Dear Friends:
A little insight as to challenges that face Cuban K-1 applicants and why there is no reason for some VJers to be envious, angry or even stressed out on why CSA appears to approve or even look over some Cuban cases so quickly while others sit around and take longer. If you could only imagine how a normal, loving relationship in Cuba is so exhausting and difficult to manage as basic human necessities are daily challenges that no one could ever understand. Not even Cubans! For example; there are no visits of any kind permitted due to a 45 year old US economic embargo and if such visits indeed take place, there is often no proof of entry as the Cuban government does not stamp US Passports. Letters never reach your loved ones due to a failed Cuban postal system. There is no Fed-Ex, UPS or any priority or overnight services to Cuba so you better have all your documents in order or else. E-mails, IM's, Chats are non-existent because Cubans are not allowed internet access. Phone calls (at a rate of $1.89 per minute) are to different numbers as most Cubans (especially from the interior) do not have their own telephone lines at home and have to depend on a neighbor or a public phone to maintain contact with their loved one's. Cell Phones are for foreign tourists or diplomats only and no ordinary Cuban can legally own one, so no text messaging either. How about that! Now, can you imagine a simple request for proof of relationship? This is actually a very simple request but a very difficult task for petitioners like us given these types of circumstances. With all that said, even when you are lucky enough to have your US visa approved during the whole K-1 Process, the Cuban immigration now has to approve the departure by paying a $400 departure tax and a very lengthy wait and let's see process where they can tell you if you can actually leave the country. OH! Let's not forget that you only have 3 months to enter the US once your K-1 visa has been issued by the consulate or your visa gets cancelled. How about that! Now, would you want to trade places? So I beg of you not to get hysterical, offended, enraged or even jealous as to why (if true) Cuban petitions are processed more quickly, as I am quite certain that none one of you is willing to endure our pain and sufferings just to have your loved ones next to you. So a month or two of longer wait time is a very small price for freedom that we often take for granted.

Exuse me? But how you met each other?

There are no visits of any kind permitted by law due to a 45 year old US economic embargo....Therefore, I highly doubt I could answer your question.... I am sure you being from Khazikstan the former Soviet Union know what I am talking about.

OK...

Yeah, Im curious too.... If there is no internet and no US tourism there and she didnt come to the US. How did you meet?

And incidentally, Cuba doesnt get processed any faster or slower than any other country except maybe the UK and Canada according to the stats.

I absolutely agree

how many different reposts do you plan to make? just thought I'd ask

Actually, at least CR1/K3 applicants have been seen flying through USCIS in 1 day. Don't know about K1.
Well, as for how they met - I am guessing a 3rd country. All that is described is very familiar, except - no I-net access? Wow.
But, I doubt that anyone can envy or be angry at a Cuban. They are a charming and charismatic bunch
So in addition they are lucky too, just a part of the charm
And please don't make it sound like Cuba is such a horrible place. There is much worse, you know. And how can it be so bad if people coming out are so wonderful and lively?

Rika

Aren't the K-1's good for a 6 month entry, not a 3 month, or am I still sleeping? (Highly possible....I haven't had my caffiene yet)

Many countires have their issues......it's not only Cuba.

I don't think people were angry, I think they just didn't understand the reasons why Cubans seemed to sail through the service center. I, for one, appreciate your educational post!

ischia thanks for your post. I found it very informative. I wish you and your loved one all the best for the future.

I don't think this post explained why Cubans are expedited through the system.

Apart from the very real embargo on Cuba, much of what you describe as being singular to Cuba are problems that I'm sure many USCs experience with their foreign SOs. Many countries have non-existent postal systems, poor internet and phone service. Luckily, I'm able to talk with my SO everyday. But I know other people are not nearly as lucky. While the difference may not be political, and more of an economic issue, in the end, what does it matter when two people who love each other cannot talk to each other? I find it a little condescending that you describe the quick processing time in terms of the way Cubans suffer. We're all suffering, and I think there are many people who are suffering just as much as the Cubans, and yet they do not get their petitions expedited.

I don't think anyone was jealous of the Cubans, they were just questioning why they get their petitions processed so quickly, and I still don't know why.

That is exactly what I was going to say.

I'm not jealous that Cubans get processed quicker no more than I was about VSC processing petitions quicker than CSC. That's just the way it is and so be it. However, many of our SO's come from countries that aren't necessarily better off as far as communication access and other issues also. Most of our SO's come from impoverished nations. Many people have SO's that will go straight into AR for who knows how long or even get denied for reasons that we can't understand. It's a difficult process for everyone. Nobody has an easy ride and each case is different from the next.
Thank you for enlightening us on how the process works for Cubans. Cuba is always a mysterious nation for the very reasons that you described. It's very interesting. But you gotta know, we are all very curious about how you met your SO. Please tell us how you met. Everyone loves a good love story!!!!!!

