Million Fiance/Spouse March on Washington

[MN&UK 0]

In another thread a woman made me sad to think that we might not even get to spend the holidays with our loved ones due to the slow aftermath of IMBRA. When once we were imagining spending summer walks with our sweeties, now we are merely hoping to not let this whole year slip away.

I think we should seriously assemble on the mall in DC in solidarity to bring awareness of the incompetence of this process. Even 5,000 folks, some in wedding gowns, some in tuxes holding cardboard cut outs of their spouses symbolizing the wedding that never was, or put on hold, or cancelled or marriages spent apart would be impactful. That would be a powerful image and I know it would get a lot of media attention, which is what we want.

I am serious - we should pick a date and go for it - sometime weeks before the election heats up or weeks after. Even if some of us actually get approved, we can still march to show support for future or current petitioners stuck in the cog.

It will be peaceful, but impactful. The undocumented workers protested and look what that did.

[AndyMisiu 0]

Well, I'd show up in support, but not in a tux or with cardboard cutouts. Let me know when and where and I'm there. I would do anything to make this process go faster. You should think of something else we could do to involve the rest of the country that can't make the trip.

[William33 110]

Perhaps a more effective approach would be to protest just outside the CSC building!!!

Of course, they have our photos!!

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Perhaps a more effective approach would be to protest just outside the CSC building!!!

Of course, they have our photos!!

LOL! That's true. Our petitions would be denied for sure protesting in front of CSC. We'll have to hire some stand-ins.

[vicki/bala 0]

count me in.........!! can we bring family and friends to help support us too???

Something needs to be done to change the way this system runs!

vicki/bala

[vartan 0]

LOL! That's true. Our petitions would be denied for sure protesting in front of CSC. We'll have to hire some stand-ins.

Luckily here in the US we have the right to peaceful demonstrations..

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I don't have the details but about 3 or 4 years ago there was a similar process outside of the Texas Service Center by K-1 visa applicants protesting the extremely long processing times. The times were in the same vicinity as they are now - and apparently it was somewhat successful as the center did speed up, and surprisingly, some of those protesting received their visas in a very short time after the protest. Wish I had the details but maybe a google search might show something - it was reported in the newspapers.

[MN&UK 0]

Good point they have photographic evidence ;0

We could certainly do something virtually - a virtual protest. We could do a photo montage of us couples and families with a brief testimonial on our longing to be reunited. Photos can be flanked by a well written open letter to USCIS, stating that we are trying to do the right thing and negotiate our way through the proper immigration channels and we have encountered set backs, lack of timely or accurate information, cryptic emails, snappish customer service and ever increasing timelines. We can talk about the toll it is taking on all of us, our faith in our government and our livlihoods.

Remember the beautiful tributes to the 911 victims that circulated heavily? Perhaps we can create something like that. Something that will garnish a little sympathy and hopefully some action and media attention.

Now I am not exactly sure how to go out the next step, technologically, but we can start by forming a committee to see what we can pull together and enlist help from others. I am sure if we all put our minds and hearts into something, our vast network of contacts and talent will produce something amazing.

How do we start a list for folks to sign up for a steering committee to come up with a plan? Thoughts? Brainstorm.

I don't have the details but about 3 or 4 years ago there was a similar process outside of the Texas Service Center by K-1 visa applicants protesting the extremely long processing times. The times were in the same vicinity as they are now - and apparently it was somewhat successful as the center did speed up, and surprisingly, some of those protesting received their visas in a very short time after the protest. Wish I had the details but maybe a google search might show something - it was reported in the newspapers.

Thanks for the tip. I will do some research. I think it gives us something to focus on - perhaps making a positive change rather than falling into helplessness.

Edited July 20, 2006 by MN&UK

[AstroM33 0]

Give me the time and date and I am there. Here or in D.C. I have family in DC so it would be great for me. I am tired of having all my hopes dashed simply because of lack of planning. They knew IMBRA would take effect and yet it seems that no one thought to do anything in preparation for it.

[myrtle1980 0]

I thought the same thing to myself about protesting in DC. Its funny but the average American assumes that if you are married especially that you can at least visit your spouse. I'm assuming they would probably also assume that if you are in love and engaged too that you would be able to go ahead and get married in a free country. We are all very diligent and frustrated on this website so we should come up with something even possible a petition. I'm not sure how that all goes but I will keep my eyes and ears open. We gotta let people know.

[luvaLimey 0]

right... if I've got enough money for a plane ticket, I'd rather spend it going to see my finace than walking around on some grassy strip to prove nothing.

[texasseoul 0]

In prison, at least they get conjugal visits. We are being treated lower than a incarcerated criminal. Guilty before innocent.

A march and continued inquiries to our congressman and senators will have an impact.

[MN&UK 0]

In prison, at least they get conjugal visits. We are being treated lower than a incarcerated criminal. Guilty before innocent.

A march and continued inquiries to our congressman and senators will have an impact.

I love that! Conjugal visit...I think I will tell me fiance to use that when he arrives at the POE next month. That's perfectly describes it

[Canuck Carrie 1]

In addition, it might be prudent to send a letter to the USCIS Ombudsman

A bunch of us did it last year when the CSC slowed to a halt, I'm not sure if it helped but it didn't hurt either.

[no name 1]

We need a website. We can then send out press releases to major newspapers/media outlets/senators.

We can put letters & pictures on it.

I'm in for whatever you do.