"High fraud" and "Low fraud" countries.

[Sarah Elle-Même 660]

As a petitioner whose fiance is from a "high fraud" country I do sometimes feel it's unfair to punish everyone for the bad behavior of a few. Other times I understand the Embassies are doing their jobs and that they are responsible for weeding out the bad apples. Also, it's hard to know how unfair the CO's are really being on cases when you're only hearing the side of the story as the VJ members are presenting it. People often omit things to save face, even though they post semi-anonymously on the internet. But truthfully, people with fraudulent intentions come in all nationalities, races, genders, ages, etc. It's just that certain trends have caught the State Department's attention more than others. Why? I cannot say with any certainty. I don't think anyone outside of the State Department can.

What I don't like is that these same Embassies, particularly in the MENA region, are often completely disorganized and at times incompetent and they drag people through AP (administrative processing) purgatory for months and even years because they are under-staffed and because they don't work effectively with local authorities or ministries to get background checks and investigations cleared in a timely manner. Quite a run on sentence but I made my point.

May all with love in their hearts and good intentions in their minds be successful on their visa journey!

[LivA 6]

To tell you the truth though living in NY and knowing many people from outside the US who live here I have met many people from Brazil trying to marry Americans for their visa, and I have met many nanny's from Germany and Europe trying to find some nice American boy so they can stay in the USA.So honestly you can be from anywhere and want the visa.But of course you are right some countries to have a higher tendency of wanting visas more.Like my fiances.lol. Well 2 years into our realtionshp(This Wednesday) Im pretty sure to say we are not fraud.

Edited March 4, 2013 by LivA

[Pinkrlion 2,611]

Firstly, as a disclaimer, this is no offense to anyone from any country in the world, or anyone marrying anyone from any country in the world...

...But I encountered these terms today on VJ, "high-fraud" countries, and "low-fraud" countries, with regards to the fiancée/spousal visa process.

Which countries are considered "high" and which countries are considered "low?"

I'm just curious as it relates to my own process and the processes of friends that I have that are going through the same painful waits that I am.

I don't deny that it happens, but generally find it dehumanizing and ridiculous that some people have to feel totally self-conscious about marrying an American because of the place that they come from.

I just wanted to throw this question out there because I honestly don't know which countries are suspicious of fraud in comparison to others.

What the US considers third world countries are a portion of high fraud. They are very strict with these countries.

[Abell 11]

I would think that countries with higher rate of tourist visa denial can be considered high fraud countries, so if someone really wants to get here but can't they try to find another way in, on the other hand I do know a lot of people who's already here but looking to get married just so they can stay here

[reese1 68]

Well as they say here Nigeria is the Highest fraud on earth, then Pakistan, India, the MENA's (not necessarily in this order). I could really give you my opinion. But if you look at countries that have the hardest time and compare them to other countries people that don't. Well yes there is history but there also is alot of prejudice.

But Brazil no issues. Why would anyone want to leave that beautiful country and isn't the most gorgeous people on earth I read.

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country with gorgeous people and is one of the high fraud countries.

[bigdog 376]

The truth of the matter is their are issues, direct and or indirect which affect the processing of all the files, even if you want to admit it or not. Logically and statistically it would seem their is more fraud in some areas than others, and easier in still other countries. Read the threads, view the wait times and the investigative hurdles member's have gone through. I specifically asked an IO about fraud, and she stated; take nothing for granted, submit a complete and through file to be successful, their is lots of fraud in immigration. We all read the facts and reasoning to get a visa by what ever means even in VJ.

[Ryan H 3,796]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion; topic is applicable to more than just one visa type.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Firstly, as a disclaimer, this is no offense to anyone from any country in the world, or anyone marrying anyone from any country in the world...

...But I encountered these terms today on VJ, "high-fraud" countries, and "low-fraud" countries, with regards to the fiancée/spousal visa process.

Which countries are considered "high" and which countries are considered "low?"

I'm just curious as it relates to my own process and the processes of friends that I have that are going through the same painful waits that I am.

I don't deny that it happens, but generally find it dehumanizing and ridiculous that some people have to feel totally self-conscious about marrying an American because of the place that they come from.

I just wanted to throw this question out there because I honestly don't know which countries are suspicious of fraud in comparison to others.

