Newbie but not really

[momof1 205]

I've been an occasional VJ lurker for a few years, but am just now joining. I'm hoping to meet some new friends in similar situations who have survived this process.

I'm not looking for sympathy or a pat on the back. I'm happy to finally be nearing the end of a 10 year long immigration journey, and hope to support and encourage those who are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. I spent 27 months separated from my spouse so I know how difficult it is, and I'm thinking about all of thsoe who are waiting.

Here's a bit about us :

Husband fled Algeria in early 1996. Lived on the streets in Turkey for 3 years.

Entered the US fraudulently under the Visa Waiver Program in August 1999.

Hired a lawyer and filed for political asylum in early 2000

Met and married husband in August 2002

Son born with congenital heart defect in August 2003

Husband worked legally with a valid SSN and EAD for 7 years

Filed I-130 Feb 2003

Asylum denied by IJ June 2005

I-130 approved July 2005 after pending for 2.5 years...thank you name check

BIA appeal late 2005

BIA denial 2006

8th Circuit appeal late 2006

April 25, 2007 taken into custody at local immigration office after reporting for a notice to appear. Attended with our lawyers and our son-was told it was "meeting" about his case.

Filed to stay his deportation with 8th circuit cout-approved

Spent 106 days in a county jail while waiting to be deported

8th circuit vacated their stay of removal-sent back to Algeria on August 9, 2007

Stuck at NVC for a year because Turkey refused to issue a police clearance certificate because there was no record of him.

Police clearance received while I was in Algeria to see my husband

July 12, 2008 immigrant visa interview in Algiers-visa denied, filed 601 waiver of inadmissibility and 212 permission to reapply after removal that day

October 2008 waivers received in Rome after 90 days of background checks

602/212 waivers approved April 24, 2009-file sent to Algiers

Visa issued June 13, 2009

Husband re-entered the US in Minneapolis July 24, 2009

My husband has now been home for just over 3 months, and we're enjoying reconnecting as a family again. Thanks for taking the time to read. See ya'll around.

Edited November 3, 2009 by momof1

[Chris Me lil D 17]

I've been an occasional VJ lurker for a few years, but am just now joining. I'm hoping to meet some new friends in similar situations who have survived this process.

I'm not looking for sympathy or a pat on the back. I'm happy to finally be nearing the end of a 10 year long immigration journey, and hope to support and encourage those who are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. I spent 27 months separated from my spouse so I know how difficult it is, and I'm thinking about all of thsoe who are waiting.

Here's a bit about us :

Husband fled Algeria in early 1996. Lived on the streets in Turkey for 3 years.

Entered the US fraudulently under the Visa Waiver Program in August 1999.

Hired a lawyer and filed for political asylum in early 2000

Met and married husband in August 2002

Son born with congenital heart defect in August 2003

Husband worked legally with a valid SSN and EAD for 7 years

Filed I-130 Feb 2003

Asylum denied by IJ June 2005

I-130 approved July 2005 after pending for 2.5 years...thank you name check

BIA appeal late 2005

BIA denial 2006

8th Circuit appeal late 2006

April 25, 2007 taken into custody at local immigration office after reporting for a notice to appear. Attended with our lawyers and our son-was told it was "meeting" about his case.

Filed to stay his deportation with 8th circuit cout-approved

Spent 106 days in a county jail while waiting to be deported

8th circuit vacated their stay of removal-sent back to Algeria on August 9, 2007

Stuck at NVC for a year because Turkey refused to issue a police clearance certificate because there was no record of him.

Police clearance received while I was in Algeria to see my husband

July 12, 2008 immigrant visa interview in Algiers-visa denied, filed 601 waiver of inadmissibility and 212 permission to reapply after removal that day

October 2008 waivers received in Rome after 90 days of background checks

602/212 waivers approved April 24, 2009-file sent to Algiers

Visa issued June 13, 2009

Husband re-entered the US in Minneapolis July 24, 2009

My husband has now been home for just over 3 months, and we're enjoying reconnecting as a family again. Thanks for taking the time to read. See ya'll around.

whew boy what a story... glad it all worked out at the end. enjoy your marriage journey now

was laughing at your timeline comment: Only negative is that he was pulled to the side in the tunnel immediately after exiting the plane. Grilled about how he got his visa and why he had to leave the US and how his US born wife became a citizen. In the end he was let go with a smile.

OMG, are immigration officers dummies, or what?

P.S. and welcome to VJ officially as a member

[beejay 123]

To say your journey has been a long one would be an understatement. Congratulations on reuniting your family. Now is a time to focus on your future not your past.

All the best!

-b

[redglasses 1]

Wow, it was a long journey.

I am happy that you two are finally together with peace of mind!

[Arabella 4]

Wow what a story! Grats and your new life together!