Yes, you are sleeping... if you are admitted using a K-1 visa you will receive a 90 day entry.

I thought you were given a six month period to come to America, and once you arrived you had to be married within 3 months. At least that's what the flowchart says is "typical".

I need to mention that many countries indeed have poor postal systems and/or internet phone service as you claim but you unfortunetly failed to realize the point I was trying to make. In Cuba you can go to jail if you are caught with internet or satelite tv set up in your home. If a Cuban farmer kills his own cow he will get up to 12 years in jail and it's not for religious reasons either! Do you now see the difference? Therefore, it is an political issue not economic. Why do you think they call the stretch of water (gulf of mexico) that seperates Florida and Cuba the largest Cuban cemetery? Many people, including women & children have lost their lives trying to cross the waters to Florida. Sure, some for economic reasons but mostly for political freedom. Again, my intentions here are not to turn this post into a political issue, I tried to explain how cubans suffer so much and to shed a little light onto people like yourself to learn the realities of "real hardships" of Cubans or any other nationalities that suffers from the lack of individual freedom and progress, not a few months wait for visa approval or sufferings of some USCs waiting to see their loved ones ASAP. There are far more serious issues in this world of ours that most people have no clue of and I merely wanted to share my thoughts. If you read the posts carefully, there has been a few claims about why Cuban petitions are getting processed earlier and indeed words like "jelous" "Not fair" were posted....

I don't think you were sleeping, people just read it different ways.

Also, people are allowed to be jealous of the fast speed many Cuban petitioner's get approved.

What you say here is correct... you have 6 months to enter and you will receive a 90 day entry (stay). The original post said 6 month entry (stay).

That is the beauty of "freedom" that we are allowed to be jealous.........How about that!

OT bound?

I am

I just assumed that since "entry" means "right to enter" the original post meant they had the "right to enter" for 6 months. Sorry for any confusion.

I'm jealous, too

I saw the difference you were trying to make in your first post. Did you understand the point that I was trying to make that whether the reasons are political or economic, there are some people who encounter many of the same difficulties you are trying to enlighten us about. In Sierra Leone, some people cannot even use a computer because their hands have been cut off. Does it matter whether the reason is political or economic? The point is that there are people the world over who suffer, and suffering alone is not the reason why Cubans go through the process faster. There is a reason tho, if someone could actually find the immigration policy that explains, it might not lead to conversations like this one.

I appreciate you trying to shed some light on situations that you and your fellow cubans face, but please don't underestimate the familiarity some of us American may have with "real suffering." We're not all ignorant of the rest of the world, and I would suggest that the Americans who actually go out into the world and meet their SOs in other countries may be well aware of the "real hardships" of other nationalities. I'm all too aware of how people in other countries suffer, please don't assume that because I am currently sitting in my home in the United States that I haven't seen first hand true human suffering, or that I haven't worked for organizations dedicated to ending that suffering.

Well said, Quinn.

Would this have anything to do with special attention Cubans receive?

http://www.cubasocialista.com/adjust1.htm

"Law number 89, known as the Cuban Adjustment act, was adopted by the US congress on the 2nd of November of 1966, under the Lyndon Johnson administration. It's main provisions was to change the legal status of the Cuban immigrants; to treat them as political refugees and to grant them political asylum; and as such provide them immediately with privileges that no other group enjoys, such as, automatic permanent residence status - all without review and without the usual waiting time.

This privileged law affords the Cuban illegal immigrant the opportunity, to work legally, to govt. welfare, to unemployment benefits, and to free medical care, things that the average immigrant by no means is entitled to."

It is mentioned many times on the I-485 that Cuban immigrants do not have to meet the same requirements as others do. I know the OP isn't there in his process yet, but if it applies to AOS, maybe it applies here, too.

I may be way off base here. I'm usually the one reading other's info, not the one supplying it .

ooo people getting wee bit tetchy on here. I'm sure ischia meant well in the original post and Quinn I'm sure you too have seen/have knowledge of suffering, but hasn't everyone in this world to some extent. What may be insignificant in real terms of world suffering doesn't feel any less real to the person having to deal with it. Isn't this supposed to be a support forum!?!?!

This is crazy, this same coversation is going on in like 3 different threads. I get so confused as to who posted what where.

You go to Cuba through Canada. Or if you have dual citizenship and a passport through another country. Or via a religious or cultural mission. There are many ways to get there legally and illegally.

And since you'd have to have show THE FEDS how you got to Cuba, I'm guessing being cagey about it is a little silly, no? What did you use for evidence?

Anyway - as for the original topic, ignore anyone hating on Cuban filers just like Vermont filers should get over bitter comments from CSC filers. If you get through fast, hey, more power to ya. I am jealous of people who got through faster. But that's just jealously, I don't hate them or think it's "unfair." It is what it is, and any normal person facing a 90+ day wait would rather NOT face that wait, right?

