry to hear you've been so delayed thus far.

Packet 3 is really just the forms and checklist that you need to fill out and send back to the embassy. Seeing as you have already filled all that out, all you need to do now is post it all to the embassy!

Check out this link for more info: http://london.usemba...a/iv/iv_15.html
(Packet 3 nowadays is often just a letter from the embassy which contains your case number and this link to online documents that you fill out and print)

macdFemaleScotland2009-09-16 07:10:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (haleywynne @ Sep 15 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my fiance posted his packet 4 forms on Aug. 27th (next day) so they should have received them Aug. 28th...

What is usually the average wait between London receiving packet 4 and my fiance receiving his interview letter? I noticed a couple of yall here waited about a month, is that faster than/slower than normal?

We're getting impatient here haha.


Hi there haleywynne, our timeline is very similar to yours! Ha - "Impatient" is a very familiar word to me too at the moment! I have been waiting just over 4 weeks now for my interview date letter to arrive.

I would call the embassy if I were you, and make sure they received the documents and checklist, then ask how long it might be. They obviously won't give you a specific date that you'll receive the letter, but I find it is good to have something you can actually do so you're not just sitting around feeling really frustrated!
macdFemaleScotland2009-09-15 14:51:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MARM @ Sep 11 2009, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Sep 11 2009, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope they'll get back into gear now that summer is officially over.



We hope hope hope HOPE HOPE HOPE so too!



Yes indeed! ClockWatch2.gif
macdFemaleScotland2009-09-11 13:28:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (haleywynne @ Aug 27 2009, 01:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Aug 26 2009, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (haleywynne @ Aug 26 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay, my fiance and I have been preparing forms for packet 3 and I get so much mixed info on packet 3 and interview stuff.

Basically, what do we need to send with packet 3 and what do we keep to take to the interview? Especially in terms of I-134 and supporting documents (w2, tax transcripts, and pay stubs).

I know we only send copies of original documents. And also I've been told that because my dad is co-sponsoring, he needs to provide proof of citizenship. I've never heard of this before.

I need all the help I can get right now, so thanks in advance!



Send in forms, carry in documents. The I134 is the exception (it's a form you carry in).

I think you should be able to get 2008 tax transcripts by now, so there is no need for W2s. If you can't get the transcript, the W2, plus ALL forms for the tax return are required (copies from records NOT notorized is fine). W2s by themselves are NOT sufficient, but tax transcripts alone are.

Father's proof of citizenship (or residency - for anyone wondering) is needed - photocopy of birth cert or US passport same criteria as you submitted to prove your citizenship.

If you're feeling confused about what to send in for packet 3, I would encourage you to re-read the instructions on the embassy website. No one on VJ has better info than that, and it's all right there in one place. smile.gif

Checklist tips: Put dates for travel and wedding in - although you aren't supposed to buy tickets, give your best guess.


Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out the I-134 completely because it is such a pain at the moment. The reason I included my dad's w-2 was because he filed jointly with my mom (I figured I would have to have something proving what his income alone is). I do have tax transcripts for myself and my dad for 3 years.

The instructions for packet 3 just seemed a bit vague to me. I didn't know if they wanted copies of everything that I have to send, too.

So let me get this straight: All my fiance sends in is the forms (incl. police certificate)? No copies of documents?


Yep, just send the forms, and not the copies of documents. All the instructions are here:

http://london.usemba...a/iv/iv_15.html
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-26 20:18:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
Getting impatient for my interview! crying.gif
macdFemaleScotland2009-08-19 15:34:00
United KingdomPolice Certificates and packet 3
Ok, i'm confused guys. My initial thoughts were that you simply had to declare you had your police certificates in your possession when posting Packet 3 to London. However I have been confused by some subsequent comments people have made regarding this that seemed to me to indicate you have to send the actual certificates themselves. could someone please clarify this for me?

Thanks a mil.

Chris
chrisandamyeFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-13 11:19:00
United KingdomQuestion about vaccination records
There's no way they're going to know who's signature it is...I wouldn't worry. My records were signed by the practice nurse as she gave me the actual vaccines.
chrisandamyeFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-20 18:11:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (StillThePrettiest @ Apr 18 2008, 06:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 17 2008, 02:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rebecca, please stop. Please stop. I actually reread your post because I thought I read hypocrisy, but I couldn't believe how much until I reread it. Please read above in bold OR just go ahead and criticize. You are great at it. I only wish you had logic behind it...


