Trinilad

It's been a while since I have been on here. Not seeing any of those who started this journey with me in 2006. If any of you are still here, just want to let you know we have crossed another milestone. Rec 10 year greencard in the mail yesterday. I was worried since I have heard so many horror stories about Vermont Service Center. For all those who are new all I can say is this process can be as easy or as hard as you are willing to make it. We were lucky to only have had one interview and that was at the embassy in Jmaica when my then fiance went for her K-1 visa. After arriving heare, we have never been called in for an interview. I really think it has to do with having very organized paperwork and from the day you start planning to make this jouney, get a good size box and throw every picture, bill, and anything that could be of any use in there. Trust me, when that two year comes around, you do not want to start looking.

Anyway, hoping everyone enjoy this journey. It only gets better.

Hey guys,

Have not been on here so long. Thought i would play catch up, but 527 pages is too much for my poor soul to read. See a few familiar faced and so many new ones. Damn, these Jamaican men must be doing something right!

Hubby and I are doing great. Going back to JA for Xmas. Out 3rd trip since she moved here last year. We almost forgot we have immigration issues to deal with in two years when this conditional status needs to be lifted. So busy living, USCIS is the furthest from our minds.

So much has changed since my day. Last year this time we were so nervous about an interview. Now all she is scared about is graduating from college. She should be done in Spring 2008. whopeee. Can hardly wait.

For all the new people on here, I am reading the messages and see things have changed so much. But just remember, love move mountains. It is such a beautiful thing and just keep the faith. It has to work, Failure is not an opyion

Till next time.

Been missing all the excitement. Trying to play catch up but phew! Things have changed. Just got back from Jamaica. Iffiesha's first trip home since she moved here last year. She was so escited and after two days she had enough. I think the slow pace in Jamaica is going to take some getting used to especially with her now juggling school, work and family life. But we are doing well. Went for her brothers wedding.

So they are doing a K-3 and I had a couple questions. Since I did the k-1 a year ago, I am not sure how to answer the question with the new process in jamaica.

1)To those who did K-3, what was acceptable in terms of the "proof of ongoing marital relationship." with them only being marraid about a few weeks by the time they start this process there is not much to go by. The info we normally use for the K-1 like pictures, phone bills, ticket stubd etc that they have tons of, would that count.

2) Do they need the I-134 or the I-864 for the jamaican interview?

3) How long is the k-3 process as opposed to waiting for the I-485 process.

4) With the new fees, am I right to assume that there is no fee with the K-3 if an I-130 is filed first and then K-3 filed after?

5) Would you suggest filing the I-485 with the I-130 if you intend to do the K-3.

Hope I am not asking too much. My process went so easy that I am not sure I understand what may be some of the pitfalls so I am just hoping you guys can help me out with advising my friends.

Have not been here in a while so just dropping by. We paid with personal check. was cashed in about 10 days .

OFF TOPIC

For those that went through the AOS process..... How did you pay ? Check, money order, certified check??

If by check, how long did it take for them to process and cash the check(s)??

Your help will be greatly appreciated

Thanks !!

Kelly

PS Congrats to finding the genders of your likkle ones. My sons bday is Dec 5th (dag he'll be 14 !!!.....lets see if Rhonda-girl or Jonesie-boy will be the closest )

Good to see everyone is doing well and still hanging in there. It hets so hectic sometimes I just have enough time to read the messages and move on.

So ladies (and guys if there are any on here ) I have a question. Most of you who know me know that I am familiar with the K-1 process so when my friends ask, that is all I can advise them on. Well a good friend of mine has this notion that the process would be easier if she got marraid and she has planned her wedding in JA for July 8th. The problem is that they have known each other for 2 years and have all the evidence needed for a fiance visa, but I am not sure what evidence is required for the K-3 visa . In a nut shell, whet will be her options for bringing her spouse to the US following the wedding in August. She wants this accomplished in a year max and not sure what her options are and what evidence she would need for the embassy. I told her if time is an issue, the K-1 would have been her best bet. But after the fortune she has spent on the wedding, I guess I should let her do her own thing. Any advice, cause I am reading the guides on this site and I am not sure they are making sense to me.

