yuna628

This is my annual reminder for older immigrant couples (like my spouse and I).  
 
Social Security monthly retirement benefits (Age 62+)
 Can be earned:
1.  Based on immigrant's own work record OR
2. Based on spouse's work record (must be married for 1 year or more).  This does not affect the SS retirement benefit of the US spouse.  The immigrant is not required to have any SS work credit.  I believe the amount is 50% of spouse's monthly deposit.
 
Medicare (non-special qualifications)
1.  Immigrant must have been a Green Card holder for 5 years.
2.  Normally, immigrant must be 65 years old.  Immigrant can be entitled to receive FREE Medicare Part A (Example: US Spouse is already receiving SS retirement benefits and US spouse already receives free Medicare Part A).  Immigrant will pay the normal Medicare Part B monthly premiums (currently about $174.00) which is deducted from any monthly Social Security benefit deposit. 
 
In our case, I was not aware of the spousal Social Security benefit, so we applied for wife's Social Security and Medicare at the same time (on the same Social Security form) when she turned 65 years old.  It took Social Security only a few days to approve her SS retirement benefit and to start her Medicare Parts A & B.  Coupled with a good Medicare supplement (ours is Tricare For Life), this provides really good health care coverage. 

If you define Kelcie singing like a drunken half dead whale on the stage and her looking at him with one of those smiles that says "oh god what have I done" as a wardrobe malfunction then it was good enough. 😄 

If you define Kelcie singing like a drunken half dead whale on the stage and her looking at him with one of those smiles that says "oh god what have I done" as a wardrobe malfunction then it was good enough. 😄 

Is the citizenship test hard? No. But should it be? Not.. exactly. The fact is many if not most Americans cannot even answer the questions asked, so why should it be any different? For some people, having multiple choice answers could be easier, than having to memorize an exact answer. The fact is, all of us that have been through it with our spouses are relieved that they got through it, and wouldn't want it to be harder for them. Studies show that immigrants-new citizens are even more civic minded, educated about the country, and enthusiastic about being American, compared to those naturally born here.
 
I think where some immigrants have an issue, like my husband for instance, is years of going through the stress and mess of this process, getting to citizenship and realizing "is that it?" It's a weird sort of apprehension, relief, and stages of grief. I reminded him that to become an American, isn't about needing 'pomp and circumstance', ordeal, and fanfare to belong here. Everyone in that room is on a level playing field and deserves to be there and there's beauty in the simplicity. The promise of America is that anyone can be American. Does answering six questions correctly make you any more or any less American? I'm sure many tests have been failed due to nerves rather than not knowing the subject matter. 

I love it when I get up before dawn to get my dad all the way over to a doctor's appointment in time, and then the doctor (well... the PA...) doesn't even know what he's doing there for.
 
I don't love it when the sword wielding scary guy I've noted for many many many months on the street corner (I won't say begging.. because his sign is not asking for money.. I can't say protesting either because the sign is gibberish.. but I'd absolutely say he is a danger to others) and warned the police about, actually did pop off over the weekend and go into local businesses threatening people while naked. If only they like took it seriously before. 
 
My husband tells me his friend is getting a divorce. Was quite a shock. I feel for the guy and I feel for their kids. But he also tells me the situation and I think these two people need serious counselling (she has huge baggage that needs therapy she can't expect her husband to fix). Unfortunately she's the one requesting the divorce, wants pretty much everything, and is demanding to just use one attorney - hers. So both my husband and his friend asked what I thought. I thought it was a terrible idea, recommended the friend find some representation, because it sounds as if he continues to let her dictate all terms of divorce in this way she will clean him out. He's made some mistakes that I don't think any reasonable woman would find that objectionable, but this breakdown is in no way his fault. His way to be amicable without really agreeing to the divorce in the first place, is to let her have what she wants because he still loves her. I've had some female friends get themselves into serious issues in this way when their relationships failed, this is the first time I've seen a guy follow this pattern. Not sure he's going to take my advice. But what can you do?

Is the citizenship test hard? No. But should it be? Not.. exactly. The fact is many if not most Americans cannot even answer the questions asked, so why should it be any different? For some people, having multiple choice answers could be easier, than having to memorize an exact answer. The fact is, all of us that have been through it with our spouses are relieved that they got through it, and wouldn't want it to be harder for them. Studies show that immigrants-new citizens are even more civic minded, educated about the country, and enthusiastic about being American, compared to those naturally born here.
 
