My questions for everyone is, was I correct in saying yes? Or does the IMBRA definition not apply to the website we met on? If not, what do you think would happen now since I put down yes?
Hope that wasn't too confusing
Full Version: IMBRA definition and application
Hello everyone! I had received my IMBRA RFE and sent it back about a week later. At first I was a little confused about the definition of a marriage broker so I asked my uncle who I know works for USCIS BUT, I'm not sure what his position is there. So...given his advice, I put down yes, that we met through a marriage broker because my fiancee and I met on an online dating site called filipinaheart.com according to the definition provided..."that it was a service that charges fees for access to communication to other users."
My questions for everyone is, was I correct in saying yes? Or does the IMBRA definition not apply to the website we met on? If not, what do you think would happen now since I put down yes?
Hope that wasn't too confusing
My questions for everyone is, was I correct in saying yes? Or does the IMBRA definition not apply to the website we met on? If not, what do you think would happen now since I put down yes?
Hope that wasn't too confusing
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM) 
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
we both had an email inbox.....and so i'm guessing that should have been a "no" answer. in that case, since i had put down yes, do i have to chase down my RFE and change it? if so..any ideas how i should go about it?
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 01:49 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
we both had an email inbox.....and so i'm guessing that should have been a "no" answer. in that case, since i had put down yes, do i have to chase down my RFE and change it? if so..any ideas how i should go about it?
Be careful with that. Just because they didn't sell or provide personal contact information does not mean they are not an IMB. Did the site facilitate communication? That is part of the law too. I met my fiancee on a site that never provides any personal contact information for either party. But according to an immigration attorney they are an IMB. Do they provide matchmaking or dating services between USC's and foreign nationals? Did you pay a fee to use the service at some point but your finacee did not? If you answered yes to any of these questions they are probably an IMB. Companies like Yahoo and Match are exempt because matchmaking/dating services are not their principal business.
QUOTE(Dean iWait @ Jul 13 2006, 12:27 PM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 01:49 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
we both had an email inbox.....and so i'm guessing that should have been a "no" answer. in that case, since i had put down yes, do i have to chase down my RFE and change it? if so..any ideas how i should go about it?
Be careful with that. Just because they didn't sell or provide personal contact information does not mean they are not an IMB. Did the site facilitate communication? That is part of the law too. I met my fiancee on a site that never provides any personal contact information for either party. But according to an immigration attorney they are an IMB. Do they provide matchmaking or dating services between USC's and foreign nationals? Did you pay a fee to use the service at some point but your finacee did not? If you answered yes to any of these questions they are probably an IMB. Companies like Yahoo and Match are exempt because matchmaking/dating services are not their principal business.
As a matter of fact, and I just remembered this, the website does ask for your email address when you first sign up but does not provide it to the other person...Only the owner of the account has to personally give out contact info to those who request it. However, if you upgrade to a higher level membership, you can post contact info on your profile there. From what I just mentioned, I'm beginning to think that the website we met on is indeed an IMB...would you agree?
I just want to be solidly sure whether or not the website is an IMB or not and so I apologize if it sounds like I haven't been paying attention...believe me, I have been and I thank you for all your help and patience. Figured I do what I can not to do anymore work than I have to ya know?
QUOTE(Dean iWait @ Jul 13 2006, 12:27 PM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 01:49 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
we both had an email inbox.....and so i'm guessing that should have been a "no" answer. in that case, since i had put down yes, do i have to chase down my RFE and change it? if so..any ideas how i should go about it?
Be careful with that. Just because they didn't sell or provide personal contact information does not mean they are not an IMB. Did the site facilitate communication? That is part of the law too. I met my fiancee on a site that never provides any personal contact information for either party. But according to an immigration attorney they are an IMB. Do they provide matchmaking or dating services between USC's and foreign nationals? Did you pay a fee to use the service at some point but your finacee did not? If you answered yes to any of these questions they are probably an IMB. Companies like Yahoo and Match are exempt because matchmaking/dating services are not their principal business.
As a matter of fact, and I just remembered this, the website does ask for your email address when you first sign up but does not provide it to the other person...Only the owner of the account has to personally give out contact info to those who request it. However, if you upgrade to a higher level membership, you can post contact info on your profile there. From what I just mentioned, I'm beginning to think that the website we met on is indeed an IMB...would you agree?
I just want to be solidly sure whether or not the website is an IMB or not and so I apologize if it sounds like I haven't been paying attention...believe me, I have been and I thank you for all your help and patience. Figured I do what I can not to do anymore work than I have to ya know?
As a matter of fact, and I just remembered this, the website does ask for your email address when you first sign up but does not provide it to the other person...Only the owner of the account has to personally give out contact info to those who request it. However, if you upgrade to a higher level membership, you can post contact info on your profile there. From what I just mentioned, I'm beginning to think that the website we met on is indeed an IMB...would you agree?