I just have to make sure there is chicken and fish being served. And no shellfish. He is alergic to that. No beef, no pork, no ricotta cheese....I make a good and easy chicken pot pie and he does not like the gravy. I make a good lasagna he doesn't like ricotta.

He does make an awesome curry chicken for me. I could eat that everyday.

I cannot wait to get the grill out but when I told him it was propane he shook his head. No wood... Okay, so I will get him a small charcoal grill to use. I like my propane. Quick and easy....

My grill came out when Iffeisha arrived in November. We were grillig even when it snowed. I told her to get accustomed because I do not cook inside during the summer. too hot here in Baltimore even with AC. I even stop baking bread when the summer comes around. Yes, I do bake bread because my wife will not eat the store bought bread. Got the recipe from my mother and added my own twist, grated coconut. When Iffeisha cut those nails, she will be making her own bread. I am working on her getting some shorter ones when these come off.

I was just telling a friend how I don't like soca but the worst thing about it is that when I hear it I can't stay still. Even if I refuse to dance to it, I have to move. I'm in NY, so you know about the Parkway on Labor Day!

I don't like soca either. It has the same affect on me.

Guess you folks would not like to see my behavior with soca. Jamaicans like reggea and Trinidadians like soca. Being from Trinidad, it in my blood. Iffeisha does not like it either, but when we are together she gets loose because I just act crazy.

Jamaicans have a thing about beef. Most do not seem to like it. Pork , fish, chicken. No beef. My wife and I always used to get into it when we go out to eat at restaurants. Take a Jamaican to a non Caribbean restaurant and there is going to be a problem cause they are not into experimenting. So she would go over the menu forever. And I would be sitting there hungry. Now as soon as I get to the restaurant and waiting to be seated, I get the menu and have her go over it. By the time we are seated, she has picked out the fish dish. I thought she would love Olive Garden. Never again. But Red lobster and cheesecake factory are ok to deal with.

Do you guys find it a challenge when you take your hubby out to eat at a Restaurant that does not serve Caribbean food? Tell me I am not the only one who wants to pull my hair out because they canot find anything on the menu.

I was surprised that Damien loves Olive Garden. Hates the Cheesecake Factory...my favorite place. His favorite so far is the Outback...we went there Wednesday night and he ate 6 loaves of their bread....I was so embarrassed but he couldn't stop smiling. He always order grilled chicken everywhere we go...even at IHOP.

There is a spicy Jamaican jerk blackpepper chicken at cheesecake factory. he should try that when he goes back. Tell them to hold the black beans though.

Tell me about the fish. Found a market in Baltimore the other day that had fish from the Caribbean like King Fish and Snapper. My wife went crazy. When I got to the register and the woman said $130.00 I almost wanted to cry. But after she complained so much about th whiting fillet, I just could not deny her the fish. I told her she need to make it last real long. Suffice to say whenever I cook fish, there is some chicken at the side.

We go to our local Asian market to get salt fish. It starts at $3.99 a pound, which isn't bad, but the seasionings, anything imported from JA is very expensive.

We brought back quite a bit of saltfish from Jamaica when she moved here in November. We still have a lot in the refrigerator. Salt fish is expensive here so I only get it when someone goes to Jamaica. I have a friend travelling there next month and gave her a list already. But some cabbage with salt fish is to die for. Actually anything with saltfish taste good. If you go to a Caribbean store it may be less expensive than your regular market.

How do you bring fish back from JA?

Salt fish was no problem. Pack it in a suitcase like anything else. For the fresh fish, we had it fried and I had taken my food saver down with me in November. We brought back two suitcases with only food. We expected problems at JFK. They would not give you a problem if it is cooked or preserved like being salted.

www.sams24-7.com

I ordered it from Sams Caribbean Market on line. First time ordering as we have nothing close. We will have to venture out to Boston to find some markets there.