I've read this entire thread in detail, and I don't see any hypocrisy, OR lack of logic, in anything rebeccajo has posted... on the contrary, the post you dissected with comments in bold (which I didn't quote, to avoid too long a post) displayed what seemed to me a lack of understanding of what RJ was saying; she was pointing out contradictions, which were clear to me when reading through it, and I suspect to others
and that's not personal, just an observation...

put simply, and without mention of the whole other issue that is lawsuits and so on that people have already raised: immigration services can't discriminate between countries when it comes to scrutiny/name checks/whatever, because it opens doors for exploitation down the line... same goes for airline security checks; as soon as one group of people don't get pulled aside, then there's an opening and a weakness for a potential terrorist to use later on down the track... these things HAVE to be applied across the board, or they don't work
there are other ways for friendly relationships to be fostered between countries, but a 'courtesy' waiver, or even simplification, of the security checks shouldn't be one of them


Well, some people were reading too much into it. But, instead of going back and forth and getting away from the point, I'll repeat what I have been saying again. I agree that immigration services cannot or should not discriminate, but it happens and anyone who thinks otherwise is not listening to reality.

If the Department of State has a list of 5 countries that "sponsor terrorism" there are going to be longer background checks on people from those countries regardless. Right or wrong for how the government came up with that list, it should not adversely affect every other country. Again, I'm not saying that anyone from those countries should have longer background checks; what I am saying is that other countries should not be penalized for the U.S. government scrutinizing a few, based off of a list that the U.S. government created. If the U.S. government put my fiancee's country on the list, then I would be on the phone with a congressional representative about it. But, I would also expect a lengthier background check because it is stated on the federal website as a "state that sponsors terrorism."
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-18 08:36:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Finally, a good post.

Now we can be friends?

Never hurts to have a few more organizations or individuals out there working for change which was the subject of this thread about 4 pages ago. If there are 100 groups working towards a better cause, I say why not 101? If we are all in it together (on the same side), then it doesn't matter if someone is just starting out and new to the bureacracy and potential for long waiting periods or is late in the game and already been screwed over by the same long waiting periods that a newbie is already fighting against.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 20:49:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 16 2008, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think if other members read what you wrote (say members from the T26 nations) they could find quite a bit of affrontery with it. Which is where I am coming from.

Since when is England/Ireland on the watch dog list for terrorism or human rights violations? headbonk.gif

You're pipe dreaming when you say people who come into this country shouldn't be scrutinized. If you DO want John Q. Public to take your side, you surely should put that idea aside. When my husband was first caught in his lengthy namecheck, I had many a USC tell me that was fine by them that the government was performing thorough checks on immigrants.

So you're saying people who come to this country should be scrutinized?

You also seem to be more than circling yourself when you say people who are from T26 should realize they are being checked, as if they should just learn to deal with it. And further go on to say that your immigrant shouldn't be subjected to checks just because T26 citizens are. What kind of nonsense is that?

So people coming to this country should not be scrutinized (make up your mind)?

You can call my comment criticism if you like. The fact of the matter is that your fiance doesn't deserve a free pass just because she's from a certain part of the world. Personally, I think your comments are rude. Yes, let other readers decide for themselves.

Please reread the 4 different people in the last 4 pages whom you criticised. Now, I'm sure you know everythihng as your condescending posts would indicate, but c'mon. Is everyone else who disagrees with you wrong? Reread. We have all read your nonsense. Maybe you can read everyone elses...[/color]

You haven't been in this process long enough to criticize it. All you have is an opinion. Study up a bit longer and then come back to me with your bias. I think it's disgusting.

I think anyone who is as biased as you is disgusting. Try to make more logical arguements next time. Criticizing other posters isn't logical, which is exactly what you are doing.[color="#000080"]


Rebecca, please stop. Please stop. I actually reread your post because I thought I read hypocrisy, but I couldn't believe how much until I reread it. Please read above in bold OR just go ahead and criticize. You are great at it. I only wish you had logic behind it...

Edited by Jack and Barbara, 16 April 2008 - 08:36 PM.

Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 20:33:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Thank you Rebecca. You're comments are fair, justified, and gracious. Maybe one day we can be friends? After all, your comments are right in line with all of my posts. I recommend rereading them. They have lots of words as do yours. I read yours. Try and read mine. If you have questions, please ask.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 20:13:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
P&K,

You will learn to ignore some users on the site. Don't let any one person's comments bring you down. I only wish I could learn to ignore some other members' absurd comments. Maybe one day...
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 12:29:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 16 2008, 09:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 16 2008, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LaL @ Apr 15 2008, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What I am having difficulty with is you are saying that despite passing the processing of these security clearances (as a requirement for much of the list of 26) it should be pretty much ok to continue to scrutinize after they enter the US, just dont scrutinize those other countries which you assume are "safe".

For the record - the mortgage issues, etc that have been discussed had nothing to do with contry of origin - its just more "par for the course" for having a relationship with a non USC.

Contact some lobbyists if its unliveable for you. Thats the only way to enact change.


No where have I said that it is ok to scrutinize anyone legally coming into the U.S. All I have said is that I understand that if you come to this country from one on the U.S. government's watch list, then you are already looked at differently (by the government), and will likely be scrutinized (by the government) through the path to citizenship (especially in interviews, background checks, etc). It's not ok, but anyone who doesn't think it happens is joking himself or herself.

I did not come up with the list and don't condone it. However, if the government is steadfast in its reasoning for why certain countries are labelled as sponsoring terrorism, I don't think all other countries should pay the price. And, if my fiancee was coming from a country on the list and was being persecuted solely for that, I'd be contacting my congressman about it.


