Harsh Question

[EmelyNJoel 43]

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.

The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.

No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.

So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.

I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

Edited February 24, 2012 by Joelb1

[GoingCrazy2012 16]

I could not agree any more with your post and this is why. I'm married for the second time and have two children from my previous marriage, so technically I have to qualify for a household of 4 ... Although, I agree that being in love is very basic fundamental pillar of a marriage; love is just one piece of the puzzle. I agree with you, that one must consider and always take into the account the responsibility you assume when you sign the I-864 but more than that is to think realistically and determine if you have the economic means to support your spouse. It's just common sense stuff.

[karalynn1971 26]

I completely agree! Those levels are low. As far as the planned pregnancy.....I do agree...although I had my first child young and unmarried. But now, with this 2nd marriage, we took precautions so I would not be pregnant! And we agreed not to even attempt a child until he has a job, and we are definitely stable.

Common sense....is not all that common.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The income requirements should be at least 200% of poverty level for certain family members. Many classes of visa should be done away with, including the all the K visas. Restrictions need to be tighter on foreign worker visas. The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated, as should be refiling ad infinitum just to stay in the US. If you overstay, you go home, no reprieve, no waiver, no AP, no EAD.

[GandK 168]

The income requirements should be at least 200% of poverty level for certain family members. Many classes of visa should be done away with, including the all the K visas. Restrictions need to be tighter on foreign worker visas. The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated, as should be refiling ad infinitum just to stay in the US. If you overstay, you go home, no reprieve, no waiver, no AP, no EAD.

Why don't we bump up the minimum income requirement to 1000% and while we are at it, the beneficiary needs to be able to demonstrate a college degree and speak at least 5 languages as well.

/sigh

[Moomin 292]

In some ways, I understand your question. You have to understand who are the people searching for love overseas, whether it's intentional or not. Once that question is answered, you'll have a better understanding of the first question.

A college student can't automatically make a bunch load of money - but their income may improve in the future.

I was a aware of my husband not being rich. You don't get rich by having a normal job, and having much time on your hands and spend 5-7 hours a day talking through skype. I'd have to only eat hay for 20 years to believe in anything else. But if he was on a business trip, staying at d'Angleterre in Copenhagen and we'd have met there, the situation changes. To put things in perspective, minimum wage in Denmark is about 3 times a much as it is in the US.

--

I think the poverty guidelines are reasonable because they're not fictive figures. Some families do actually manage to get by fine for less while others are struggling with twice the amount. Take a look at the posts for budget for groceries/food here on VJ. We've talked about children(already have a stepson) but I tend to laugh about it right now.

[Dakine10 5,452]

The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated.

This is by design - so technically not a loophole.

[Moomin 292]

The income requirements should be at least 200% of poverty level for certain family members. Many classes of visa should be done away with, including the all the K visas. Restrictions need to be tighter on foreign worker visas. The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated, as should be refiling ad infinitum just to stay in the US. If you overstay, you go home, no reprieve, no waiver, no AP, no EAD.

Pr default sign away the AOS opportunity at POE when visiting? I'd say prove life changing event when filing for AOS rather than eliminating it completely.

I'm fond of the K1 visa but I'd put the i-864 at embassy level instead of later on. Meeting once in two years changed to within the last year.

[EmelyNJoel 43]

1330057738[/url]' post='5176277']

The income requirements should be at least 200% of poverty level for certain family members. Many classes of visa should be done away with, including the all the K visas. Restrictions need to be tighter on foreign worker visas. The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated, as should be refiling ad infinitum just to stay in the US. If you overstay, you go home, no reprieve, no waiver, no AP, no EAD.

200% high, but debatable...I am pursuing a K1 myself, so I can't agree there...The worker visa wasn't part of my topic, but I agree it needs to be largely cut back.A reasonable number of extensions needs to be established, then stuck with.Staying during adjudication seems like good due process...On overstaying, I'd look at individual history. But resident status is a big thing, and I'd expect people would keep closer track of it if they really wanted to remain.