I think where some immigrants have an issue, like my husband for instance, is years of going through the stress and mess of this process, getting to citizenship and realizing "is that it?" It's a weird sort of apprehension, relief, and stages of grief. I reminded him that to become an American, isn't about needing 'pomp and circumstance', ordeal, and fanfare to belong here. Everyone in that room is on a level playing field and deserves to be there and there's beauty in the simplicity. The promise of America is that anyone can be American. Does answering six questions correctly make you any more or any less American? I'm sure many tests have been failed due to nerves rather than not knowing the subject matter. 

Is the citizenship test hard? No. But should it be? Not.. exactly. The fact is many if not most Americans cannot even answer the questions asked, so why should it be any different? For some people, having multiple choice answers could be easier, than having to memorize an exact answer. The fact is, all of us that have been through it with our spouses are relieved that they got through it, and wouldn't want it to be harder for them. Studies show that immigrants-new citizens are even more civic minded, educated about the country, and enthusiastic about being American, compared to those naturally born here.
 
I think where some immigrants have an issue, like my husband for instance, is years of going through the stress and mess of this process, getting to citizenship and realizing "is that it?" It's a weird sort of apprehension, relief, and stages of grief. I reminded him that to become an American, isn't about needing 'pomp and circumstance', ordeal, and fanfare to belong here. Everyone in that room is on a level playing field and deserves to be there and there's beauty in the simplicity. The promise of America is that anyone can be American. Does answering six questions correctly make you any more or any less American? I'm sure many tests have been failed due to nerves rather than not knowing the subject matter. 

No different between or recreational use. He will be given a one year ban. Link is to CDC guide for Panel Physicians

 
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/mental-health.html
Cannabis and CBD
According to Appendix C — Section 202 of the United States Controlled Substances Act, marijuana and all of its components and derivatives, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) > 0.3%, are considered Schedule I controlled substances.  Schedule I controlled substances are considered by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to be drugs or substances with high potential for abuse and having no currently accepted medical use in the United States.
Because several state governments have legalized marijuana or some of its derivatives, including derivatives with > 0.3% THC, there has been great confusion as to the legality of the use of such products.  Local or online advertisements for CBD and/or other cannabis derivatives may be prominent at times, but the US Food and Drug Administration states it is currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement.
Therefore, at this time, applicants who meet criteria for cannabis use disorder with the use of cannabis and/or any of its derivatives, including CBD or THC, are inadmissible and must be in sustained remission in order to be classified as Class B for travel clearance purposes.

Sorry we tried, we even tried some local colloquialisms and it didn't work. The only thing that worked was "rubbish" which was what he thought of it.

For starters the biological father has to give permission for child to leave the country. Also will need custody agreement from courts saying mom has full custody. That has to be addressed before you can address child’s immigration. 

You'll need to either A) pay for an officiant or B) go to another county or state 
Getting married is an important part of this process, and you should be prepared to budget those factors in beforehand. If you have not, then you will have to find the money from somewhere if you want this to work. There are small venue and even drivethru wedding ceremonies in Akron, Ohio that is certainly cheaper than what you've been quoted and there are officiants in Warren that are cheaper too. If you already have the license from Warren, then you'll need to find something that works there.

Indeed. Notaries can only perform marriages in Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana. And even then, notaries cannot marry couples who are from another state and can’t leave their state to perform a wedding.
 
Source: Am notary.

wardrobe malfunction?

The tax situation would have killed it never mind the dodgy marriage situation.

The asylum statistics have been part of a larger debate, particularly about extreme backlogs, and accusations of the government intentionally sending cases into a black hole of no decisions being made for years at a time. It makes no sense why someone would be denied twice, and convicted of serious crimes, remaining and succeeding. It sounds as if family that live in the UK seem to be doing much better off than this homeless waste of space. This site shows some statistics currently.. https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/the-uks-asylum-backlog/#:~:text=Of the 132%2C000 main applicants,when it stood at 9%2C871. There are many more caseworkers but no decisions, so I guess a lot of Candy Crush time at the office.
 
