WOO HOO wendibob!

It's official; congratulations are in order!

Good news, wendibob!

Yahhoooo!! Officially, congratulations. 11 weeks, not bad, considering

Congrats windibob Good to see your approval when I got back. Hope to see a few more soon.

I left our waiver letter with my finace when I was there. Now we just have to wait until May to file it and keep our fingers crossed.

Best wishes to all,

Baileyj

woohooooooo congrats to ya....its all over ....well done.. .
good luck

Wonderful news................Congrats to you both

congrats to both of you!! I'm sure it must be a relief to finally hear that confirmation!!

My heart goes out to all of you. I have just spent the last hour or so reading through all of your posts ending up in tears.

Although not in the same position I am awaiting a decision on my I 360 VAWA filed last November. due to a abusive marriage If it is approved then I may be able to stay, if not I have no choice to return and be barred for 10 years, leaving someone so dear behind.

The waiting, hoping, anxiety and sleepless nights is unbearable. I can totally empathise with you and your journeys.

I pray that all of you soon receive the good news that you have all so desparately been hoping for. As for Mary and Tom, your story had me in tears. I wish you both peace in your hearts and strength to overcome the hand you have been so cruelly dealt.


Love Shona

Could someone please tell me what CMIT is? Im looking through the boards to see if any k1'ers have been denied at the interview stage in london and I found this link. I understand that the overstay is possibly overstaying in usa while on the vwp but dont know what CMIT is.

Thanking in advace
Lina (UKC)

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude.

The technicalities are here:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligib...ities_1364.html

Hi guys,

I would like your input on just a general concern I have. I was looking on the internet for jobs in the states and saw that on just about every application form it asks "have you ever been arrested etc.". I'm not sure if all jobs in the US have this question as mandatory, I can honestly say that I have only seen it sporadically in the UK.

My question is "will people who have been convicted of CIMT's in the UK, no matter how long ago, have to face descrimination by completing this question and ultimately be unsuccesful in getting these types of jobs?"

Now I know most of you would say, be honest, put the details down, but in reality it would be giving you absolutely no chance in being considered for a job.

I want to make a good life in the states and provide for my lovely wife to be, and hopefully children....

but it concerns me to think that through some actions that occurred many many years ago that were no fault of my own, I will be "branded" with this and will therefore be descriminated by employers in the US.

I'm sure it has concerned all of you guys who have had partners with CIMT's, what are you thoughts?

If faced with answering this question, I'm pretty sure I would not declare it.....

also are there any actions that can be taken in the states for removing such convictions off a record after a long period of time. ie. dui's are only held on your licence for 4 years in the states (I think, allthough I may be wrong!) whereas in the UK it's there for 11 years!!!

any help would be appreciated on this, especially from the USC's out there

Very good question which I asked an Immigration Officer at my Field Office. His answer was "No"

He said "What goes on outside the US we dont care about. You have a clean slate here".

This was proved when I applied for a job. I had to obtain my record from the local Sheriffs Office. It was blank.

Hey, Paul. We wondered the very same thing. I don't have a good answer, but it's a tricky situation. I tend to think you have a clean slate coming over here, especially with the extensive check the US government has done for you to be able to get here. That's just my two cents, not worth much!
By the way, happy four week point!!

tiff

Here is my opinion on this topic. I do work with Human Resources at my current position and if you have a felony on your record you are not allowed to get a job here. There was a recent case where a man applied for a position in our warehouse and he had about 3 misdemeanors for domestic violence and we didn't ask him for a job here. Due to his anger situation. If you have more than one DUI you will not be able to be a sales rep here. You can get jobs with felonies but usually it is manual labor. At my job it is mandatory that you sign a form stating that we will do a background check on you. There is a federal, a state and county. I don't believe that anything that happened outside the US would show up.

Nigel and MistyB are you guys in the states yet? I am moving across the pond in MAY! I think it will be bitter sweet.....

I have about 6 family members coming to England for the wedding!

hello all...

I have also filed my I-601+hsl in London. It's good to know that I am not alone. For all of you that got denied, I'm very sorry to hear that - I'm actually speechles s, I honestly thought that London was a sure thing - just as the same goes for Mexico. And for those who got approved...well, what else can I say other than woo hoo and congrats !!!

I was wondering about the waiting .... time
I filed my waiver March 23 2006, but I did it in Denmark and they told me that they are sending it to London. Do any of you know how long it's going to take before they put it into the system in London??

I really don't see why they have the London tracking website, I see the exact same cases there and there's not much info on the site..... do any of you feel the same?

jpkeswim, I moved over here on March 12th with my 3 kids and my husband left on Feb. 25th to start his job in Florida. So I havent seen my husband in almost 2 months. We are trying to plan some time alone but it is very difficult. He had received all his cards and things by mid March.

What about you Nigel?? Are you here in the US yet?

Congrats to you Wendibob if I havent said it already!

Well we have the medical done now. It was a long day for him but he got back home about 11:15 his time and told me how things went. I sent him to bed since he's going to work tomorrow. That's one more step closer.


Baileyj

Yahoo for you guys! You're moving right along, aren't you? It feels good to be moving forward, doesn't it? Only one more month until the big interview day. Are you guys all prepared? Let us know if you need any questions answered before he goes.
BTW, how was your trip? Did you already say and I missed it? I sure wish I could afford to pop over to see Cas. REAAAAALLLY miss him!



Beetee, how nice to see you over here on VJ! I don't know how your timing will work, but I would assume the same as those who filed in London. It took three weeks from the time we filed all our paperwork for the 601 to the time that the DHS office actually acknowledged receipt of it! Lame, lame, lame!!! They say the 12 weeks doesn't begin until they put it in their system. So if you see your receipt number on their "online tracking system," you can start counting. Good luck to you!

Tiff

Hi cmltdg,

Yes we are putting right along. He was still tired this morning and he said his feet hurt from all the walking around yesterday trying to kill some time before his appointment. He took some pictures for me and found out where the embassy was so it would be easier for him next month.
I think we are ready for the interview. I think that now but I'm sure I'll be doing the last minute check right before. lol I took the I-601 form and letter over with me and left it with him so I think I'm ok with that also.

The trip was great. Didn't have enough time to get everything done that we wanted but we gave it our best shot. lol We got up every morning ate breakfast then was gone until dark everyday I was there. My favorite part was driving up the coast and we visited the areas where his mom and dad were raised. I got a picture of the church his mom and dad were married and I'm going to get it enlarged and framed. I'm going to do that with several of the pictures I took so he will have something to make him feel more at home when he gets here. I have one whole wall in my dining room I can cover with pictures.
The plane ride home wasn't the best but other than that everything went really well.

How are things going on your end. Doesn't seem to be much chit chat going on in here lately. lol

Thanks for asking,
Baileyj

Tiff,

Thanks for the welcome and info....true, that is so lame... 3 weeks before the put it into the system I submitted mine like 2 weeks ago, so I guess it should be in the system around next week *crossing my fingers*

How come it now says 12-15 weeks of processing, I remember that it used to be 8-12 weeks...gosh, I just hate the waiting

beetee,

let me also welcome you to the forum. Myself and Tiff have talked a lot about the I-601 tracking system. It does seem very strange to both of us!

When it was first posted they put the receipt dates for each waiver on, then they decided to omit this information, god only knows why!?

Recently I've checked it and the date when it was last updated has actually gone backwards from March 22 to March 17th so work that one out!

Anyhow we think you should start see approvals on the bottom cases by mid April as that would be around 11 weeks from the 1st of feb, and that is when the bottom case was received.

