EmelyNJoel

Like a person without specific knowledge. Choose the words you will.
Adjudicators do not see messy files. Mailroom people probably do, but they do not adjudicate your file. It is the purpose to "clean up" the files and present them in an order which speeds up processing. By making all of them IDENTICAL they do this. EACH file is in the same order. All the extra stuff you sent that is not needed is at the back and will probably never be looked at or only if there is some question about something.
We count among our friends who visit our home weekly two VSC adjudicators and a department manager (Alla is giving one of their sons Russian tutoring). And Alla does interpretations for USCIS. They had to bring in an officer from another office to do Alla's citizenship interview as she has personal contact with all the other IO's in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety. I am not guessing.

That's a relief, i was afraid a touch was when the adjudicator was looking at photos of my fiancee.

I just got off the phone with Tuan (TcTTct). His fiancee called Thu and spoke with her. I was told that the doctor said if Thu had shown up to the hospital even 1 day later or something like that, she may have died
Thu did not answer my phone calls because she was afraid I would panic or get angry. My God we dodged a bullet here. My older brother was killed in a car crash 13 years ago and I would not be able to handle losing my Thu. I am so relieved.
I want to thank Tuan for coming to my rescue. You will be a dear friend of mine forever

Ok. My girl just talked to Thu. She's OK now. WeatherEmperor is happy

09/29/2011 entered the US under Visa Waiver Program
10/30/2011 got married
...Your timeline above clearly shows that you lack the moral standing to tell the OP about Fiancee visas or anything of sorts because you clearly had the intention of getting married on your VWP. People who live in glass houses...

VAWA was intended to deal with cases like this, take advantage of it. As for the "go back to your country" replies, come on people, she came here in good faith, that's enough for the USCIS, it's good enough for me.

I see what you mean, but I'd say it's more anxiety inducing than actually scary. I'm SO excited to have started the process and gotten our NOA1 and can't wait to be through the process with visa in hand. I also know that we have a lot of waiting and a couple of places where we could hit a snag (my fiance is still waiting for confirmation from his ex that he can move their kids to the USA). I'm nervous about getting an RFE and making the process take longer, but seeing that some people got through in under a month makes me nervous too. I know getting a really fast NOA2 won't give us the time to present his ex with all the info she and her lawyer have requested. But like leftcoastlady said, all of this is worth it to be with the person you love

1st advice. Get over asking someone for surety. Either you want to be here or not. I'm fairly certain God doesn't care if you ask for help trying to stay with your wife.
1 & 2. Get a better paying job? (that wasn't a joke) Get a second job. (I"m new here, if you're allowed to work, do so, or look for better work too. or a second job for each of you. How bad do you want to get that green card?
3. I'm new enough to not want to tackle this one.
But seriously... Many families work two jobs each, occasionally more... That sucks and can take a toll on relationships, but if you want this, dig deep, and do what you need to do to improve your income to pass the test. Or ask someone to co-sponsor you. (see advice above) bottom line, do what you have to do. By and large, that is a major part of being an American.
And it's not discrimination. The idea is if the relationship falls apart, or something leaves you destitute (with no other income), the Taxpayer isn't forced to pay for your benefits.
125% of poverty level isn't really that much money. My understanding is you can have a low paying job if you've saved sufficiently.

I concur with the above comments -- and a couple of bags of chocolate will make you a hero in the eyes of the small kids in the family.

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

2 points:
1. A national poverty line is an awkward statistic because the cost of living in New York City is many times higher than that of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. While requiring 200% of the poverty line for NYC residents seems reasonable, it is unfair to those in Oshkosh who may be fine at 125%.
2. I think some people have different ideas of what the poverty line indicates. The poverty line is not determined to be that income at which one is "comfortable" (although one could be depending on his or her situation). Instead, it is the minimum amount at which one can afford the basic necessities of life. Basic doesn't mean live in an ok part of the city with cable tv.

Ok, I have another thought.
I think WE as a Nation (in consideration of our founding fathers) and the essence of The United States of America (We the People, not the Government) would like to see our neighbors as, healthy, of good moral character, and basically just "good people".
The core principles here in the USA are IMO getting distorted, and we are becoming less tolerant and more cynical. I mean how long can the good, hardworking, tax-paying citizens of the USA tolerate a society that mandates you pay for others willingness to "mooch". Is that not one of the reasons our forefathers migrated to America, to escape the unfair taxation?
I will put myself out there.
I started my family early (I was not prepared for the powerful emotions of young love and sex) I was 16 when I got my then wife-to-be pregnant.
I went to work as a grease-monkey. In 2 years I was lead mechanic. I did whatever was necessary to provide for my family working 12-14 hours a day 6-7 days a week while paying at-least my fair share of taxes. Over the next nine years I noticed people on "welfare" living pretty good. (here is where my mind started changing) taxes. I changed Jobs several times, struggled at times, was on unemployment a couple of times but always "managed". without ever beening on welfare, and resented some that were.
I sacrificed a lot working as hard as I did broken fingers, hurt back, tendinitis-carpal tunnel, torn ligaments, sprained ankle, etc) I now recieve disability income which in and of itself is hard to reconcile in my mind even tho I paid the damn premiums every month.
Anyways, I think the working people see some citizens and immigrants as "takers".
In my case, I own my property with a $210 payment. My vehicles are paid for. I have lots of stuff,
and have been doin pretty good buyin dog food for my best bud, but I would be devastated if my I-129F was denied because of my income which does not reflect my ability to provide for my family
I believe it is a mind-set to be a "taker" or a "giver", and IMO we all want people "to pull their own weight" while being compassionate enough to help our neighbors without a mandate.
Kelly

I would think that an ABSOLUTE divorce decree would be signed by a coroner, not a judge. Just sayin'

The Envelope contains magic Pixie dust. The officer will open it at the POE, retrieve the dust, and throw it in the air over your Fiancée. You Fiancée will magically be transformed into an American, developing an instant craving for McDonald's French Fries, Walmart, and following Kim Kardashian's Twitter feeds.