I just want to be solidly sure whether or not the website is an IMB or not and so I apologize if it sounds like I haven't been paying attention...believe me, I have been and I thank you for all your help and patience. Figured I do what I can not to do anymore work than I have to ya know?
[/quote]
I would agree that yours certainly sounds like an IMB. Sent you a PM also.
Hi, i'm planning to say no to question #1 with an attachment explaining why I chose to say no. I would like to hear you guy's comments. Thanks in advance. The attachment text follows.
I came to know my dear fiancée at jiaoyou8.com which provides internet based networking service. It physically located in Beijing, P.R. China. Its contact information follows:
A48 Zhi Chun Lu, Ying Du Da Sha, Suite C3-18C
Hai Dian District, Bejing 100098
P.R. China
Phone: 86-10—58732120
Email: cs@jiaoyou8.com
I answered “no” to the question since I believe jiaoyou8.com can be exempted from the IMBRA law under the provisions of section 4 (
(ii) based on the following ground. I am standing corrected should my interpretation of the law prove inaccurate.
First of all, the principal business of jiaoyou8.com is not to provide international dating
services between United States citizens or United States residents and foreign nationals. It provides networking services to Chinese people in China and around the world. The web pages at jiaoyou8.com are mainly written in Chinese. All of its registered members are of Chinese race. 45% of them, male and female, are from China. I saw members from Korean, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and many other countries as well. It facilitates members in looking for life friends and career friends besides long term marriage-leading relationship.
Secondly, its basic membership is free. I upgraded my membership to advanced one for six months and paid $59.70. With the advanced membership, I can highlight my profile to make it standing out, upload up to 10 photos (verses three for basic membership) along with some other features. The membership fee schedule and services are equally applicable to everyone regardless of the individual’s gender or country of citizenship.
I would also like to bring to your attention that it was on January 26th of year 2006 when I first met my fiancée at jiaoyou8.com. It was before the law was passed and none of us were aware of the law at the time.
I came to know my dear fiancée at jiaoyou8.com which provides internet based networking service. It physically located in Beijing, P.R. China. Its contact information follows:
A48 Zhi Chun Lu, Ying Du Da Sha, Suite C3-18C
Hai Dian District, Bejing 100098
P.R. China
Phone: 86-10—58732120
Email: cs@jiaoyou8.com
I answered “no” to the question since I believe jiaoyou8.com can be exempted from the IMBRA law under the provisions of section 4 (
(ii) based on the following ground. I am standing corrected should my interpretation of the law prove inaccurate. First of all, the principal business of jiaoyou8.com is not to provide international dating
services between United States citizens or United States residents and foreign nationals. It provides networking services to Chinese people in China and around the world. The web pages at jiaoyou8.com are mainly written in Chinese. All of its registered members are of Chinese race. 45% of them, male and female, are from China. I saw members from Korean, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and many other countries as well. It facilitates members in looking for life friends and career friends besides long term marriage-leading relationship.
Secondly, its basic membership is free. I upgraded my membership to advanced one for six months and paid $59.70. With the advanced membership, I can highlight my profile to make it standing out, upload up to 10 photos (verses three for basic membership) along with some other features. The membership fee schedule and services are equally applicable to everyone regardless of the individual’s gender or country of citizenship.
I would also like to bring to your attention that it was on January 26th of year 2006 when I first met my fiancée at jiaoyou8.com. It was before the law was passed and none of us were aware of the law at the time.
QUOTE(Dean iWait @ Jul 13 2006, 04:27 PM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 01:49 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(Raqiwin @ Jul 13 2006, 02:19 PM)
QUOTE(John and Anna @ Jul 13 2006, 10:12 AM)
Just the facts...
IMBRA reads
(4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `international marriage broker' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States clients and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals from these respective groups.
(B.) EXCEPTIONS - Such term does not include--
(i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or
(ii) an entity that provides dating services between United States citizens or residents and other individuals who may be aliens, but does not do so as its principal business, and
charges comparable rates to all individuals it serves regardless of the gender, country of citizenship, or residence of the individual.
(6) PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION -
(A) IN GENERAL - The term `personal contact information' means information or a forum that would permit individuals to contact each other and includes--
(i) the name, telephone number, postal address, electronic mail address, and voice message mailbox of an individual; and
(ii) the provision of an opportunity for an in-person meeting.
(B.) EXCEPTION - Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
I read it as. If the site offered email/address/phone number for purchase than 'yes' is correct.