Yeah the group is quiet at the moment, but it's hardly surprising. Good to hear from Misty! I hope you're having a great time back in the states.

Bailey if you need to ask any questions about the waiver before the interveiw I will do my best to help. Just remember to have 2 seperate ones from the USC AND UKC, and also start the USC one with the fact that you are aware for the reasons why the UKC had to file the waiver. I just say that because me and Tiff both had to do this once we had already filed in London, and therefore it set are cases back about a month or so. Really frustrating and I certainly wouldn't want you to go through it aswell!

ok enough for now, hope everyone is well!

PaulC,

thanks for the welcome too Actually Tiff was the one that told me that there were a couple of people in VJ that was doing the London waiver too. I was in I2U and I'm just about the only person there dealing with London - it was starting to feel a bit lonely Luckily I found you guys overhere.

Oh well, not that there's much to say about London, guess we are all waiting I know what you mean with the tracking system, I saw it too...lol, it went backwards - but yesterday I checked it and the date is now April 5th. So the newest entry are at the top and the old ones are at the bottom, is that how you look at the list?

Do you guys think that it's really 12-15 weeks....has anyone in here gotten theirs approved earlier since the annoncement of the 12-15 weeks instead of the 8-12 weeks ( I think...) That would be nice

Hi everyone,

Well I just sat here writing this nice long note and when I got done it was all locked up. lol Anyway I think we are ok with the waiver. I took it over in a nice new folder all organized and signed. I typed his letter up for him and made a few adjustments so he could sign and date his too. He has a couple more character letters to gather up from a few people but other than that I think we are almost ready to go.
I've been on here and immigrate2us.net for almost a year now. I just don't post much, mostly just read a lot. Thanks for the offer to help and I might have a question in the next few weeks but I'm ok for right now. I'm sure I will have the typical panic attack thinking that my waiver isn't good enough but I did the best I could so we will just wait and see. Keep fingers and everything else I can cross. We will hope for the best and see what happens. I'm hoping that since his crime was over 25 years ago/ that he was granted a visitor visa to travel (london approved with the crime listed) his character letters/ my hardship letter will convince them that it was a stupid mistake that he did when he was young and under the influence of alcohol and they will approve us. Only time will tell once he gets everything filed.

Thanks again for the offer.

Welcome to you beetee. I peek over on the other site sometimes but I never usually post there. Don't want to sound childish but it seems to be a little clickish over there. lol

Good wishes to everyone
Baileyj

Hi BaileyJ, and thanks for the welcome.

I did see your name on MistyB's list over at I2U, lol... you are scheduled for an interview soon I remember, are you having your interview in London or Ireland??

Before - I never knew about the 10 yr ban and waivers etc etc. now I think that people are more aware and perhaps that's why we don't see as many people having to do waivers * I think * ..... could be wrong I don't think that there will be as many in 2006 - which would be awesome, that means less people having to do the horrible I-601 walk and the immigration offices have more time to approve the rest of us he he

I see you having an uneventful weekend also. I'm cleaning but taking breaks and have a read on here once in a while.

We will be going through London. A couple of trips back and forth but thank goodness he can find some good deals on flights. He had never been to London so when he went over Thursday for his medical he took a look around. He wanted to find the embassy so he wouldn't feel so lost next month. He got a few blisters and some sore feet out of the trip. But at least now he knows where to go. His sister is going along with him for the interview. She wants to do some shopping. (so jelouse ) So that should give him some company and hopefully calm him down a little.

Yes I know what you mean about not about all this stuff. I had no idea but a years worth of reading until my eye bleed sometimes, I know a tiny bit more now than I did. I live in a small town in Indiana (the boonies as we call it) So every time I ask a question about license, insurance, adding his name on bank accounts, and utilities......... I get this blank stare. I've been trying to figure out what all we have to do after her gets here. (Being hopeful I guess) I did notice that the case numbers on the london waiver list were 2005 and I didn't see one for the year 2006 yet. Maybe we will have a chance of going a little bit faster but I have noticed things seem to slow down in the summer. I noticed between Oct/Nov 2005 to about Feb/March of this year seem to go a little quicker than April/Sept 2005. I guess we will just have to wait and see about that. I think most of it has to do with the idividual case. What the waiver is for/ how you presented your hardships and all of that.

I'll see you around here. I'll be here for some time longer.

Best Wishes,
Bailey

Misty..im still here in the uk...but very soon be going...it was a cash and home thing which held me back...but its almost sorted...i am keeping a eye on the this forum when my pc don't go AWOL anyway i must get around to up-date the 601 waiver list as things has changed for better and worse in 601 waivers...
anyway i got to get back soon as my MIL is very ill in I.C.U and her heart stoped once a few days ago and they stuck the clacker eletric things on her to get her going again...so yep a stressfull time here and there..

Hope everyones doing fine...im always around and about...

Nigel..

Good to hear from you Nigel, and sorry to hear about the stress you're going through at the mo.

Beetee,

Yeah read the list as the first case recieved is the bottom of the list, Rob actually posted a shortened version of the list before the guys in London decided to take off the dates on the waivers and it read:


LND2005 638 008 - 3/2/2006 - London - Pending
LND2005 674 019 - 3/1/2006 - London - Pending
LND2004 752 002 - 3/1/2006 - London - Pending
LND2005 514 017 - 2/27/2006 - London - Pending
STK2003 364 003 - 2/13/2006 - Stockholm - Pending
STK2005 215 003 - 2/7/2006 - Stockholm - Pending
LND1991 151 001 - 2/1/2006 - London - Pending

dates received follow the visa number, so that may help you give a better idea.

I'm not sure about the exact processing times (we think around 11 weeks here), you are right... every case is different and some part of me would love to know why it takes so long to process these waivers (Nigel did say that the longest part of the process is when London sends your fingerprints off to the FBI in the US to do checks etc.), still the list has only had one recent addition from Stockholm over the last 3 weeks!! Is that really all the waivers London is processing at the moment??

Oh well, have a nice weekend everyone!

PaulC,

thanks for the London waiver info, it was actually interesting to see the date they recieved it - makes it easier to track. Now it just looks as a bunch of London, Stockholm and nothing else on the list....kinda useless Wow, the last one...or first one from London, that was all the way from 1991 wonder what happened there - the 10 yr ban should be lifted since it's been 15 yrs oh well, who knows....

I did pm Wendi&Bob, but havent gotten an answer yet - guess they are busy - but perhaps you guys know. I was just wondering about her 11 week processing and approval, was the 11 week including the time London put it into system, or was that after??? Do I make sense lol

Nigel,

I hope your MIL will get better soon

Thanks guys....that means a lot....

Paul..yep the longest part the Embassy waits on the finger prints to come back from the FB1/DHS sometimes there fast sometime there slow...but yep...thats what most of the waiting about....as you can respect that the FBI/DHS gets thousands of request for fingerprint checks..

Bailey....you be fine!

Hope everything is ok with everyone...

Nigel

Hi all, I hope everyone is well and happy.

I've been just faffing around. I just replied to you beetee! I've been to that I2U site, but its all a bit too grey for my eyes.

The courrier picked my passport up on Monday 3rd so I'm waiting for the return of that. Then I can arrange the next stages; the working permit and the status change etc. And the flight of course! Fingers are currently crossed for May 1st, so we're just hoping there is no delay with the passport.

Does anyone know what happens about being able to drive when I get over there?

Here's our hardship letters if anyone wants a read.

Introduction
I am Wendy. My husband, Robert, and I were married on April 14, 2005. We met online over 3 years ago and have had daily contact for the past 2 years during which time we fell in love, got engaged and married. We are currently awaiting approval of our K3 Visa permitting my husband to be allowed entry into the US to be with his new family.
The purpose of this letter is to show why I cannot leave the United States to live with my husband in the U.K. I hope that you will take this letter into consideration and grant him the waiver to enter the U.S. so we can start our life properly as a loving family.

