The first Gay K-1 Fiance Visa Progress with DOMA repeal on the Horizon (Tim & Keno)

[lierre 224]

Yes, any tips? What will it be like once the US finally allows gays to petition? I know the Phil isn't very pro-gay, but it's a US embassy - do you predict many issues?

I'm Filipino but I'm not going to interview in the Philippines because I am living with my husband in Japan and will interview here instead.

I read that you said same sex Canadian couples don't have any issues with CFO seminars? That's a very great sign then!

The Philippines has quite conservative views on same sex marriage, divorce, contraception, and abortion. However, I believe your only dealings with the Phil government will be with paperwork. Thankfully, documents (like the NBI clearance) don't ask at all about gender, so the likelihood of your fiance being discriminated against seems zero.

I don't understand why a Filipino consul is said to be a hindrance to the process. First of all, whether American or Fil-American, these consuls have an allegiance to uphold US immigration policies. If the DOMA repeal will happen and TIm & Keno can apply for K-1, the consulate shouldn't be concerned with what the Filipino opinion is and only making sure that the petitioner & beneficiary meet all the legal requirements.

[Dave&Janiz 3]

Goodluck on your journey!

[KennyJ 10]

Keno and I are starting to slowly prepare all the documentation we are going to need to submit our I-129F. We want to take our time with the whole process to make sure every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed. Being one of the first same-sex bi-national couples to immigrate to the US on a K-1 visa on the heels of a potential victory in the Supreme Court on June 27th means we don't want anything to go wrong on our end.

While we cannot file our I-129F until DOMA is repealed, we want to be ready the instant it is to submit our paperwork because it is such a time-consuming process.

Keno is currently securing his passport quality photos which he will include in his packet of info (G-325a, statement of intent to marry) that he will send to me in late January. He should have them within the week.

To everyone who supports us, thank you very much - you have no idea how much kind words and support means to us.

To those who wish us ill or dislike us because of our sexuality, please just avoid posting inflammatory comments and leave us be - that's all we ask and we do wish you the best of luck on your journey to bring your loved one to the US.

Good luck with your journey also is Iowa legalized same sex marriage? It might be matter in your filing since you have to marry your partner within 90 days.

[B & G 200]

First of all it's sight and not site. Two totally different things. And it is my right to tell you that your views about God and Jesus have no place in this particular post or forum for that matter.

There is another forum Politics and Religion. Please go and rant there.

Edited January 7, 2013 by Kathryn41
to remove quoted TOS violation

[Penguin_ie 5,986]

**** one post violating TOS removed ****

[a+j 77]

I wish you all the best in the process.

Good luck! If I were you I'd consider opening a blog or something to keep others posted.

Edited January 7, 2013 by a+j

[JustUs 3]

Technically the photos are supposed to be recent, but USCIS won't really know how old they are.

You should certainly set up a page or a blog when you are ready to start the process!

Most definitely should do this. This is a wonderful story and journey that others would so appreciate. Wish you both much joy, love, and success on your journey!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

First I want to clarify I am not anti-gay and wish for all Americans to have the same rights.

My concern on this issue is, and has been, that the Defense of Marriage Act was passed September 21, 1996. Before that time, it did not exist. There were no same sex K-1s BEFORE the Defense of Marriage Act. When/If the DOMA is struck down, why would they begin issuing same sex K-1s when they did not before?

Unless the SCOTUS not only vacates the DOMA, but also rules that the Federal Government CANNOT discriminate on ANY Federal benefit, we are back to where we were before DOMA which means no same sex K-1s. Obama COULD make an executive order requiring USCIS and DOS to issue same sex K-1s also, but executive orders can be rescinded by the next President so that is not satisfactory in the long run

I suppose an activist group could challenge the government's refusing K-1s to same sex couples based on the DOMA being vacated, but that could take years. Nothing wrong with being prepared but the ruling on DOMA itself is not likely to make any difference immediately

[imagineyouandme 12]

K-1 visas were not issued prior to DOMA because same-sex marriage did not exist in America then. Now that there are states that do have same-sex marriage, it is a different story. Also, whether a same-sex couple can apply for immigration benefits if they marry in New York for example, but live in Texas where same-sex marriage is not recognized, will depend on the SCOTUS ruling and opinion.

Best of luck to you two.

[mtcmk1 37]

Good luck! The photos cannot be older than 30 days old. LEt me know if you need any help!

[M_&_R 77]

I wish you all the best. No matter what obstacles anyone puts in your path, keep coming back until you are successful. Kudos to you for blazing the trail.

Regarding the photos, I don't know if you'd want to go this route since you want everything completely perfect, but my fiance scanned his and I printed the photo here. He hasd it taken in Mexico, then scanned it with the highest resolution possible and emailed it to me. I created an 8x10 that included multiple copies of it, being careful to do it to the proper scale. Then I uploaded the file to Walgreens to be printed as an 8x10 photo on their photo machines. I cut it up, and had all the copies I needed in one shot. It worked for us.

My husband and I are on the adjustment of status now - and I read that the photos for that are supposed to be no older than 30 days, so we're doing it again. Of course it's a lot easier now that he's right here!

Best of luck.

M

[bigdog 376]

What ever happens keep a running journal.

[Boggy1974 124]

I am certain your journey will be successful for fairness sake!

Goodluck!!!

[lunaboriken 2]

Perhaps there is always the first step forward to open new chances for others.

[lunaboriken 2]

One thing I do want to stress is that whether or not USCIS approves or denies your petition, your relationship is what matters the most. Being together and having a continuous relationship should be your top priority at all times.