yailukmuu

As this thread winds down, thank all of you for your valuable opinions and information. I'll update someday.

Shame on you doug/sherr, sue a poor immigrant, and payment...one peso, two peso, three peso...
Ok, joking aside, believe it or not, that's good advice.
Now suing her for criminal damages is impossible--end of story. Suing her for Civil damages is possible but she's in AZ, for me to do that I'd have to go to Arizona.
But here's an interesting twist... At the end of the year I was married. I will send her a copy of "our" 1040 filed married/jointly. If she refuses I have no option other than to file married as single. This will increase my tax by about $1000.
There is a precedent that when a spouse refuses to file as married/jointly for no reason then reasonable damages resulting from such refusal are usually allowed. Appropriate reasons might be that the spouse knows of gambling income that is not reported.
My state allows me to file in small claims court and serve out of state by mail. Should she refuse to agree to sign the married/joint return (and there would be no reason to not since on the married/joint there is zero owed) I will file a civil suit. It costs $70, judgement will be granted automatically if she does not appear or hire a lawyer. Now most will say: "big deal...she's in Cebu, how 'ya going to collect."
Well, let's consider that in a few years she finds another sucker, or does manage to stay in the US. Well, a NH Small Claims award is good for 20 years, renewable for another 20 years.
Interesting eh?

CNTrav, you want evidence of a case where a K-1 petitioner who married, can successfully withdraw an I-864 while still married. Is that correct?
Well, as ashamed as I am to admit it, I am that case.
I mailed a letter to the NBC where my ex's AOS application was being processed, asking to withdraw my I-864 and approved I-129f petition. I explained the reason for the withdrawal, that I would be filing a divorce soon. I called the USCIS 800 number after 3 weeks passed, to find out if they could tell me if my I-864 was withdrawn. They didn't know anything. I filed for divorce in September. At the end of September, I mailed them another letter, requesting withdrawal of the I-864 and I-129f. A week later, I received a letter in the mail from the field office in Omaha, Nebraska. It basically said:
"On [date they received my letter], we received a request asking to withdraw Form I-864.....and Form I-129f....
We have accepted your withdrawal....there is no option to appeal. This does not preclude you from filing a new petition should you choose to do so."
I have received confirmation from USCIS that my I-864 was withdrawn, in October. I am still not divorced yet, my divorce will not be final until April 1.
There is your case, CNTrav.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