There are lots of good people that profess to be Christian and have fled these countries, are legit, and need help, and it is terrible that a church would actively be participating in what appears to be a scam. 

Very odd story, but some things don't make a ton of sense.
 
He arrived in 2016. It took that long (around 2022) for the UK government to make a decision about his status.
UK Gov says he's from Afghanistan but a social worker says he's Iranian.
He has a brother in the UK.
What relation is the mom and kids?
He doesn't seem to have a fixed address in Newcastle, somewhere in Byker he's been living homeless for years.
Where did the car come from?
Was convicted of the sex offenses before his asylum was granted and I would assume was a reason for multiple denials, so why wasn't he removed to begin with?
I have heard that what saved him was claiming he had converted to Christianity and wanted to be a priest. A priest provided letters on his behalf. I'd like to know more about that.
If those injuries are also from his attack... well he won't last long.

This is not correct, not every country requires you to collect your luggage for a connecting flight at the first entry airport.  I remember flying to Russia many times, and my bags were routed to my final destination after arrival in Moscow.

Very odd story, but some things don't make a ton of sense.
 
He arrived in 2016. It took that long (around 2022) for the UK government to make a decision about his status.
UK Gov says he's from Afghanistan but a social worker says he's Iranian.
He has a brother in the UK.
What relation is the mom and kids?
He doesn't seem to have a fixed address in Newcastle, somewhere in Byker he's been living homeless for years.
Where did the car come from?
Was convicted of the sex offenses before his asylum was granted and I would assume was a reason for multiple denials, so why wasn't he removed to begin with?
I have heard that what saved him was claiming he had converted to Christianity and wanted to be a priest. A priest provided letters on his behalf. I'd like to know more about that.
If those injuries are also from his attack... well he won't last long.

Very odd story, but some things don't make a ton of sense.
 
He arrived in 2016. It took that long (around 2022) for the UK government to make a decision about his status.
UK Gov says he's from Afghanistan but a social worker says he's Iranian.
He has a brother in the UK.
What relation is the mom and kids?
He doesn't seem to have a fixed address in Newcastle, somewhere in Byker he's been living homeless for years.
Where did the car come from?
Was convicted of the sex offenses before his asylum was granted and I would assume was a reason for multiple denials, so why wasn't he removed to begin with?
I have heard that what saved him was claiming he had converted to Christianity and wanted to be a priest. A priest provided letters on his behalf. I'd like to know more about that.
If those injuries are also from his attack... well he won't last long.

Ouch am I glad we're done with the USCIS. I was wondering if the free filing in that package would be removed and looks that way.

I don't know why MD isn't listed as the worst to drive in... but things that often make driving an even worse experience is the out of state drivers that either think they own the road or they wish to take a nap on it. 9 times out of 10 if you see someone erratically driving here, it's from PA/DE/NY, or they are old, drugged out, or on a cellphone. There's also the people that don't seem to know about right turn on red or conversely, those that don't know how to read specific signs that say DO NOT turn on red. In the city, you've got the pothole problem and aggressive driving. In my town you've got the druggies walking in all black at night and the ones that just black out at the wheel at a red light and start slowly rolling backwards...
 
Today on 95 I saw a man on the overpass waving an upside down flag and giving motorists the finger. Hope his day gets better.

This statement is the April Fool's joke.

Ouch am I glad we're done with the USCIS. I was wondering if the free filing in that package would be removed and looks that way.

Hi Tiff,
 
So you both are really young, and you're probably tired of hearing about that aren't you? So I'd like to give you some perspective of what was once another young couple, and by that I mean me and my husband. See long ago, I met my best friend, and eventually he was 18 and I was 19 and he was all the way across the pond. He always promised he'd visit me though and so the crazy guy flew out here to meet up. Of course we hadn't a clue about immigration, and boy oh boy did they grill him up and down. I honestly don't know why they let him in, but for every question they had, he had an answer so they just couldn't find a reason to deny him or maybe they were feeling charitable or we were just lucky. We knew that first week that one day we were going to get married and go through the immigration thing, but he was a student going into college soon, and I had a tiny bit of money saved, but had a lot of responsibilities at home. So we made the decision to wait. Years of college, and employment and saving. Life got in the way at times which caused delays, but a lot more visits were possible. By the time we'd studied up on immigration, had our co-sponsor and saved what we thought was enough money (it's never enough money btw) - we had nearly left our 20s behind.
 