Wow! Thanks for posting that info.

Good post TimsDaisy

I get jealous of people that got their NOA2's a few days before me....heck so what.

everyone is jealous of someone on here at one time or another, the person who doesnt let it bother them becomes the better one. and the one without bitterness and heartburn.

Yes that would have something to do with it. As stated before it is a political thing. As for Cuban cases being processed faster... from what I have seen around me the cases did pass through the CSC faster, but not always. And yes every country has it's things as someone else stated, but being that we have lived this (much more my husband as of August 7 ) extremely hard time for our relationship and communicating... but we made it work and are doing great. This is an interesting post for sure, thanks for posting.

That's what happens when someone cross-post.............

i.e., Make a comment in one thread and then create a whole new thread with what the comment was........

TimsDaisy; you are right and wrong at the same time...Let me explain to best of my knowledge what is legal travel and what is not. According to the (OFAC-Treasury Department) Cuba travel for all US Citizens and Legal Residents are illegal regardless of dual citizenship or nationality. Although many travellers use third countries for travel to cuba such as Canada, these types of travels are indeed illegal if not licensed by the OFAC. Now, due to pressure from the powerful Cuban-American Republicans in Florida the religious licenses are under review for sometime now and this is no longer an option for travel. Cultural visits are also canceled and last year the President made it more difficult for Cuban Americans to visit their families in cuba and licensed family visits are now once every 3 years for a maximum of 2 weeks limited to immidiate family, no aunt cousin etc... So you are right because people do travel illegaly and legal travel is very limited and is usually set aside for politicians and big shots in the agriculture sector to go visit Castro and his gang to sell them American goods legally. Ironic but families are torn apart because our dollars could help Castro stay in power, but the sale of goods from US Agricultral companies are somehow different....
That's politics for you.....Anyhow, thanks for your support and I wish the best to everyone on this board......Goodluck with your filings....

I don't understand...How did you meet your fiance, then?

I don't understand...How in THE world is that any of your business?

Why don't you worry about yourself?

That is hilarious, did you just make the account to post that? That is actually pretty sad.

If people were simply worrying about themselves there wouldn't even be a support forum.

Well said. I think it's safe to say that many people on here believe the same way you do, Quinn, and have worked with or for organizations dedicated to ending that suffering. That's why we are all open to international and/or multi-racial relationships in a way that people not in our shoes can't understand.



Wow. Completely uncalled for. The OP posted something about others getting angry or jealous of Cuban visa processing and led everyone (IMHO) to believe that it's darn near impossible to meet someone from Cuba. I don't think asking how they met (on a public forum about international relationships) is all that nosy. There were a couple of requests for that information. It's more out of curiosity for how other people in our situations met rather than being malicious, which you seem to think. And you registered just to post that?

perfect example of a trolling TOOL!

Because some other distraught US/Cuba couple who met online or whatever might find VJ and want help.

And SOMETHING HAS TO BE SHOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT.

I hope a US/Cuba filer doesn't just show photos and think that cuts it! Haha. Like "Dear USCIS: here's a photo of us together. Can't tell you how we took it, though. Hope that's cool with you. Please send approval, love, US/Cuba couple."

Oh well, we'll help where we can. If no one wants to help others, that's his/her choice.

I know it's illegal to get to Cuba via Canada. But illegality doesn't equal impossibility.

Thinking the same thing......................what a 'tard.

They make the account, post a rude comment, and then disappear. Hmm...

It would be nice to know how they met, considering the difficulties the poster said they faced. Reading over it, it seems impossible that they could ever meet, let alone continue to communicate. It was just curiosity, I guess.

If no one wants other's help, why would they even be on a relationship support forum?

At least I'm not in such a pathetic state in my life that I have to go all the Thailand to find a companion. You are the 'tard.

Apparently you or your fiance are coming all the way from another country, so please, do not pass judgment on others. If you weren't, you wouldn't be here. EVERYONE on this site is bringing loved ones from other countries, so it is a VERY BAD move for you to be insulting people who find love in far off places.

This is a support forum, so if you cannot be supportive, please, do not post.

Keep it nice please people.

too bad Elian Gonzalaz wasn't given that protection.

I thought that, too. Maybe you have to do the process legally for it to apply. I dunno.

i think it just made too much news; it was an embarrassment to Castro. therefore, he had to try and show that people were NOT drowning just to try and escape Cuba an bring their kids to another country.

i just hope the kid's happy. how traumatic would that be for a 6y/o to lose his mother, then be literally torn from the arms of his uncle, by some freakin swat team. all for political reasons, no one (in the government) cared about the kid's welfare; they didn't want to piss Castro off.

no one has to convince me that living in Cuba is a hardship.