Children
I have a child from a previous marriage living at home. My daughter is 6 years old and the light of both her parents’ lives. Her father, my ex-husband lives nearby. We has joint custody and he is very active in her daily life. My ex-husband and I have an excellent relationship as friends and co-parents and consider each other family as well. His family includes both me and my current husband as their family too. Both our families are supportive of us as we have managed to overcome any custody battles and have worked out a plan that will provide our child with the loving support of both of her parents without undue emotional pains. We live less than one mile from each other. We have made agreements that the duration of her being raised, we will be in accordance with each others wishes within reason. I could never leave my child or give up custody for many reasons, namely, I am her mommy. She needs both of her parents to be stable, healthy and available to her at all times. She has that now and any upheaval to this would be severely devastating to all parties involved (mother, father, grandparents and my current husband and his family). We are in no financial situation for frequent visits between countries. Also, her US education and heritage is very important to us. Her father has no desire to move to the U.K. as he is currently a student, his family are here and he has his life plans. As we have joint custody I would not be permitted to take my daughter out of the country without the consent of her father and he has stated will not agree to and would legally oppose any attempt to do so where he and his family would have practically no contact with her at all (please see attached statement of proof of joint custody). This would cause further heartache to all concerned and would ruin the good relationship between our families.
In addition, my husband and I have plans for extending our family in the immediate future. I do not wish for my daughter to be an only child. In order to do so it is imperative that I am in good health physically, emotionally mentally and spiritually especially during pregnancy. This is especially true since, at 37 years old I am in the window where complications can begin to arise. It is well documented that fertility declines from the age of 35.

Pregnancy Risks After 35
The risk of miscarriage increases after age 35; by the early 40s, more than 50 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Many of these occur at an early stage and may not even be detected, or may be mistaken for a late period. The majority of these miscarriages are due to the chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus.
Other age-related factors affecting fertility include less frequent and/or irregular ovulation, and endometriosis, in which tissue that attaches to the ovaries or fallopian tubes interferes with conception.
When they do get pregnant, women older than 35 may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placenta previa. There is also a potentially higher risk of having a baby with low birth weight, and of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
http://health.discovery.com/centers/pregna...lityandage.html


If I am forced to move to the UK, I will be put under tremendous pressure from being apart from my daughter. I simply cannot possibly imagine leaving her. I fear this will be detrimental to our plans and the health of any future child we conceive as well as my own.
It is especially important for my husband to be here for this to support us.


Family Ties
I am close and emotionally/spiritually dependent on my United States family. I am an only child to my divorced mother and father. They have lived in close proximity of one another throughout the majority of my life.
My mother has endured traumatic hardships and now as a result she has been diagnosed as suffering from Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. (I have included more information on this).
She is currently in our home awaiting the time when she can find her own place or residential care that is close by. Because of the pain this brings her she requires a lot of attention to help her cope physically and to make sure her medication is in order. As her only child, I cannot express the importance of being available to her for both our sakes. I have attached a copy of her medical report.
My father had a heart attack a few years ago. I feel it is necessary to be readily available to him for support in case of future fates. As an only child, my connection to my family is vital to my emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. I know the United States and international law recognizes the unique relationship between parent and child and that family unification has long been a cornerstone of these laws. As an only child, I frequently see each of my family.
I have no family members in the UK.

Heritage
I am a Native American and a member of Monache Intertribal/Band of California Indians. Being a Native American is a cultural heritage that is extensively celebrated in the United States. My tribe is diminishing and is in great jeopardy. It is essential to participate in cultural activities to prevent this from occurring, as well as passing the tradition to my daughter and future children. I, along with my family, attend Native American gatherings and other cultural events in celebration of my Native American heritage. In addition, my religious foundations are Native American, including sweat lodge and annual ceremonies that are vital to our survival as an Indigenous Nation. I can not be removed from my cultural heritage; it is a vital part of my being. We are very much looking forward to my husband participating in our family gatherings and sharing the American experience. Being removed from this would create an extreme hardship not only for myself because I am in close contact with my heritage and Native American family, but also for my daughter who will not be entitled to rightfully experience her maternal culture. In addition, the possibilities of meeting friends or contacts in the U.K. that share my Native American heritage are highly unlikely. This would create additional hardship. (I have included my membership document)

Employment
My present full time occupation is as a waitress. Currently the hours are long and often unsociable, clashing with my daughter’s father’s hours. Because of this I have to arrange childcare facilities.
I have several opportunities awaiting for me here in Sedona that will allow me to take advantage of my native heritage and associated spiritual teaching and healing work, a vital aspect to our community (see above Heritage).
Moving to the UK would take me away from these opportunities. There would be nowhere close to my husband or indeed the whole of the UK where I could employ my knowledge of my ancestral home in this manner. In fact, my husband moving here is integral in assisting in my switchover from my current job. Him being here would instantly ease the burden of childcare costs and his eventual employment here would give me the chance to build up my new career in good time.

Financial
I presently have several financial commitments in the US.
I currently have to make home payments of $925 per month. I also have a car loan for which I must make $200 per month. My student loans amount to $4,500. I presently struggle to make ends meet as my current job relies on tips. My husband assists by sending at least $500 per month. I would find it extrememly difficult without my husbands support and is another reason why he should be here where he can find gainful employment and share the burdens of our commitment.

Emotional
The emotional hardship that my husband and I will endure if this waiver application is denied will be nothing short of devastating. The current stresses of the visa process have been enduring both emotionally and financially. We began this process over a year ago with the K1. My husband has since lost a well paid job because of uncertainties due to our situation. He has taken on low paid work and currently is paying bills here and in the UK. This makes it difficult for us to see each other as most of our funds are tied up domestically. We have missed family celebrations, christmas’, birthdays and have both had emotional upheavals from being apart for so long. Although we try to communicate every day via the internet and telephone, it can feel very lonely and insecure.
We have current goals to live the American Dream, including full plans including residency in the United States, a shared spiritual foundation, supportive relationships between the two families (including my ex-husband, father of my child), as well as mutual support in regard to educational and other life goals, etc.
I realize that my husband’s infraction is the cause of this letter. I am asking that the waiver be granted to him for multiple reasons. The infraction was over 15 years ago. He was young and learned a valuable lesson. Our life choices are healthy and in no way is that time period a reflection of our current lifestyle. He is very much looking forward to being a productive attribute here in America.

U.S. Support
I would also like to emphasize that by issuing an approval of the visa, the United States government has formally and legally recognized the validity of the marriage between my husband and I. It is well documented that “family unity” is an important value underpinning the raison d’etre of the United States of America and that actions to “assure family unity” is a major part of United States immigration laws. [For example, please see Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part II, Section I, pp.64 and 65]
Although, it is a function of law to provide legal definition and recognition to this marriage between us, it is clearly the intent of law to support the complex nature of marriage. In other words, in this and other genuine marriages there are multiple social psychological, familial, economic, cultural, spiritual, etc bonds which are presumed by the law to exist conjointly with the legal presence of marriage. Support for these complex, interacting marital bonds is a fundamental value of the larger society and a function of the law.

Because this is a full and complete marriage with emotional, social, familial, economic, and spiritual ties, my reciprocal bond with my husband Robert is just as important. All extra hardships are built upon the base of significant, although usual hardship. In other words, it is of note that I miss my husband painfully. I struggle without him and that affects our whole family. I am very concerned about my future because it depends upon the status of my husband and family values, and spiritual foundations as a family unit.
Due to the above hardships I respectfully request that this request for a waiver to be approved.
Thank you.