Maybe we should make up a list for all the countries so you can feel better about being 'persecuted' inadvertently.


Wow. I would expect nothing less from you after reading some of your other posts. Maybe try reading a post with an open mind instead of looking to criticize everyone elses. I will let other members read what I wrote and judge for themselves.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 12:07:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (LaL @ Apr 15 2008, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What I am having difficulty with is you are saying that despite passing the processing of these security clearances (as a requirement for much of the list of 26) it should be pretty much ok to continue to scrutinize after they enter the US, just dont scrutinize those other countries which you assume are "safe".

For the record - the mortgage issues, etc that have been discussed had nothing to do with contry of origin - its just more "par for the course" for having a relationship with a non USC.

Contact some lobbyists if its unliveable for you. Thats the only way to enact change.


No where have I said that it is ok to scrutinize anyone legally coming into the U.S. All I have said is that I understand that if you come to this country from one on the U.S. government's watch list, then you are already looked at differently (by the government), and will likely be scrutinized (by the government) through the path to citizenship (especially in interviews, background checks, etc). It's not ok, but anyone who doesn't think it happens is joking himself or herself.

I did not come up with the list and don't condone it. However, if the government is steadfast in its reasoning for why certain countries are labelled as sponsoring terrorism, I don't think all other countries should pay the price. And, if my fiancee was coming from a country on the list and was being persecuted solely for that, I'd be contacting my congressman about it.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-16 08:46:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (LaL @ Apr 15 2008, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just for clarity - those applying for visas from or are nationals of one of the countries on the "List of 26" or the "Terrible 7" go through a very lengthy process that is the result of tighter restrictions. They are treated differently in many cases.

If I am understanding you correctly - you may have found one of those situations which exemplies the situation we are all in as USCs marrying foreigners. Others have reported difficulties with EADs, mortgages, etc. It's just part of the "journey" so to speak.


Do you have a link for the "List of 26." I am unaware of this one and couldn't find it on a quick google. Regardless, it sounds negative, Brazil I bet would not be on it. What I have been saying is that regardless of whether your spouse is from Canada, England, or Syria, the U.S. spouse is not treated the same as other Americans in terms of this specific clearance, which I don't think is right.

If people are reporting difficulties with prejudices in mortgages or other things based on spouse's country of birth, there might be reason to challenge it. Just because it's law, doesn't mean it's right. Likewise, just because the government has a problem with its 5 listed countries, I don't think that should be part of the journey that we have to suck up and deal with.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-15 15:55:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 15 2008, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 15 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Exactly, but it doesn't have to be that way. I don't think citizens from the "terrorist" countries should all be painted with the bad brush either, but I would understand the federal government's inclination to wait until they are U.S. citizens before giving their American spouses top security clearences.

Afterall, several of the 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt (unless you believe they are still alive as some media sources report), yet those countries are not on the State Department's list and for rightful reason.

I think this is a law that can and should change to allow permanent residents of non-State sponsored terrorist countries similar rights as their U.S. citizen counterparts. There are plenty of Americans who are less qualified to have these positions and yet get cleared. I understand nothing will change for now, but nothing ever does by accepting its reality and not challenging it.


Jack -

The bolded part of your comment seems a little double-sided to me. Well - actually - a lot double sided. And biased also.

Just for your own peace of mind, I think you should go back and re-check on that security clearance situation you mentioned a few posts back. I've never heard of spouses of immigrants being barred from jobs which require security clearance. I'm wondering if you misunderstood.


Maybe the double-sided part is the sarcasm you sensed? I don't see any bias. There is a reason why the State Department has a list of "states that sponsor terrorism." The government has a watchful eye on anyone who travels from these countries. I don't see why all other countries should be punished because the government has issues with the 5 countries on the website I previously posted. I'm not saying that any immigrant from these 5 countries should be punished either, but I understand that the government would look at them differently simply because they are on its own watch list.

Spouses of immigrants are eligible for S and TS clearences so long as they are not SCI. This means certain agencies such as FBI and DOD are possible routes for me, but others such as NSA, CIA, etc that require full scope polygraph are not possible until my fiancee is a U.S. citizen.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-15 15:34:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Exactly, but it doesn't have to be that way. I don't think citizens from the "terrorist" countries should all be painted with the bad brush either, but I would understand the federal government's inclination to wait until they are U.S. citizens before giving their American spouses top security clearences.

Afterall, several of the 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt (unless you believe they are still alive as some media sources report), yet those countries are not on the State Department's list and for rightful reason.

I think this is a law that can and should change to allow permanent residents of non-State sponsored terrorist countries similar rights as their U.S. citizen counterparts. There are plenty of Americans who are less qualified to have these positions and yet get cleared. I understand nothing will change for now, but nothing ever does by accepting its reality and not challenging it.

Edited by Jack and Barbara, 15 April 2008 - 01:15 PM.

Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-15 13:14:00