[Leatherneck 693]

I tend to agree with you here, the Poverty Guidelines would be a challenge for a single person to have a decent existence, depending on where one lives. But to think of trying to be married and only be at 125% of the Poverty level is scary, then adding children to the mix is quite frankly frightening.

With an income hovering meagerly above the Poverty Guidelines, there is little room for emergencies or for the things in life that just tend to happen.

In the politically correct environment of today, one is considered 'mean,' 'hateful' or lacking compassion to suggest that others be responsible for themselves and take responsibility for their actions.

[Kevin_USA 9]

The income requirements should be at least 200% of poverty level for certain family members. Many classes of visa should be done away with, including the all the K visas. Restrictions need to be tighter on foreign worker visas. The loophole of staying in the country on an expired visa/I-94, etc, while the I-485 is being adjudicated should be eliminated, as should be refiling ad infinitum just to stay in the US. If you overstay, you go home, no reprieve, no waiver, no AP, no EAD.

I couldn't disagree more.

The US is a country of immigrants, yet your forefathers and mine could not legally have come to this country under today's rules. Diversity is one of the reasons we are the greatest country in the world and one which people want to immigrate too. We should make it far easier and quicker to legally immigrate to this country. I also see no reason why the work done in Vermont and California could not be outsourced to a private company. Doing so would surely cut the process time by 75%. They should also add a service for expedited applications at a premium, say double the normal fee.

Yes, increase the salary requirements for K-1 Visas to 200% and eliminate co-sponsors (Active military should not be subject to these rules). If you are poor, you need to get better job or better education before you try to raise a family. Countries who routinely threaten the USA should have severe immigrations restrictions. No K-1 / CR-1 Visas for countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, or Pakistan (except for active military).

People who have bona fide skills we need in this country should have a fast track to immigrate here. We should be attracting some of those Chinese engineering students and Filipino nurses. First generation immigrants as a group are the most successful entrepreneurs in America.

[X Factor 1,110]

I concur the level is very low but I guess it takes into consideration college students and others whose circumstances are legit.

[newlyweds2010 208]

I couldn't disagree more.

The US is a country of immigrants, yet your forefathers and mine could not legally have come to this country under today's rules. Diversity is one of the reasons we are the greatest country in the world and one which people want to immigrate too. We should make it far easier and quicker to legally immigrate to this country. I also see no reason why the work done in Vermont and California could not be outsourced to a private company. Doing so would surely cut the process time by 75%. They should also add a service for expedited applications at a premium, say double the normal fee.

Yes, increase the salary requirements for K-1 Visas to 200% and eliminate co-sponsors (Active military should not be subject to these rules). If you are poor, you need to get better job or better education before you try to raise a family. Countries who routinely threaten the USA should have severe immigrations restrictions. No K-1 / CR-1 Visas for countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, or Pakistan (except for active military).

People who have bona fide skills we need in this country should have a fast track to immigrate here. We should be attracting some of those Chinese engineering students and Filipino nurses. First generation immigrants as a group are the most successful entrepreneurs in America.

I agree, but I don't understand why active military should not be within the same rule. military spouses eat and get sick, too, and the money they need is the same as civilians.

[Kelly C 16]

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.

The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.

No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.

So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.

I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

This is an interesting question. I think bringing a foriegn national to the USA with the intent to start a family on an income of 125% of the poverty level would be very challenging. One of my concerns as a USC would be, will they become a burdon (public assistance) in any-way?

I have worked hard most of my life, and probobly considered "middle class". I resented the fact that there were some people abusing public-assistance programs.

Having said that. I am near that 125% threshold now. I own my property, vehicles are paid for, liquid, etc. I would think I have a chance at success of starting a family compared to other scenarios.

This is a question that is very thought provoking and one that deserves discussion.

Kelly

[Kelly C 16]

I agree, but I don't understand why active military should not be within the same rule. military spouses eat and get sick, too, and the money they need is the same as civilians.

Our active military is the reason we can bring foreign nationals here. Lets salute them. If they made 1/2 of what they deserve, they would be 500% of the poverty guidelines. Thank you all who serve this Great Country!