----------------

Mine:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Here is my explanation of the event taken place that has led to this application.

During my college years I was arrested with a friend of the time in possession of 1 marijuana cigarette. I must admit to my naivety and basic stupidity at the time. The cigarette belonged to a college friend who had passed it to me while we were at the local seaside resort of Rhyl.

Immediately after doing so we were promptly arrested by members of the local undercover constabulary who were just passing and "couldn't believe their luck" at making such a simple arrest.

We were immediately escorted to Rhyl Police Station where I fully complied with all questioning.

I later attended a short court hearing in Prestatyn Police Station where I was promptly given the minimal charge for such an offence.

The event proved extremely embarrasing for myself and my family and was a valuable lesson learned.


Since then I have upheld the law. I am no longer the naive student.
Following that time I have have been employed in positions of trust as a social care worker for the rehabilitaion of people with extreme learning difficulties.

Following a career change I went to college for the HND in business and IT. I have worked hard and am a qualified systems analyst employed for the several years in positions of trust developing worldwide online financial systems and since then I have been a website designer/developer assisting local and nationwide companies put their businesses online.

My current goals are to be with my loving wife, stepdaughter and family in our home in Arizona where I can utilise my skills to bring prosperity to our unit and the community.

Since Wendy and I became married I have been unable to secure any long term contract for employment in my area. The reason for this is that my US life-goals being brought up in interviews only makes me suitable for short term contracts. In this area that is low paid and I am now in a minimum wage administration position. This I must do in order that my family in the US has a roof over their heads. I maintain regular payments to my wife, and am required to pay rent and domestic costs here. We are struggling emotionally with the distance and time it has taken the visa process. It is very difficult at the moment to generate additional money so we can meet up with any regularity.

I am in good health and have no major ties to the UK apart from my immediate family who are delighted with their new US family and the opportunities our loving union has brought. I feel incredibly lucky and proud of my wife, step-daughter and US family. It is heart-breaking to be apart from them.

I consider myself an asset and am no threat whatsoever to the social integrity of the US.

I realise that the waiver process only requires that hardship is proven on behalf of the US citizen, but wish that you can take into consideration how deeply sorry I am for this minor incident that took place a long time ago. I honestly considered this time as “spent” and it is an emotional blow to my wife, myself and all our familes that it we now face a longer time apart.


Both myself and my wife are incredibly upset by this. I never thought that this foolish incident would return to haunt me, and we are further distraught by the seeming lack of information in my favour proving that it was indeed a tiny amount of marijuana. Well below the 30 grams as stated in the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1001:

212(h) The Attorney General may, in his discretion, waive the application of subparagraphs (A)(i)(I), (, (D), and (E) of subsection (a)(2) and subparagraph (A)(i)(II) of such subsection insofar as it relates to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana if-

(1)(A) in the case of any immigrant it is established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that-

(i) the alien is inadmissible only under subparagraph (D)(i) or (D)(ii) of such subsection or the activities for which the alien is inadmissible occurred more than 15 years before the date of the alien's application for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status, or

(ii) the admission to the United States of such alien would not be contrary to the national welfare, safety, or security of the United States, and

(iii) the alien has been rehabilitated; or

( B ) in the case of an immigrant who is the spouse, parent, son, or daughter of a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if it is established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that the alien's denial of admission would result in extreme hardship to the United States citizen or lawfully resident spouse, parent, son, or daughter of such alien; or

© the alien qualifies for classification under clause (iii) or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A) or classification under clause (ii) or (iii) of section 204(a)(1)( ; and

(2) the Attorney General, in his discretion, and pursuant to such terms, conditions and procedures as he may by regulations prescribe, has consented to the alien's applying or reapplying for a visa, for admission to the United States, or adjustment of status.

I realise I am no lawyer and that any decision is discretionary. I hope you can understand our concern as this particular incident meets all the above requirements.

I offer my deepest respect and gratitude that you may see fit to approve our waiver application.

Hi Wendibob,

Thank you so much for posting your approved letters. I will admit I was courious why you were required to file for the waiver. I would never ask because I find it hard myself to post our letters. Your letters were very well done. You should be very proud and happy. Congrats on your approval and all the best to you and your family for a wonderful reunion.

I'm not sure about getting a drivers license in California. Each state seems to have their own requirements. I know that in my state my fiance will have to hold a permit for 3 months before they will issue him a license. I did find out that if he obtains an international license he will be able to drive while holding the permit. (crazy i know) I don't think all states are like this but Hope someone can help you out and inform you a little better than i can.

Here's to a save journey and hope things go a little more easily the rest of the way,


Baileyj

BaileyJ,

sounds like your hubby had a great time in London, with swelled feet and all Interview is coming near, you must be excited to put that part behind you.

It must be annoying that it takes so long to get an interview date at some embassy's and at others, it's quick to get a date. I sent in my papers in Jan 27 and got a date for the interview March 10, then 2 days before the interview, they cancelled and gave me March 23 instead.....that really sucked!!! put me back almost 2 weeks

And now the processing time has expanded to 12-15 weeks instead of 8-12 weeks, while the cost of fee's /forms keep getting more expensive - one would think that some of that money should be spent on hiring more people. I think that the fee's goes up every year.. it might just be a few bucks, like $10 but mulitply that with the visa seeking people, and it's quite a large sum of money.


Wendi&Bob,

thanks for the pm. It sure sounds like you got your approval quickly, minus all the doubt in between.... wow, that must have been a loooong couple of days of waiting for the final approval

Thanks for posting your hardshipletter, I know that it's very useful for others. I got a lot of help and ideas from the I2U "approved hardship" section. Even though I don't wish for anybody to go through this though.

What about getting a license in the UK? Since I have to move there. I know my US license is good for 12 months....but what about after that?

You have to go take a test to get the UK license and surrender your US license -- I can't remember exactly what I went through many years ago, but I took a written and road test. Since I didn't ever take to driving a manual car with the "wrong" hand, I only got a provisional license to drive an automatic. It didn't really matter because I drove maybe twice in the UK in 10 years.

CA allows you to drive for up to a year on a license issued by another state or country -- after that, you have to apply for the CA license but I believe you only need to take a written test.

Hey, Wendibob! Thanks for posting your letter. It was very well done! I hope our sounded that great. I guess we'll find out. How's everyone doing? Me, trying very hard not to obsessively count the days! That's harder than I thought it would be. We've also decided to move our wedding date back to July 22, just in case we're cutting it too close with approval (we hope), also just worked out better scheduling-wise. So, 102 days until then! Whhooooyooo! Time sure is going by quickly, that's the good thing. Hope all is well with you all.

Later,
Tiff

I'm feeling a little blue am missing my honey.....

I emailed the US embassy in Copenhagen and asked them if they sent my waiver to London yet *London is also doing waivers for Denmark* that was like a week ago and they've had my waiver for almost 3 weeks now, haven't gotten an answer.........Bummer

Chin up Beetee,

people in here can give you as much support as possible, I found it really helps when you feel down and times get hard, and there will be a few of them before (fingers crossed) we are all approved.

Look at Misty B's timeline, I'm sure she had to go through a similar process with submitting her waiver via stockholm and then waiting for it to be sent to London. A plus side of this method was that she didn't have to wait the 12-15 weeks from when London received it, I think it was only four weeks from then?? (not sure)

anyway, if you're feeling down, and you want to type, we're all here for you!