There is no such thing. Except in the imagination of VJ posters. There also is no "NOA1" or "NOA2" More VJ lingo.

each consulate is empowered to handle the issuance of visas as they see fit to insure that the process is not abused. Different consulates apply different rules, procedures and expectations. Ths is specifically allowed by law and by Department of State policy.

The terms "high fraud" and "low fraud" do not exist in any "list" nor in any government procedure. There are consulates generally more difficult to deal with, some are VERY difficult to deal with and the reasons are determined by the consulate.

Read the consulate reviews for the consulate you will use. Ignore any fabricated terms like "high fraud" and concentrate on the experiences of people and what to expect.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I would think that countries with higher rate of tourist visa denial can be considered high fraud countries, so if someone really wants to get here but can't they try to find another way in, on the other hand I do know a lot of people who's already here but looking to get married just so they can stay here

Russia is a good example. It is very difficult for a Russian or Ukrainian to get TOURIST visa, but the same consulates hand out K-1s and CR-1s with no questions asked all the time

There is no such thing as a "high fraud" country. There are only easy and difficult consulates. the reason they are difficult varies by country

The obligation of the applicant is to demonstrate that the visa is NOT being sought purely for immigration purposes

[Peter_Pan 661]

What about Eastern Europe,is it a high fraud one or no? Why they separate countries like this,do they believe that someone will pass all that way of waiting and expecting just for becaming a USC?It is so hard to stay away from the one you love!

I would say EE is pretty easy, at least it was more of a formality than a hard on interview. We had our s*it together, though, and we had no red flag really. But the guy only asked for pictures, and chatted me up, that was it.

Russia is a good example. It is very difficult for a Russian or Ukrainian to get TOURIST visa, but the same consulates hand out K-1s and CR-1s with no questions asked all the time

Same goes for Romania, it is downright insane that a tourist visa is so difficult to get, compared to a K1.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

Venezuela has a super LOW rate thanks God....Last year ALL of the venezuelan vj members got their visa in both types (k1/cr1) only 2 Administrative review but they also were approved in the end

[Boiler 43,721]

I first came acroos the term some years back, this was a quote by a Lawyer from a then INS Director.

Categories are:

Low

Medium

High

Lagos

In Europe Albania would be high for certain.

[SBB 74]

I would say EE is pretty easy, at least it was more of a formality than a hard on interview. We had our s*it together, though, and we had no red flag really. But the guy only asked for pictures, and chatted me up, that was it.

Same goes for Romania, it is downright insane that a tourist visa is so difficult to get, compared to a K1.

It makes sense. The burden of proof is higher for a nonimmigrant visa than for an immigrant one.

[Maleman 5]

You will find all kinds of biased perspectives in every country and culture. For the most part, I seriously doubt the USCIS is prejudiced against "High Risk" countries. Sadly, we have to be honest about the problem at hand. It's not about coming from a impoverished country, but rather coming here under the wrong pretenses! In other words, it just so happens that more people from underprivileged countries attempt to make their way into America by fraudulent means versus those from striving continents. Thus, the "Red Flags" for "High Risk" nations. However, let us not be fooled, there are many opportunist from many parts of the world. And, as I have quoted many times on this site; "The reason America has an immigration problem, is because America has an immigration problem." There are over eleven million people that have entered America illegally and/or over stayed their visa and never left. Now, let's ask this question, how many of them are receiving tax payer benefits that do not qualify? Here's a deplorable reality that we, the legal participants have to undertake, and that is scrutiny of the utmost unconscionable type that our loved ones have to endure, as well, ourselves. Why, because the honor of being an American has been grossly abused by some of our most highest offices. Yes, while this is a shame, nevertheless, it is a reality due to the fact that our beloved country has been grossly neglected by so many for so long. No matter the name of the land, in order to protect your neighborhood and your family, you have to uphold the laws that regulate peoples welfare. Preserve it, and it will be preserved for your family.

[Jan and Joan 0]

Not really sure. I wouldn't say Eastern Europe is high fraud, no. Generally that's MENA countries like I said, the Phillipines, etc. I'm sure no one on here would, but a lot of people would do a lot to have a chance for a life in the USA. The interview with the VSC director that Gary and Alla posted, he said that Western Europe are generally easy.

What are the MENA countries and what does MENA mean?