Now that's a long time to wait. It's not the norm I'd say for a lot of people, and I would not suggest that for anyone. We also chose a K1, and would I recommend that for anyone knowing what I know now? Well... no... or maybe. It depends on the circumstances. Respectfully, K1 leaves you as a couple financially unstable for a significant period of time and I think those couples that have not built up a lengthy resume or educational experience can create even more problems. You may have a lot of savings - we had about 15k, with an additional amount put aside for our wedding (something I don't recommend planning at the same time as a K1 either), and honestly? We had a co-sponsor and a whole extended family to support us. We had a car. That was not enough. Why? Health insurance, car insurance, and other bills. A K1, once married, must adjust status - that means they cannot work or travel until authorized. That authorization is increasingly becoming slower than it was before - and back then it was still too slow. So let's say you get the authorization. Do you have the skillset to find a job, a good paying job with benefits, and fast? I figured my husband wouldn't have a hard time - he's a very educated man with skills. But everywhere in every state is different - job markets are different. No one wanted to hire him, and eventually he was so frustrated he considered low paying jobs anywhere. They didn't understand what an EAD was vs a green card. This town also prefers unskilled labor vs skilled. We had medical bills to keep paying all this time and the funds were draining. He felt embarrassed and worthless, but eventually after an even longer wait, the green card came. Suddenly, lots of jobs were interested, but all were not for full time with benefits work and late hours. Everyone has to start somewhere though, and a very nice person took a chance on him. The money helped but it was a struggle with still paying for benefits - six more months and he finally went full time. By then we were so close to losing our health insurance because we could no longer afford it and as luck would have it, it wasn't long after both he and I ended up in the hospital.
 
Over the years here I have encountered many K1 couples that have no idea the struggle that the cost of health insurance can cause or the pain that is suffered by not having it. Most Europeans do not understand because their system is fundamentally different and as Americans in the relationship we have to try to protect them. Most younger Americans will not understand either, because they are usually covered by their parents insurance. For a poor person like me growing up, we were always financially insecure and didn't have insurance, and health suffered because of it. Some immigrants in America may believe that it will be very easy to find work when they want it (we are the land of opportunity and we are... but it isn't always fair) - and bless them I hope they do. They believe illness won't hit them because they are young. I hope not, but we are in a pandemic now, and the likelihood of severe illness is high. We are not as immune from accident, injury, and illness as we like to pretend.
 
If you see some people here that tell you bluntly to take a step back, they've been through it. They've had their own struggles with the immigration process, felt the strain, and maybe can't imagine why someone that is young would try it without more preparation. No disrespect is intended, because even when you are prepared you will go through it too. If I had chosen a spouse visa, we'd need to change a lot of plans we had and take a different approach, but my husband would have had his green card and we'd have hopefully reached a starting point without draining our entire savings. Knowing what to do with the forms is only one part of the struggle.
 
As for visiting a lot, I'd encourage as many as you can afford, if you can afford them. That doesn't guarantee you'll successfully visit though. Just never ever overstay. VWP is not a thing you want to abuse either. If you have concerns about not having strong ties, I'd point out that your fear over that isn't an unrealistic thing. Having employment will help you both financially in the future. It gives you experience you can use in the US, and it gives you money and boy are you going to need it. How do you prove you don't want to live somewhere? No matter how much proof you give it will always be up to the officer to decide. 
 
K1s are fine. We did it. We made it like everyone else that uses it. It's more appropriate for those that cannot get married in the US or in another country for some reason and it is useful for a couple that really is done with their home country, is very financially secure, and for a couple that absolutely does not wish to be separate once they've said vows. Because I get it, it's hard to be apart. But life and the system as it is in the US is increasingly making using this process harder. Whichever way you choose, tread carefully.