Hi guys,

Yeah we all go through missing our sweeties. I just went over to see mine thinking it would help us get through the next few months of waiting. It was hard coming home and leaving him there and it brings a tear to my eye once in a while but it's getting better now. I try to concentrate on what I need to do before he is able to come. Finding out about the drivers license, social security number, getting names on bank accounts and most of all where we can get married. I'm trying to figure out how to do this and not spend a bunch of money. After all the fee's and expense for the visa there isn't much left to have a big elaborte one. Not that I would want a large expensive wedding anyway. Later on this summer I'm going to start organizing the closets and try to figure out where we can put all his things. I swear the man has more clothes and shoes than I do. I keep teasing him about being a pack rat. Maybe if you can think about those things and concentrate on what you need to do before he comes, well the waiting won't be so bad. I know easy for me to say, we haven't filed yet. But just trying to help. Soon you will be bouncing off the walls knowing he's on his way there. Can you just imagine how that will feel? Keep thinking about that one and he will be here before you know it.

Smile...............it's Wednesday. lol

Baileyj

Thanks PaulC, aww you guys are so sweet *hugs* yea I guess no one understands us better than those who are in it or has been through it - my friends and family thinks I'm rambling and not making sense, they should know the stress we all have of not knowing our future


BaileyJ,

thanks for the advice on how to pass time, but just a correction...I'm the wifey and he is the hubby - I'm the one outside the US, and he is the one that is inside the US...lol. So, I can't really do those things Well, I can start packing my suitcases ..lol, all ready to go

You're funny, with the Wednesday thing he he, got me smiling

Soooooooooo Sorry beetee, I'm old so I can't seem to keep everyone straight. Well maybe you can think about what your going to do when you get there. Rearranging everything, redecorating. Just think how much fun it will be staying at home when he's at work and moving everything so he can't find it.

Sorry again, hope you cheer up a little. Keep thinking about how good it will be in the end and maybe you can find something to take your mind off the waiting.


Baileyj

BaileyJ,

lol - you've got some great ideas, I'll keep those in mind for when I get to the US, lol...move everything around

Don't worry, we all feel old during this immigration process, it just sucks the life out of everyone - and our wallets too

heh, and the waiting continues! SMS, them that deliver the visa decided to visit me when I wasn't in without notification.
They left a card with an illegible number on it and claimed to have tried to deliver at 10am which is a big fib cos I was home for an hour at 1pm.
So I phoned up to rant and they said it was attempted to be delivered at 12pm! More fibbers!!!

So on to arrange the next possible date. That will be next wednesday, a whole week away!! Why??? Because its Easter! Ngh! I want to crush their stupid eggs!!! So next wednesday then. What time will you deliver? We don't know, any time. So I have to book a whole day off work? yes, can we have your phone number so we can let you know for sure?
yes. so you will phone me before it arrives? No.

GNH!!!!

annoyingly, I can't provide an alternative address for them.

Ah well. I should have expected that. I've put off everything until I get it in hand but I feel like packing too! Its our 1st anniversary on Friday, and it sure does suck not being able to plan anything.

Does anyone know if you can use the visa as soon as you get it?
I'm tempted to book the plane before the prices hike up.

FWIW, yes, you can use the visa as soon as you have it in hand.

Happy hunting!

Hey, that's the same thing that happened to Cas when he needed to send documents to the embassy! They are so frustrating and completely uncooperative! He had to spend a whole day off work because they said it would cost an extra 39 pounds!!!! for them to tell him an exact time they would be there! Good news is you can of course use it as soon as you have it in hand. I'd book those tickets before prices go up. What airline are you flying? We've found Aerlingus is really cheap on one way tickets, which is what ours will be.
Good luck to you guys!

Tiff

Yep..anyone waiting for there docs/visa in the future......you cant do anything about when they pick your docs up...unless you pay a extra 4/6 pounds to get it before noon...and i just wouldnt give them any more cash cas i think 19 pounds is too much anyways....so when he/she picks up your docs....just speak to the postal guy who works for postal company and ask them to take your number down before they leave cas there is a good chance the same person will be posting your visa/docs back after the Embassy is ready to send back....
This is what i did and the guy took my number and gave me a ring 1 hr before...so i knew when he was on his way.....it beats staying in all day.....so i think its worth a ask at least....it worked for me maybe it will work for others....
just my 2 cents in...

Nigel

Talking about Hardship letters....being cheif wookie lost most of this Forum and me and my wifes H/S/L
I thought ill dig it out again so members can have a read....maybe this will give them some idea ect...
The waiver was Approved the 30 Dec 06....
Hope it helps you guys out...


Nigel and wife H/S/L...


US Embassy
London
UK.

To whom this concerns.


RE: USC/UKC CASE NUMBER… LDNxxxxxxxxxx


I. HARDSHIP TO THE U.S. CITIZEN (USC) Mrs xxxxxx xxx xxxxxx (UKC) MR xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx

Introduction

The USC/UKC has been ask to file a waiver I-601 with a letter of any hardships the USC/UKC has accrued while waiting on I-130 approved visa.
The USC/UKC will show hardships from extreme, unusual and some instances severe hardships to the USC/UKC
If ALIEN were not admitted to the United States, USC really would suffer, (from) extreme, unusual, severe hardships.
She would feel compelled by the powerful forces of her complete marital bond to do so.



There are several interacting hardships#

CHILDREN
.
USC has one child (xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx) from her first marriage to (MR x. xxxxx) who was born on August xx, xxxx. They were divorced in September xxxx. USC has primary custody of (xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx) and visitation rights were awarded to (Mr x xxxxx) every 2nd weekend of the month. They also are to split holidays during even and odd years. The custody agreement explicitly states USC is not allowed to take (xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx) out of Florida unless it is under specific circumstances regarding benefits for the Childs welfare, employment related to the USC, or education purposes. This was established so that (Mr x. xxxxx) could continue to have access to his child in close proximity.

USC had her second child (xxxxxx x xxxxxx) (D.O.B xxth Nov 2xxx) from her now Alien husband and biological father Mr.x.x.xxxxxx (UKC)

If UKC's waiver were denied, this would be extremely disastrous to USC and their children (xxxxxxx x xxxxx, xxxxxx x xxxxxx). (Mr x xxxxx USC) would sanction a move to the UK of his daughter (xxxxxxxx) and will invoke court proceedings to stop any move to the UK. He has provided a written statement expressing this attitude of not providing permission for the re-location of his daughter. Upon beginning court proceedings with his former wife USC, this imposes, financially, emotional and psychological hardships on USC and there children.
This would be as no benefit to anybody concerned.

(Please see Letter From Former husband Mr x xxxxx & Divorce degree attached)

As stated the USC has also a son from the (UKC Husband Mr x x xxxxxx) who is the biological father of xxxxxx x xxxxxx (The USC son xxxxxx) has only seen his father for no more than 18 days in 22 months outside the USA. xxxxxx who is now almost 3 yrs of age, and he needs his (UKC dad) in his life as all children needs both parents, to share both each other as a family unit.
The USC has, had to do this all on her own for this last 22 months, of which it is so important that her (UKC) husband can be there for his USC son & his USC step daughter, xxxxxxxx xxxxx and his wife. So that he the (UKC) can share the burdens of his USC family, every day.


Medical

Whilst the USC has no severe medical conditions; the same is not true for her 70 year old, USC mother. Her mother has a history of severe medical conditions spanning almost a decade.

The USC mother Mrs x xxxxxxxxxx was diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (Coronary (Obstructed Disease) and Emphysema about approx ten years ago. She had spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in 1995 where she had to undergo surgery for a thorecotomy (lung reduction)
The USC Father who was the prime caregiver to the USC mother, suddenly passed away in September 1998 at the age of 69.
The USC then became her Mother’s health surrogate and power of attorney.
The USC Mother has deteriorated through the years to whereby she is now completely oxygen dependant.