But if it was a site like match or yahoo where you send a message to someone but are never provided `personal contact information'. then no would be correct....
okay...given what you gave me, here are my thoughts, maybe someone can help me clear it up:
~since my fiancee and I met on a dating site...it was free to begin with and browse profiles..but you had to be a member of the website (therefore pay a certain amount) in order to contact anyone. Does that constitute a "yes" answer to the IMRBRA questionairre?
~if not, do i have to contact CSC to change my answer or does it matter? Thanks again!
Hi
were you given an email box on that site? Then after you guys wrote a couple of time she / you gave each other your 'personal' info?
or did they 'sell' you her 'personal' info?
John
we both had an email inbox.....and so i'm guessing that should have been a "no" answer. in that case, since i had put down yes, do i have to chase down my RFE and change it? if so..any ideas how i should go about it?
Be careful with that. Just because they didn't sell or provide personal contact information does not mean they are not an IMB. Did the site facilitate communication? That is part of the law too. I met my fiancee on a site that never provides any personal contact information for either party. But according to an immigration attorney they are an IMB. Do they provide matchmaking or dating services between USC's and foreign nationals? Did you pay a fee to use the service at some point but your finacee did not? If you answered yes to any of these questions they are probably an IMB. Companies like Yahoo and Match are exempt because matchmaking/dating services are not their principal business.
Hey Dean BTW are you involved with Dating and Matchmaking, Inc in Littleton, CO?
Thanks for the input. But what else does Match do?
Anna and I met on a site (September last year) that she shought was just a Russian dating site. But she found that she was getting email for men around the world. The first men to write were from Russia, Spain, Italy then USA. I canceled my membership November 30 and Anna and I met December 1.
Again I state IMBRA
(ii) an entity that provides dating services if its
principal business is not to provide international dating
services between United States citizens or United
States residents and foreign nationals and it charges
comparable rates and offers comparable services to
all individuals it serves regardless of the individual’s
gender or country of citizenship.
elenasmodels.com - yes
AFA/loveme.com - yes
russianladies.com - yes
weblovefinder - yes
etc etc
maybe we can start a list - I know it is hard to interprete the law but we can do our best....
help a brother out...
John
BTW
I said no and our site was
http://www.lovemage.ru/
thanks!
It was a week before I returned the 3-question IMBRA RFE. Maria and I met on Match.com (the USA website, not a foreign branch). I contacted Match's legal department, who hasn't responded after two weeks, even though their customer service put me in touch with them. My initial thought was "yes" to question #1 but I went with "no" and added an affidavit. Under my circumstances, it sort of seemed "damned if you do and damned if you don't" without an affidavit to clarify. I used the IMBRA exception that Match's principle business is not international services and its services charges for all (foreign and domestic) are comparable. Also through Match, I had also met and dated women in my own and neighboring states in the US before meeting Maria. To the first post, I believe marriage brokers are not legally allowed in the Philippines (Maria is from Manila). You may want to check into this further. Hopefully your "yes" respond does not cause undue problems during the upcoming embassy interview. If by chance you get a 2nd RFE, you would have the opportunity to clarify. Good luck.
Richard of Richard&Maria
Richard of Richard&Maria
QUOTE(Richard&Maria @ Jul 16 2006, 10:20 AM)
It was a week before I returned the 3-question IMBRA RFE. Maria and I met on Match.com (the USA website, not a foreign branch). I contacted Match's legal department, who hasn't responded after two weeks, even though their customer service put me in touch with them. My initial thought was "yes" to question #1 but I went with "no" and added an affidavit. Under my circumstances, it sort of seemed "damned if you do and damned if you don't" without an affidavit to clarify. I used the IMBRA exception that Match's principle business is not international services and its services charges for all (foreign and domestic) are comparable. Also through Match, I had also met and dated women in my own and neighboring states in the US before meeting Maria. To the first post, I believe marriage brokers are not legally allowed in the Philippines (Maria is from Manila). You may want to check into this further. Hopefully your "yes" respond does not cause undue problems during the upcoming embassy interview. If by chance you get a 2nd RFE, you would have the opportunity to clarify. Good luck.
Richard of Richard&Maria
I too am dealing with Manila. I can make arguements both ways for Mate1.com being an IMB. That's where I met my Fiance. I think American Law will not apply to the Philippine Law against IMB's but I do worry of them not gining a big Draconian 'NO" on the Visa because of this.
She joined for free
I joined for free but upgraded my membership by paying so I could use there email box. I met her on there instant messenger... Which is free of charge and a free membership allows u to use the messenger.
There are mostly people from N. America there but allow anyone to join for free if they like.
I also met her on November 10th 2005... way before the IMBRA Law was passed here in the States.
All women can use all of there services for free though, including there email box... that's what bothers me.
I emailed them and they have no idea if they are considered an IMB or not
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