Scsummers, Aaron wrote: “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
I’ll accept that you and your lady are truly in love, and have developed a legitimate relationship that will endure. So please put what I say into that context.
Aaron is incorrect. The real risk, which is evidenced by the flack that you’re tending to get here, is that, frankly, this has red flags written all over it. Now I realize that red flags, even an abundance of them never, ever proves anything. Red flags are a call to “pay attention.” From my point of view, even if you and she are 101% legit, those red flags are real, and from my few years here, though the “stinkeye protocol” doesn’t formally exist anyplace—in reality, at Consulates it indeed does.
You say: “Please keep personal observations and advice to the lovesick to yourself. I am only interested in what the law says about my situation. ANYTHING I learn here I will use to ask questions when I consult an attorney.”
Well, again, not being in the least cynical, I’ll say: You had best find a really knowledgeable lawyer who deals exclusively with immigration law and whose entire practice is solely American/Philippine immigration. The reason is simple—most lawyers don’t know a lot about specific Consulates—yet they need to. You can hardly find a one who will say: “good question—I really don’t know.”
As far as “law” goes, keep in mind that the “law,” is not always your concept of “law.” For instance routinely State Supreme Courts will get many hundreds of appeals and yet will only “accept” a few. The rest are relegated to Limbo—forever, never to be answered. And btw—this is all legal.
Well, like it or not, Embassy law is very, very much in the same area. Consulates are free to essentially do as they wish. Case in point: Thailand’s Consulate will never, ever allow a child out of Thailand without the express permission of both parents—even if, for instance the father of a child never married the mother, never supported her, and never had contact with the child. This flies in the face of pretty much any State law of America. The point is—with Consulates, attempts to force “the letter of the law,” will usually get you no place. Sad, but true—I’ve been there, done that. If you can spend a few hundred thousand, well—you might get someplace, if not, my suggestion is “give it up,” regardless of how unfair it seems to be—or is, Constitutional Law is not as it once was--you know that already.
Consider that Philippine Consulate’s rules are entirely different. An “unwed child,” under the age of 7 is almost always passed through a K-1 or a marriage Visa without a glance. Different Consulate—different “law.” Reality, like it or not.
Is the “stinkeye” a reality? In my humble opinion—you bet’cha. Do you have to listen, no—of course not. Do as you wish.
But back to “The only risk is not getting the visa and be married living in two countries.”
No the risk is far, far greater. The risk is that like my spouse who came here in November on a K-1, who married me and then dumped me for no reason, apparently not realizing that I could withdraw my Affidavit of Support—you too may be being set-up for something similar. I’m not saying it is so, just that it’s something to consider because in my opinion—the Consulate will consider it.
Hear me out please—in some cases everything will be legit, perhaps like yours—in others, like my case, not so—only to seen in hindsight. For instance I should have seen the light. In her family already, two older sisters had married elderly men with significant medical issues, read, “not too many years to live”. Hey, I won’t even fault that—a lovely Filipina who spends ten or 15 years making a man’s last year’s glorious, well it might make for a fair trade. Maybe my fault was that my spouse decided that I'd just live too long--who knows? I no longer think about it.
Just please realize—that even if in your case you and your lady appear and are in fact, from your point of view to be truly legit—that many here, including me, that see huge red flags. And as we do, so too will most Consulate officials. So you are warned—if you believe 100% that you are not being played, and I will assume that is the case, at least realize that your lady (perhaps for very good reasons) have already set off alarms. So like it or not, you will get the stinkeye (oops—scrutinized closely).
I’d suggest that you just think about how it appears from a distant perspective. And I sure hope that she is, as you undoubtedly are—100% legit. A few days ago I wrote out a $1000 check to a lawyer, bringing the total expended for divorce to $3700, and this is just for the divorce I'm forced into, I'm ignoring the K-1 cost including the $1070 fee that cleared on the same exact day she disappeared. And to think—I was so sure that my fiancée/wife was legit—yes, it blows my mind. But the reality is that especially in the Phils, now that H1-B’s are becoming more and more difficult to acquire (either legitimately or illegitimately) there will be, and in fact, is, at least that is what I expect, an increase in “coached” Visa shopping. “Coaching is where someone usually in the US coaches a relative in how to get here.”
A few red flags that you might want to watch for: Relatives/friends who are in the US, especially if they are illegal, or hold H1-B Visa’s without sufficient credentials, such as a healthcare worker who is not a specialized, experienced RN. And especially watch for relatives that are “hidden,” now that is a deadly flag not to be ignored—when you know many in the family, but there is one or two that you heard about—but for some reason—never get much concrete data about, as was in my case. Also look for relatives/friends who have married men not particularly desirable in America's female materialistic world. Remember red flags never condemn anyone but they are an indication to pay very close attention.
I’m a smart guy—I was duped. Looking back, I will not fault myself, it was that well done. Remember that here in America a Filipina working as a simple LNA (Licensed Nurses Assistant) will earn $41,600 gross. ($20x40x52) Without the LNA, she might earn $41,600 (without overtime) under-the-table--more than if she works legitately. Tell me, which is the best option?
I have a friend who works at a huge nickel mind in Mindanao, her title is Administrator in Charge of Documentation—she has a college degree. She grosses about $250/month. Yes in one year a Filipina who gets to America by any means will earn, at a minimum, if she is smart in one year what my friend earns in almost 14 years. In a mere two years here she can earn what a Filipina in Mindanau with a college degree can earn in a lifetime. And in the eyes of her family, she may be a hero—no thought will ever occur about what happened to that nice guy?
I’m not here to insinuate—but if you cannot see the possibility of fraud well… I’ll let you think about that. And if you believe that there is no possibility, as I did…go for it, but listen—the people here know more than most “immigrant” lawyers do. Look at it from a Consulate official who knows that this year xx thousand Visas will be issued and within so many years the American sponsor will find himself (or herself in the case of some African/Middle East cases) divorced, and the possibly taken “to the laundry.”
If nothing else, I hope this gives you some insight into how others see your case, even if that irks you.
I wish you the best of luck, especially as you have given up so much for your country already. You deserve both a wonderful relationship and one here in the States.

If you want to argue semantics that's fine, but it's not going to help your case in any way. I would listen to what people here say rather than thinking yourself clever.
It also does not mean you have any chance at an expedite. If you really want to submit in your petition "I would have a hardship if this person who is in the country illegally left" then that's entirely your business, and I would love to hear about how that goes. Again, I feel like you're trying to be a little too clever and find a way around the other 500,000 people with petitions out there, but this isn't USCIS' first rodeo, and I can assure you no matter what you think of it's already been done and tried and accounted for.
Your best bet for this petition to be successful is to piece evidence together as quickly as possible, have everything that needs and original signature signed, and then for her to return to her country immediately.

Yes, you can petition her. However, you have zero chance of approval.

Her K-1 visa expired the day she entered the U.S. Her I-94 allowed her to remain in the U.S. for 90 days. If her I-94 expired yesterday, then she is now an overstay. She has no way to stay in the U.S. and adjust her status because she did not marry her petitioner.
She needs to leave the U.S. She also needs to have her petitioner withdraw the petition. Once the petition is withdrawn, then you can petition her. Your petition is going to get the stink eye at the Embassy because of her back-to-back petitions and because of her overstay.

For the CR-1, you need to be married. Anywhere in the world. Married is married.
K-1 is going fast right now, just a few months. I'd opt for that.
If you don't have income you'll need 3X the 125% poverty line in assets. So if you don't have $60K cash, you'll need a co-sponsor.

Throes of passion my friend, throes of passion.
The more time I spend on VJ the more I see things from the viewpoint of a CO and their sometimes intrusive line of questioning.

A degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry is not specialized (I'm not putting you down, I have a BS in Chemistry).
However if you did a Doctorate's thesis and experimentation on weaponization of Bacillis anthraxis (Anthrax)then you move into the realm of "specialized." That they would want to hear about, naturally, though "they" would already know, I'm betting.
As coffeeannan has asked, please update us...