The USC must maintain her mother’s household as well as her own home. USC mother is, in/out of hospital on the average of two/three times a year for pneumonia associated with her condition. The USC mother is now experiencing difficulties in her walking. She is currently under observation for her lower back. She is now losing the use of her legs and is now having to use a cane to help herself.

The USC must not only work for approx 60+ a wk, but also a to bring up her 2 children ages, 8 and 3yrs old, but also attend to her very sick USC mother.
So as stated the USC is the sole caretaker of her sick mother, in all aspects of her stressful day-to day schedule.
Just the simple things in life we all take for granted like i.e. going to the shops, post office, pharmacy, gardening, ect this is so not the case here for the USC sick mother as she is so dependant of the USC, to take her wherever she needs to go, on any one day.
USC has a very close relationship with her mother. Without a doubt, when her mother reaches a state of decline whereby she requires regular assistance, USC wants to be one of those people who will offer a high level of assistance. If she would be unable to respond to her mother's need when the time comes, this would be an extreme hardship on USC.

If there were a fine example of a severe/extreme hardship to the USC, this would be it as stated. (Please see attached medical history)


FINANCIAL

The USC has a huge FINANCIAL commitment within the USA. This includes, Home loan, student loan repayment, and credit card debts, car loan, total amount of over $150.000.

As the USC just had promotion where she works at xxxxxxxxx College as a medical programme chair, and just recently had a pay increase from $29.000 to $39.000. This was most welcomed and deserved. The USC still finds herself living hand to mouth every month with the monthly outgoings payments.

So much one of her several credit card debts was difficult to repay back with the high interest payment, her USC mother was kind to consolidate her credit card repayment to a lower rate. This was a constructive and financially good choice for the USC to do, as she was finding the $10.000 credit card dept, difficult to repay back every month. The USC now repays her mother $200.00 per month every month. This is one of many ongoing debts.


This cannot be possible if it wasn’t for her UKC husband who subsidises her financial needs, whenever possible. As he the (UKC) has also financial commitments of his own in the UK i.e. home loan, credit card ect.
The (UKC) feels at the very least, sends to the USA from $500.00/$1.000 per month to the USA, to help out payments for his USC son’s day care/clothes ect. This would be impossible financially for the USC, if it were not for her supportive (UKC) husband.
This is the reason it is so important for her (UKC) husband to be granted into the USA, so that he can be there with his family, to share not just only emotionally, but all financial aspects of his family within the USA.

If the UKC was granted the above, it will be a great weight off the USC & her family, where he (UKC) can then work, share the burdens of his USC wife & he then can help out whichever way he can to the USC sick mother whenever he is needed.
(Please see attached financial incomings/outgoings expenditures)



Employment/ Education

The USC has a bachelor’s degree in science and is currently working at xxxxxxxxx College as a medical programme chair and her duties are to supervise medical staff and look over all medical students and also to place students in work placement as part of there course in college.
This job is very demanding but at the same time very rewarding. One she loves to do. To face challenges of the medical students and to pass on her own experience to them, so that they (students) can also move on forward with their goals in their lives. At the same time the USC has her own goals to move forward and get back into her beloved studies of maybe into the science research. This she can only do if her UKC husband was granted to come back to the USA, so that she can focus on such a dream.

As stated the USC works at xxxxxxxxx College and her Knowledge of the science world is such a rare status for a single mother, would be such a loss to the USA. Her Employer Mr xxxxxxxxx is always singing her praise and he himself has always said that she is a fine asset to the USA, and it would be a crying shame to loose such a knowledgeable / Educational person as the USC.

(Please read letter from Employment)




Psychological


If USC was forced to make a devastating decision to live in the UK. It would be an extremely and immoral choice for her. She would suffer a lot of emotional turmoil choosing between her family, country, work and her (UKC Husband) her devastating/immoral choice will be, first and foremost her USC daughter xxxxxxxx xxxxx. Who her USC biological father, (former husband Mr xxxxx have already stated that he will not allow his USC daughter out of the state of Florida. (Please see letter from Mr x xxxxx)

When the USC lost her father suddenly in September 1998. The USC then shortly afterwards went into a state of depression, finding hard to have a good relationship with her (former husband) the USC sort medical advice from her doctor and diagnosed her with severe depression, her doctor prescribed a anti depression drug xxxxxx, of which she took for approx four months.

Although it can be expected that the average person, in an immigration USC psychological hardships have proven themselves to be particularly severe and have the potential of causing medical illness, hospitalisation, or even death. Thus, her psychological hardships warrant particularly in depth examination. Case of this nature would experience profound psychological difficulties,

Due to the extreme hardship USC has experienced as a result of the separation from her husband, and will experience if forced to move from her family and country, USC has suffered psychologically. She misses the emotional support her husband provides in regards to celebrating personal achievements, such as a recent promotion at work and celebrating national holidays with each other and with their family. Each holiday, birthdays, and anniversary they do not spend together as a family sends USC, into a state of depression and aloneness.


The majority of drawing cues indicate that USC is feeling inadequate and insecure. She is somewhat timid, dependent, and feels helpless and weak and tends to prefer to keep her feelings secret, for she does not trust easily. Her energy appears to be somewhat low at this time, perhaps because she is most likely to use her energy to over compensate for self-perceived weaknesses. She is also intensely feels the pressures and inhibitions of her environment. She clearly fears the future for herself and her children.

USC is already suffering from sleepless nights, has presented high levels of anxiety, her work performance has been hindered at the college she works at and she experiences profound feelings of worthlessness because she feels that she can not give 110% to her Employer/students at this time of her life. (Please read letter sent by her Employer)


Once a person, such as USC, has been exposed to the onset of major depression, that a person remains highly susceptible to re-occurrences. These re-occurrences are often triggered by extreme levels of stress or devastating events (such as the loss of her father) or moving to a foreign country in which one would become isolated or living away from a spouse and child). If forced to make such decision to move from her country, she would have to overcome tremendous anxiety problems as well as the possibility of developing a Full Major Depressive Disorder or an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. At the same time living without her (USC child xxxxxxxx xxxxx) would have equally devastating affects.


SUMMARY

It needs to be emphasized that by issuing an approval of an I-130 for a spousal visa, the United States government has formally and legally recognized the validity of the marriage between Mr xxxxxx (UKC) and Mrs. xxxxxx USC. It is well documented that “family unity” is an important value unpinning the raison deter of the United States of America and that actions to “assure family unity’ are part of the intent of the United States immigration law [for example see Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part II, section I, pp. 64 and 65]. Although, it is a function of law to provide legal definition and recognition to this marriage between USC and ALIEN, it is clearly the intent of law to support the complex nature of marriage.

In other words, in this and other genuine marriages there are multiple social psychological, familial, economic, cultural, spiritual, etc. bonds, which are presumed by the law to exist conjointly with the legal presence of marriage. Support for these complex interacting marital bonds is a fundamental value of the larger society and a function of the law.


Hardships are built upon the base of significant, although usual hardship. In other words, it is of note that USC misses her UKC husband painfully, she is anxious about their future and that of their children because it depends upon Mr xxxxxx of being granted his I-130 visa. However, these are considered herein to be “simply “ the backdrop of those other, previously listed hardships that, individually and when combined and interacting are severe. In other words, the enormous strain of being separated from her UKC husband constitutes a powerful hardship on USC. The other hardships on top of this one culminate in him being potentially and actually subjected to extreme and unusual hardship. These additional hardships include, but are not limited to USC elderly mother and fragile health, but the USC daughter; this will put the USC in an impossible and an immoral choice to choose her, USC 8 yr old baby girl, or her UKC husband in the UK.

