Upheaval in Ukraine

[BuvRahl 3]

Luckily for me and my Wife, and her son, we don't have to worry about our immigration process, since they are now in the US as of 2/3/14.

Just curious as to what people think may happen with any of the immigration processes, with the nightmare that is happening within the Ukraine right now. I know any answers would just be speculation, but even answers based on history, and what happens with immigration when countries start to have these kinds of difficulties would be interesting to me.

Of course, the most important thing right now, is that we keep the people of the Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers, including my wife's family and friends.

Thanks,

Lee

[patri10719 8]

I just opened an expediate request on my K1 visa beacuse she lives in Kiev and with everything going on Kiev. She is scared of everything going on, and the city is basically locked down.

[Loving_girl 38]

I am from Kiev too, had an interview recently. Can´t say city is locked down completely, there are some difficulties as for using transport and of course there is violance, but i need to say it´s in the Independance Square (city center), so if you are outside city center you do not feel this too much (except of transport issues).

The US embassy is in completely calm district where nothing is going on. But must admit the situation is difficult, but with the politicians we have, one can never be sure as for what will be the next step in those protests. For now opposition leaders held negotiations with president and they agreed as for time peace....but......the night will show how it will end.

As a person who was in protests in 2004 and 2014, i may say that this can not be compared but there is a high possibility that escalation of the conflict may be solved fast (in case if the president FINALLY does what people ask him to do) and russia steps back.

Let´s hope for the best.

[patri10719 8]

Yes my Fiancee lives a little outside of the city, and she says that the Subway isnt working. She works very close to Maidan and they have completly closed the metro. She is suppose to go to Ternopil to visit her family this weekend but they said they are stopping all trains coming from the west. She is concerned about trying to get back to Kiev. All I can do is ask for an expediate and all they can do is say no. I am more concerned about her safety then probably her.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Transportation in and out of the Kyiv is going to be difficult. Today's additional violence is not helping. The government knows that the western part of Ukraine is very European leaning and therefore they are trying to limit access to the city from the west. It is probably best to contact the embassy for suggestions if someone has an interview scheduled. I'm sure that finding inexpensive lodging is going to be more difficult as the center of the city becomes more tied up.

Our prayers and hopes are with the people of Ukraine. We know that the current government does not care much about the people. The heavy influence from Russia is not helping the situation.

Pray for Ukraine!

[Loving_girl 38]

SLAVA UKRAINI! GEROYAM SLAVA!

[BuvRahl 3]

Sorry so late for a response. Glad people were posting, but I guess I didn't have it marked to see when responses came through.

So glad that things have calmed down in Kiev, at least for the time being. Hopefully, the people will get a new government that responds to their needs openly, without corruption. Also praying that Moscow stays out of it.

I know the US embassy was still open, the last I heard, but also that the US was discouraging travel to the area.

Anyone with stories of going to the embassy during this time, or leaving the country on a K1 Visa at this time?

[felix_ the_ cat 0]

I requested an expatiate and got it approved luckily. Lets hope for the best for the country. It saddens me to see so many of them now support Tymoshenko she is no angel and corrupt as well.

[patri10719 8]

That is strange Felix I called for an expediate and mine got denied for Ukraine. I am not sure what you said to them, or the reasons.

[Dakine10 5,452]

I requested an expatiate and got it approved luckily. Lets hope for the best for the country. It saddens me to see so many of them now support Tymoshenko she is no angel and corrupt as well.

It makes me think of the "Hope and change" vs "change we need" slogans when Obama and McCain were the presidential candidates.

Seems like the the best slogan for change always ends up being - the more things change, the more they stay the same.

[Brian&Larissa 73]

I just requested an expedite today. I requested on the 1st 3 items listed for expediting an application. Hopefully, I will know quickly and have it approved. If I need to send something in, which I fully expect, I already have a nicely worded document. At least I am able to do something..not much, but something to make sure my family is safe and protected. Also, if that means I need to fly to Ukraine....I just need book and then fly!

[patri10719 8]

Let us know what happens with your expediate. I requested one two weeks ago on the 19th when everything was crazy in Kiev, they denied it. The letter came back saying:

Although your situation appears serious, you have not provided evidence of an extreme emergent need, which must meet one of the following criteria:

*Severe financial loss to company or individual;
*Extreme emergent situation;
*Humanitarian situation;
*Nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States;
*U.S. Department of Defense or national interest situation (Note: Request must come from an official U.S. Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to our Government);
*USCIS error; or
*Compelling interest of USCIS.

They did not tell me how to give them this information.

[Brian&Larissa 73]

Per the agent I spoke with today, I am to be contacted to supply information if needed. I was asked for any notations to the request. I made sure that under "Sever financial loss" that, firmly stated, I would be traveling there and that I would have to forgo paychecks to make sure my future family was safe and protected. The "extreme emergent situation" part is pretty self-explanatory. I also stated from a "Humanitarian Situation" as my fiance has 2 children and the stress of the situation, proximity to possible war, lack of safety(if violence) is in question and hardship. The agent took this information, but as I can't see what they type, not sure how it was captured. If they will contact me is also up in the air, but this is what I was advised. Time will tell....