Engaged or married matters not, if there is no sex, the petitioner/beneficiary is free to state -- No, that might or might be the end of questions related to sex. If the petitioner reveals there is in fact a sexual component to the relationship, then the CO is likely to probe further looking for inconsistencies.
It does not matter how we, the general public or a petitioner/beneficiary might feel about a line of questioning, they are petitioning for a immigration benefit and the CO is looking for lies and inconsistencies. It is best to be straight forward with the answers and keep the goal of securing the visa in mind.

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

At the end of the day, this entire thread boils down to this: the poverty guideline is totally divorced from the reality of what it means to be impoverished in this country. This is a problem that demographers have known about for years, and for the past several decades the government has floated ideas to change around how we calculate it, but nothing is ever done. The problem is that the guidelines are based way too much on providing "the meager meal." The price of beef has remained relatively stable in this country, but the cost of rent and medical care has shot through the roof. The formula to calculate the poverty level does not accurately reflect this. So we end up saying that a single person making more than $10,890 a year isn't impoverished, even though that doesn't even come close to paying for a single studio apartment in a half-decent part of town in our major cities, or treating a major illness. In most cases, this unrealistically-low number hurts poor people, because it counts them as not-really-poor, and thus cuts them out of all sorts of policies we enact to alleviate poverty. In K1 immigration, it's the reverse, since it's so beneficial to be not among the poor: it helps poor people get their fiancees over here even though they don't make much of anything. If you want to change something, change the way we calculate poverty. Everyone already knows that it sucks.

i think that this thread kinda got sidetracked... plus im right and everyone else is wrong... end of story!!

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

1st advice. Get over asking someone for surety. Either you want to be here or not. I'm fairly certain God doesn't care if you ask for help trying to stay with your wife.
1 & 2. Get a better paying job? (that wasn't a joke) Get a second job. (I"m new here, if you're allowed to work, do so, or look for better work too. or a second job for each of you. How bad do you want to get that green card?
3. I'm new enough to not want to tackle this one.
But seriously... Many families work two jobs each, occasionally more... That sucks and can take a toll on relationships, but if you want this, dig deep, and do what you need to do to improve your income to pass the test. Or ask someone to co-sponsor you. (see advice above) bottom line, do what you have to do. By and large, that is a major part of being an American.
And it's not discrimination. The idea is if the relationship falls apart, or something leaves you destitute (with no other income), the Taxpayer isn't forced to pay for your benefits.
125% of poverty level isn't really that much money. My understanding is you can have a low paying job if you've saved sufficiently.

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

1st advice. Get over asking someone for surety. Either you want to be here or not. I'm fairly certain God doesn't care if you ask for help trying to stay with your wife.
1 & 2. Get a better paying job? (that wasn't a joke) Get a second job. (I"m new here, if you're allowed to work, do so, or look for better work too. or a second job for each of you. How bad do you want to get that green card?
3. I'm new enough to not want to tackle this one.
But seriously... Many families work two jobs each, occasionally more... That sucks and can take a toll on relationships, but if you want this, dig deep, and do what you need to do to improve your income to pass the test. Or ask someone to co-sponsor you. (see advice above) bottom line, do what you have to do. By and large, that is a major part of being an American.
And it's not discrimination. The idea is if the relationship falls apart, or something leaves you destitute (with no other income), the Taxpayer isn't forced to pay for your benefits.
125% of poverty level isn't really that much money. My understanding is you can have a low paying job if you've saved sufficiently.

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

I've seen a number of people complain about the 125% of poverty requirement. 125% of Poverty level is really NOT a lot of money.
The next part might seem harsh, but if 125% of poverty level IS a lot of money to the USC, then maybe they should reconsider whether they have the means to bring a foreign national to the US for marriage, and to start a family.
No I'm not hating... and I don't' want to start a flame war, I just want to make sure people are prepared for their situations. Part of that is planning for the unexpected, having money put away for a rainy day, etc. is part of that being prepared.
So I'm asking the VJ community for their opinions on this. Seriously no flaming. An intelligent discussion on being prepared for major life events.
I'd liken this to couples who actually plan a pregnancy for when they are emotionally and financially ready, and those couples (like most of us) who get pregnant and deal with the repercussions as they are able.

There are far too many variables at play here, and I think anyone who takes a black-and-white view fails to see the whole picture. I, for one, am grateful that the USCIS understands the great variation among its petitioners and tries to accommodate these differences.
I have lived abroad for five years, and would now like to return home to the USA to enter into a PhD program. As a PhD student, I will barely meet the poverty guidelines. I met my husband abroad, and while there are arguments floating around here stating "You could have found your love in the USA," this was not the path my life took. Should I have stopped myself from falling in love with him, because I somehow should have known that I would struggle to meet the poverty guidelines if and when we wanted to move the USA?
My husband's earning potential is high (fingers crossed he will find a job quickly), but is it possible for the two of us to survive on 125% of the poverty line? Absolutely. I have lived on less. However, if the USCIS did not allow me the option to have a co-sponsor, I would probably not be approved and my husband and I would look elsewhere to move.
I think it's fair to say that no two cases are the same. Are there people getting married who can't even support themselves? Sure, but I don't think povery requirements will stop that.
Anyway, I'm just grateful that the USCIS sees each case as individual, and does not apply a one-size-fits-all policy. I would likely fall through the cracks that way.