Hi Tiff,
 
So you both are really young, and you're probably tired of hearing about that aren't you? So I'd like to give you some perspective of what was once another young couple, and by that I mean me and my husband. See long ago, I met my best friend, and eventually he was 18 and I was 19 and he was all the way across the pond. He always promised he'd visit me though and so the crazy guy flew out here to meet up. Of course we hadn't a clue about immigration, and boy oh boy did they grill him up and down. I honestly don't know why they let him in, but for every question they had, he had an answer so they just couldn't find a reason to deny him or maybe they were feeling charitable or we were just lucky. We knew that first week that one day we were going to get married and go through the immigration thing, but he was a student going into college soon, and I had a tiny bit of money saved, but had a lot of responsibilities at home. So we made the decision to wait. Years of college, and employment and saving. Life got in the way at times which caused delays, but a lot more visits were possible. By the time we'd studied up on immigration, had our co-sponsor and saved what we thought was enough money (it's never enough money btw) - we had nearly left our 20s behind.
 
Now that's a long time to wait. It's not the norm I'd say for a lot of people, and I would not suggest that for anyone. We also chose a K1, and would I recommend that for anyone knowing what I know now? Well... no... or maybe. It depends on the circumstances. Respectfully, K1 leaves you as a couple financially unstable for a significant period of time and I think those couples that have not built up a lengthy resume or educational experience can create even more problems. You may have a lot of savings - we had about 15k, with an additional amount put aside for our wedding (something I don't recommend planning at the same time as a K1 either), and honestly? We had a co-sponsor and a whole extended family to support us. We had a car. That was not enough. Why? Health insurance, car insurance, and other bills. A K1, once married, must adjust status - that means they cannot work or travel until authorized. That authorization is increasingly becoming slower than it was before - and back then it was still too slow. So let's say you get the authorization. Do you have the skillset to find a job, a good paying job with benefits, and fast? I figured my husband wouldn't have a hard time - he's a very educated man with skills. But everywhere in every state is different - job markets are different. No one wanted to hire him, and eventually he was so frustrated he considered low paying jobs anywhere. They didn't understand what an EAD was vs a green card. This town also prefers unskilled labor vs skilled. We had medical bills to keep paying all this time and the funds were draining. He felt embarrassed and worthless, but eventually after an even longer wait, the green card came. Suddenly, lots of jobs were interested, but all were not for full time with benefits work and late hours. Everyone has to start somewhere though, and a very nice person took a chance on him. The money helped but it was a struggle with still paying for benefits - six more months and he finally went full time. By then we were so close to losing our health insurance because we could no longer afford it and as luck would have it, it wasn't long after both he and I ended up in the hospital.
 
Over the years here I have encountered many K1 couples that have no idea the struggle that the cost of health insurance can cause or the pain that is suffered by not having it. Most Europeans do not understand because their system is fundamentally different and as Americans in the relationship we have to try to protect them. Most younger Americans will not understand either, because they are usually covered by their parents insurance. For a poor person like me growing up, we were always financially insecure and didn't have insurance, and health suffered because of it. Some immigrants in America may believe that it will be very easy to find work when they want it (we are the land of opportunity and we are... but it isn't always fair) - and bless them I hope they do. They believe illness won't hit them because they are young. I hope not, but we are in a pandemic now, and the likelihood of severe illness is high. We are not as immune from accident, injury, and illness as we like to pretend.
 
If you see some people here that tell you bluntly to take a step back, they've been through it. They've had their own struggles with the immigration process, felt the strain, and maybe can't imagine why someone that is young would try it without more preparation. No disrespect is intended, because even when you are prepared you will go through it too. If I had chosen a spouse visa, we'd need to change a lot of plans we had and take a different approach, but my husband would have had his green card and we'd have hopefully reached a starting point without draining our entire savings. Knowing what to do with the forms is only one part of the struggle.
 
As for visiting a lot, I'd encourage as many as you can afford, if you can afford them. That doesn't guarantee you'll successfully visit though. Just never ever overstay. VWP is not a thing you want to abuse either. If you have concerns about not having strong ties, I'd point out that your fear over that isn't an unrealistic thing. Having employment will help you both financially in the future. It gives you experience you can use in the US, and it gives you money and boy are you going to need it. How do you prove you don't want to live somewhere? No matter how much proof you give it will always be up to the officer to decide. 
 
K1s are fine. We did it. We made it like everyone else that uses it. It's more appropriate for those that cannot get married in the US or in another country for some reason and it is useful for a couple that really is done with their home country, is very financially secure, and for a couple that absolutely does not wish to be separate once they've said vows. Because I get it, it's hard to be apart. But life and the system as it is in the US is increasingly making using this process harder. Whichever way you choose, tread carefully.