CONCLUSION

Please Sir/Madam read this hardship letter several times if need be and come to the only right and just decision to approve this waiver. Because this marriage would not be full or complete and the impact on this separation is one of great emotional, social, familial, economical and spiritual influences, one must weigh heavily the consequences that would result if the ALIEN were not allowed to be reunited with US CITIZEN family in the United States. The US CITIZEN misses ALIEN painfully and is uncertain as well as frightened of her future as it is dependent upon the status of her husband. The enormous strain that this separation has and will continue to have constitutes a powerful hardship to the US CITIZEN. Due to the above stated subject matter we respectfully request the waiver to be approved and the ALIEN to be allowed to be reunited with his family in the United States.



Subject to extreme and unusual hardship. We respectfully request the waiver be approved.

xxxxxx x. xxxxxx (USC) Date
xxxxx x. xxxxxx (UKC)



------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aliens...(Me UKc) Hardship..letter


US Embassy
London
UK.

To whom this concerns.




RE: USC/UKC CASE NUMBER… xxxxxxxxxxxxx:




I. HARDSHIP TO THE U.S. CITIZEN (USC) Mrs xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxxx (UKC) MR xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

Introduction

The USC/UKC has been ask to file a waiver I-601 with a letter of any hardships the USC/UKC has accrued while waiting on I-130 approved visa.
The USC/UKC will show hardships from extreme, unusual and some instances severe hardships to the USC/UKC
If ALIEN were not admitted to the United States, USC really would suffer, extreme, unusual, severe hardships.
She would feel compelled by the powerful forces of her complete marital bond to do so.



There are several interacting hardships#

CHILDREN

The (USC) has a child from her pervious marriage, who is a (USC) and her name is xxxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx (D.O. Aug xx 19xx.and a son xxxxxx x xxxxxx born on the xx/xx/xx in xxxxxxxxx Florida USA. The (UKC) Mr x x xxxxxxx is the biological father of the USC son xxxxxxx x xxxxxxx.

Once the USC was divorced in September 20xx from her (previous) USC husband Mr xxxxx xxxxx. The Judge in his closing their case gave the USC Mrs xxxxx xxx xxxxxx, primary custody, to there child xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx USC. Also the judge stating that the (Former USC husband) Mr x xxxxx has visitation rights to his USC Daughter every 2nd wk-end of the month and they also must split the holidays with this, with odd/even years. The judge also mentions that the USC must not take the USC child out of the state of Florida, unless it is for the benefit of the child/USC for work/education reasons (only)
This was put in place so that the USC (former) husband Mr xxxxx xxxxx would have access to his USC child xxxxxxxx xxxxx, within the state of xxxxxxxxx Florida on them times stated above.

If the UKC were not allowed to be admitted to the USA, this would be nothing short of disastrous to the USC & the children xxxxxxx & xxxxxx. This then will not only be an immoral choice for the USC to make, but almost impossible, as the USC (Former) husband would sanction such a move. And he would then precede with court action forth wit. If this was to happen of which the USC (hope not) this would an Emotionally, Psychologically, and financially strain on all. This would be as no benefit to anybody concerned.

(Please see Letter From Former husband Mr x xxxxxx & Divorce degree attached)

As stated the USC has also a son from the (UKC) Mr x x xxxxxx who is the biological father of xxxxxx xxxxxx. (The USC son xxxxxx x xxxxxxx) has only seen his father for no more than 18 days in 22 months outside the USA. xxxxxx who is now almost 3 yrs of age, and he needs his (UKC dad) in his life as all children needs both parents, to share both each other as a family unit.
The USC has, had to do this all on her own for this last 22 months, of which it is so important that her (UKC) husband can be there for his USC son & his USC step daughter, xxxxxxx xxxxx and his wife. So that he the (UKC) can share the burdens of his USC family, every day.


Medical

Whilst the USC has no severe medical conditions; the same is not true for her 70 year old, USC mother. Her mother has a history of severe medical conditions spanning almost a decade.

The USC mother Mrs x xxxxxxxxx was diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (Coronary (Obstructed Disease) and Emphysema about approx ten years ago. She had spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in 1995 where she had to undergo surgery for a thorecotomy (lung reduction)
The USC Father who was the prime caregiver to the USC mother, suddenly passed away in September 1998 at the age of 69.
The USC then became her Mother’s health surrogate and power of attorney.
The USC Mother has deteriorated through the years to whereby she is now completely oxygen dependant.

The USC must maintain her mother’s household as well as her own home. USC mother is, in/out of hospital on the average of two/three times a year for pneumonia associated with her condition. The USC mother is now experiencing difficulties in her walking. She is currently under observation for her lower back. She is now losing the use of her legs and is now having to use a cane to help herself.

The USC must not only work for approx 60+ a wk, but also a to bring up her 2 children ages, 8 and 3yrs old, but also attend to her very sick USC mother.
So as stated the USC is the sole caretaker of her sick mother, in all aspects of her stressful day-to day schedule.
Just the simple things in life we all take for granted like i.e. going to the shops, post office, pharmacy, gardening, ect this is so not the case here for the USC sick mother as she is so dependant of the USC, to take her wherever she needs to go, on any one day.
USC has a very close relationship with her mother. Without a doubt, when her mother reaches a state of decline whereby she requires regular assistance, USC wants to be one of those people who will offer a high level of assistance. If she would be unable to respond to her mother's need when the time comes, this would be an extreme hardship on USC.

If there were a fine example of a severe/extreme hardship to the USC, this would be it as stated. (Please see attached medical history)


FINANCIAL

The USC has a huge FINANCIAL commitment within the USA. This includes, Home loan, student loan repayment, and credit card debts, car loan, total amount of over $150.000.

As the USC just had promotion where she works at xxxxxxxx College as a medical programme chair, and just recently had a pay increase from $29.000 to $39.000. This was most welcomed and deserved. The USC still finds herself living hand to mouth every month with the monthly outgoings payments.

So much one of her several credit card debts was difficult to repay back with the high interest payment, her USC mother was kind to consolidate her credit card repayment to a lower rate. This was a constructive and financially good choice for the USC to do, as she was finding the $10.000 credit card dept, difficult to repay back every month. The USC now repays her mother $200.00 per month every month. This is one of many ongoing debts.


This cannot be possible if it wasn’t for her UKC husband who subsidises her financial needs, whenever possible. As he the (UKC) has also financial commitments of his own in the UK i.e. home loan, credit card ect.
The (UKC) feels at the very least, sends to the USA from $500.00/$1.000 per month to the USA, to help out payments for his USC son’s day care/clothes ect. This would be impossible financially for the USC, if it were not for her supportive (UKC) husband.
This is the reason it is so important for her (UKC) husband to be granted into the USA, so that he can be there with his family, to share not just only emotionally, but all financial aspects of his family within the USA.

If the UKC was granted the above, it will be a great weight off the USC & her family, where he (UKC) can then work, share the burdens of his USC wife & he then can help out whichever way he can to the USC sick mother whenever he is needed.
(Please see attached financial incomings/outgoings expenditures)



Employment/ Education

The USC has a bachelor’s degree in science and is currently working at xxxxxxxx College as a medical programme chair and her duties are to supervise medical staff and look over all medical students and also to place students in work placement as part of there course in college.
This job is very demanding but at the same time very rewarding. One she loves to do. To face challenges of the medical students and to pass on her own experience to them, so that they (students) can also move on forward with their goals in their lives. At the same time the USC has her own goals to move forward and get back into her beloved studies of maybe into the science research. This she can only do if her UKC husband was granted to come back to the USA, so that she can focus on such a dream.

