B2 for Colombian Mother-In-Law

[Mikesway 0]

I am a born and raised US citizen. My wife is a GC holder she has been here for about a year and a half. We have a 7 month old baby girl and we would like her to meet her grandmother. Unfortunately, we are unable to travel to Colombia any time soon because I have a new job. I have a question about "Strong ties to Colombia".

My mother in law is a stay at home mom. She has two young children (8 and 10). She is hoping to come here for a month. She will be paying a family member to care for the boys while she is in the States. Do you think that leaving the boys behind is enough evidence for "Strong ties to Colombia?"

Any suggestions or links to relevant post would be very much appreciated!

[RhettVoe 282]

Offering to leave relatives behind is a quick route to a denial (per State Dept policy)...while not a law, it is mentioned in their policy book....you might think that offering to leave kids behind is a strong reason to return, but in many countries, that is far from true, as the visa holder then attempts to find ways to stay put, then bring the kids over later....I am not saying she would do this, but merely pointing to the kids as the reason to return may not be considered all that much of a reason...after all, I she can pay for child care for a month, why not a year, etc?

[Mikesway 0]

Offering to leave relatives behind is a quick route to a denial (per State Dept policy)...while not a law, it is mentioned in their policy book....you might think that offering to leave kids behind is a strong reason to return, but in many countries, that is far from true, as the visa holder then attempts to find ways to stay put, then bring the kids over later....I am not saying she would do this, but merely pointing to the kids as the reason to return may not be considered all that much of a reason...after all, I she can pay for child care for a month, why not a year, etc?

Thanks for your response!

I never looked at it that way. That makes me a bit nervous. So since she doesn't work, there really isn't much evidence that she can bring? Any suggestions?

[Boiler 45,670]

Before I started perusing these forums I would have said yes, but I have seen so many circumstances where mothers have been seemingly quite happy to abandon their children and move to the US I would now say no.

Thanks for your response!

I never looked at it that way. That makes me a bit nervous. So since she doesn't work, there really isn't much evidence that she can bring? Any suggestions?

It is unusual for anything brought to be looked at.

[Mikesway 0]

Well I wanted honest responses. Other than "taking her word for it", there isn't much we can do. I guess we just get her the interview and hope for the best.

[RhettVoe 282]

she will just have to be herself...but thanks to all those who did abandon their kids, spouse, house and pets, it only makes it more difficult for others.

Did you marry in Colombia or did your (now) spouse arrive on a tourist visa and married in the US, then stayed? That could also make a difference (family members of those who 'changed their minds' with tourist visas are often subject to more intense scrutiny, since it is assumed [probably correct] that the whole family hopes to benefit by the presence and establishment of another family member in the US), but if everything was above board, that could help her case.

[Mikesway 0]

she will just have to be herself...but thanks to all those who did abandon their kids, spouse, house and pets, it only makes it more difficult for others.

Did you marry in Colombia or did your (now) spouse arrive on a tourist visa and married in the US, then stayed? That could also make a difference (family members of those who 'changed their minds' with tourist visas are often subject to more intense scrutiny, since it is assumed [probably correct] that the whole family hopes to benefit by the presence and establishment of another family member in the US), but if everything was above board, that could help her case.

We got married in Colombia, then went through the long I-130 proccess. (about a year).... Since we did it right, hopefully that will help her case. My wife hasn't seen her mother in almost 2 years and our baby needs to know her abuela.

[Boiler 45,670]

She would apply, there is really not much form you to do.