We really like lamb so I might make that on Sunday......very low key.....

Roy eats lamb??? Hubby will only eat chicken and fish. I am soooooooooo sick of chicken and fish is so expensive.

Roy LOVES lamb....he would eat it every meal if he could!! When he got here all he wanted (or would eat) was chicken or fish.....it took him a while to realize that it's really expensive (and hard) to get good, fresh fish.....so, mostly chicken for him now. He will eat pork and sausage (and if this counts) he LOVES Hamburger Helper that's the only "beef" he will eat and not complain about.

Jamaicans have a thing about beef. Most do not seem to like it. Pork , fish, chicken. No beef. My wife and I always used to get into it when we go out to eat at restaurants. Take a Jamaican to a non Caribbean restaurant and there is going to be a problem cause they are not into experimenting. So she would go over the menu forever. And I would be sitting there hungry. Now as soon as I get to the restaurant and waiting to be seated, I get the menu and have her go over it. By the time we are seated, she has picked out the fish dish. I thought she would love Olive Garden. Never again. But Red lobster and cheesecake factory are ok to deal with.

Do you guys find it a challenge when you take your hubby out to eat at a Restaurant that does not serve Caribbean food? Tell me I am not the only one who wants to pull my hair out because they canot find anything on the menu.

www.sams24-7.com

I ordered it from Sams Caribbean Market on line. First time ordering as we have nothing close. We will have to venture out to Boston to find some markets there.

We really like lamb so I might make that on Sunday......very low key.....

Roy eats lamb??? Hubby will only eat chicken and fish. I am soooooooooo sick of chicken and fish is so expensive.

Roy LOVES lamb....he would eat it every meal if he could!! When he got here all he wanted (or would eat) was chicken or fish.....it took him a while to realize that it's really expensive (and hard) to get good, fresh fish.....so, mostly chicken for him now. He will eat pork and sausage (and if this counts) he LOVES Hamburger Helper that's the only "beef" he will eat and not complain about.

Jamaicans have a thing about beef. Most do not seem to like it. Pork , fish, chicken. No beef. My wife and I always used to get into it when we go out to eat at restaurants. Take a Jamaican to a non Caribbean restaurant and there is going to be a problem cause they are not into experimenting. So she would go over the menu forever. And I would be sitting there hungry. Now as soon as I get to the restaurant and waiting to be seated, I get the menu and have her go over it. By the time we are seated, she has picked out the fish dish. I thought she would love Olive Garden. Never again. But Red lobster and cheesecake factory are ok to deal with.

Do you guys find it a challenge when you take your hubby out to eat at a Restaurant that does not serve Caribbean food? Tell me I am not the only one who wants to pull my hair out because they canot find anything on the menu.

How are your Jamaican hubbies coping with being away from home for Easter?

For the past 7 yrs, we (me and my son) have been in Jamaica for Easter/Spring Break. This is our (just me and Craig--my son is in Ohio with my parents visiting my brother etc)..... our First Easter together. We're just chilling out by ourselves, since we never get much quality time together, just the 2 of us.

Living here in our area --Ellicott City, Maryland....there's nothing but a few very small South African stores, but no Jamaican food, that I have found. I'm really going to have to check out that place on-line, Sams Market ? If someone has the website address again and post it, I would appreciate it. To drive into Baltimore or out to Silver Spring....???

Have a wonderful Easter holiday everyone!!

Kelly

For cooked Carribean food , we go to a Restaurant downtown Baltimore at the corner of Saratoga and Light street. Best ox tails and they have patties to die for. The fresh food market in Silver Spring is off New Hampshire right after University Blvd. Head south on New Hampshire from 495 , go past University Blvd and look for the sign after the first light. Baltimore may be easier. take 695West to exit 18, Randallstown exit, get onto Liberty Road. Go through two lights. Look for the Burger King restaurant on your right. Right after Burger King there is a Carribean market that has been opened for about 3 months now. If you get to the Walgreens you've gone too far. No cooked food, but the best selecton of fresh Caribbean foods in Baltimore. If your hubby likes fish, they have everything he could want. we brought some kingfish head the other day and made some fish tea/ soup. Oh my God! The fish was so fresh and tasty. As for the snapper, to die for. My mother tells me look at the fish eyes and if they have not yet changed white then they are pretty fresh. Something to remember.