As stated the USC works at xxxxxxxx College and her Knowledge of the science world is such a rare status for a single mother, would be such a loss to the USA. Her Employer Mr xxxxxxxxx is always singing her praise and he himself has always said that she is a fine asset to the USA, and it would be a crying shame to loose such a knowledgeable / Educational person as the USC.

(Please read letter from Employment)


Psychological


If USC was forced to make a devastating decision to live in the UK. It would be an extremely and immoral choice for her. She would suffer a lot of emotional turmoil choosing between her family, country, work and her (UKC Husband) her devastating/immoral choice will be, first and foremost her USC daughter xxxxxxx xxxxxx. Who her USC biological father, (former husband Mr x xxxxx have already stated that he will not allow his USC daughter out of the state of Florida. (Please see letter from Mr x xxxxx)

When the USC lost her father suddenly in September 1998. The USC then shortly afterwards went into a state of depression, finding hard to have a good relationship with her (former husband) the USC sort medical advice from her doctor and diagnosed her with severe depression, her doctor prescribed a anti depression drug xxxxx, of which she took for approx four months.

Although it can be expected that the average person, in an immigration USC psychological hardships have proven themselves to be particularly severe and have the potential of causing medical illness, hospitalisation, or even death. Thus, her psychological hardships warrant particularly in depth examination. Case of this nature would experience profound psychological difficulties,

Due to the extreme hardship USC has experienced as a result of the separation from her husband, and will experience if forced to move from her family and country, USC has suffered psychologically. She misses the emotional support her husband provides in regards to celebrating personal achievements, such as a recent promotion at work and celebrating national holidays with each other and with their family. Each holiday, birthdays, and anniversary they do not spend together as a family sends USC, into a state of depression and aloneness.


The majority of drawing cues indicate that USC is feeling inadequate and insecure. She is somewhat timid, dependent, and feels helpless and weak and tends to prefer to keep her feelings secret, for she does not trust easily. Her energy appears to be somewhat low at this time, perhaps because she is most likely to use her energy to over compensate for self-perceived weaknesses. She is also intensely feels the pressures and inhibitions of her environment. She clearly fears the future for herself and her children.

USC is already suffering from sleepless nights, has presented high levels of anxiety, her work performance has been hindered at the college she works at and she experiences profound feelings of worthlessness because she feels that she can not give 110% to her Employer/students at this time of her life. (Please read letter sent by her Employer)


Once a person, such as USC, has been exposed to the onset of major depression, that a person remains highly susceptible to re-occurrences. These re-occurrences are often triggered by extreme levels of stress or devastating events (such as the loss of her father) or moving to a foreign country in which one would become isolated or living away from a spouse and child). If forced to make such decision to move from her country, she would have to overcome tremendous anxiety problems as well as the possibility of developing a Full Major Depressive Disorder or an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. At the same time living without her (USC child xxxxxxx xxxxx) would have equally devastating affects.


SUMMARY
.
It needs to be emphasized that by issuing an approval of an I-130 for a spousal visa, the United States government has formally and legally recognized the validity of the marriage between Mr xxxxxx (UKC) and Mrs. xxxxxx USC. It is well documented that “family unity” is an important value unpinning the raison deter of the United States of America and that actions to “assure family unity’ are part of the intent of the United States immigration law [for example see Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part II, section I, pp. 64 and 65]. Although, it is a function of law to provide legal definition and recognition to this marriage between USC and ALIEN, it is clearly the intent of law to support the complex nature of marriage.

In other words, in this and other genuine marriages there are multiple social psychological, familial, economic, cultural, spiritual, etc. bonds, which are presumed by the law to exist conjointly with the legal presence of marriage. Support for these complex interacting marital bonds is a fundamental value of the larger society and a function of the law.


. Hardships are built upon the base of significant, although usual hardship. In other words, it is of note that USC misses her UKC husband painfully, she is anxious about their future and that of their children because it depends upon Mr xxxxxx of being granted his I-130 visa. However, these are considered herein to be “simply “ the backdrop of those other, previously listed hardships that, individually and when combined and interacting are severe. In other words, the enormous strain of being separated from her UKC husband constitutes a powerful hardship on USC. The other hardships on top of this one culminate in him being potentially and actually subjected to extreme and unusual hardship. These additional hardships include, but are not limited to USC elderly mother and fragile health, but the USC daughter; this will put the USC in an impossible and an immoral choice to choose her, USC 8 yr old baby girl, or her UKC husband in the UK.

CONCLUSION

Please Sir/Madam read this hardship letter several times if need be and come to the only right and just decision to approve this waiver. Because this marriage would not be full or complete and the impact on this separation is one of great emotional, social, familial, economical and spiritual influences, one must weigh heavily the consequences that would result if the ALIEN were not allowed to be reunited with US CITIZEN family in the United States. The US CITIZEN misses ALIEN painfully and is uncertain as well as frightened of her future as it is dependent upon the status of her husband. The enormous strain that this separation has and will continue to have constitutes a powerful hardship to the US CITIZEN. Due to the above stated subject matter we respectfully request the waiver to be approved and the ALIEN to be allowed to be reunited with his family in the United States.


Subject to extreme and unusual hardship. We respectfully request the waiver be approved.

xxxxxxx x. xxxxxx (USC) Date
xxxxx x. xxxxxxx (UKC)


A Little update M.I.L not doing to good....next 24/48 hrs is inportant !

Best wishes everyone

Nigel/Family xxx

Sounds like good advice Nigel. I'll just hope they come early so I can get to work for any amount of time.
I need all the cash I can, especially as today I handed my notice in!
1 week left! That feels good.

As for airlines, GNH again. I found out I can't fly to Phoenix with my dogs as, from April, there is an embargo due to the heat there. Thats the nearest airport to home, about 2 hours away.
So instead I've got to fly to Los Angeles. Wendy will have to drive 8 hours to pick us up, and then back again. At least I'll get to see some scenery I guess.
I'm going with BA from heathrow. Mainly because they will do the flight in one haul and take the pooches. I'd get agitated about them otherwise. they are quite reasonable if you book a return, which is much cheaper than the oneway. Just hunt around for a cheap return flight, like in october.

Well I got my UK visa now.....i wish the US process was as simple. Had a appointment for 10:30 in Chicago and was probably in the office for 10 minutes and then they told me to come back at 2:30 to pick it up. Very very simple. We did some sightseeing then. My parents went with me. Now I have everything set for me to move to England. I guess I will make the most of it. Hopefully this time through everything will go smooth and we will be back in a year of so! We will reapply after we get married in July.

Any more insight on getting my license in the UK? I will be getting a job after we get married and I will have to drive, as John lives in the country. (Northern England) We are going to try and get me a automatic so I don't have to shift with the wrong hand.

Hope you have a safe trip windibob. Sounds like a long one but what a nice feeling once you get here. Hope you can take a few days to rest up and get over the jet lag. The pups will probably be a little wore out too. Hopefully a little tender loving care for all of you for a few days.

jpkeswim..... Congrats on getting your visa. I know it wasn't what you were planning but hopefully you will be able to make the best of it. Wish you all the best and i'm sure you will have a positive result on your next go at it. Hope you have a safe trip over and enjoy your time together.


Ladies and gentlemen.

I do have one question. I don't know why i didn't think of it until now. I even might have read it before now but I just can't remember. Are there any other fees when filing for the waiver. I know it is $265.00 just wasn't sure if there was a charge for the fingerprints at this stage or not.


Thanks again,
Baileyj