I ordered it from Sams Caribbean Market on line. First time ordering as we have nothing close. We will have to venture out to Boston to find some markets there.

We really like lamb so I might make that on Sunday......very low key.....

Roy eats lamb??? Hubby will only eat chicken and fish. I am soooooooooo sick of chicken and fish is so expensive.

Tell me about the fish. Found a market in Baltimore the other day that had fish from the Caribbean like King Fish and Snapper. My wife went crazy. When I got to the register and the woman said $130.00 I almost wanted to cry. But after she complained so much about th whiting fillet, I just could not deny her the fish. I told her she need to make it last real long. Suffice to say whenever I cook fish, there is some chicken at the side.

We brought back quite a bit of saltfish from Jamaica when she moved here in November. We still have a lot in the refrigerator. Salt fish is expensive here so I only get it when someone goes to Jamaica. I have a friend travelling there next month and gave her a list already. But some cabbage with salt fish is to die for. Actually anything with saltfish taste good. If you go to a Caribbean store it may be less expensive than your regular market.

She would not eat any kind of beef and I was able to get her excited about pork spare ribs. I think I have had jerk chicken almost every week for the past month. We normally get the wet jerk seasoning and rub it on a whole chicken and leave it overnight. Put it on the grill next day on low fire. Make you feel like you in Ochi when you eating it.

Where's my manners.

Happy Easter to all. May you enjoy the bun and chesse, ackee and bammy in all thier glory. May this day be as meaningful for you as your Jamaican hubby because when Thanksgiving comes , they are going to be just as excited for you. And if your hubby does not realize that there is no Easter Monday and Tuesday here in the US, just think of it as the day after Thanksgiving and make him/her bun and cheese again and send them off to work.

Damien's job is closed today..he doesn't understand why the government is open???

I don't know to many companies that close for Easter. Working all Easter weekend last year did not set well with him......

Damien is going to cook brown stew fish Sunday..he's been eating bun & cheese all week.

Is there a difference between the Easter bun and the regular bun? Taste the same to me

You need that white cross on ghe Easter bun for it to be authentic. There is the hot cross bun with the white cross and then there is the big loaf. I never realy noticed the difference in the year round loaf and the easter bun. But trust me, Jamaicans will swear there is a difference.

I know many Jamaican spending easter in the uS for the first time are a little surprised how low key this holiday is for most Americans. My wife was surprised that she had classes at the University today since it was good Friday. Jamaicans have a long weekend for Easter and Good Friday. The holiday starts today and does not end till Tuesday. My employers closed business for Good Friday for the first time this year, but it is almost like MLK birthday where it's like a floating holiday for most people. It would have been like my first day off in a long time and would have loved to spend it with her. I almost thought she would have cried when she had to go to school today. Especially since we had 80 degree weather last week snd wend down to 27 last ight. How are your Jamaican hubbies coping with being away from home for Easter?

My has been very quiet but he is use to it spending so many away working on the ship. I did surprise him with Easter bun, cheese, patties, bammy, salt fish and some other things I has shipped from the Caribbean Market.

I am baking a small ham for my mother and me and roasting chicken for him on Sunday.

When you say shipped, you get to order online and they deliver? I have to drive all the way to Silver Spring to get some bammy. The oriental stores here in Baltimore call themselves Caribbean Markets. Please they only thing the have is salt fish. That is if you can get pass the smell. I had my mother in law ship me some bammy a couple weeks ago from Jamaica. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when that box arrived.

Clarifying. You know a couple years ago the people who organize Baltimore Carnival had a big falling out. So the group split and formed two association and hence Baltimore has 2 carnivals. The first one this year is July 13-15th. The parade is on Sat 14th 2007. The other is September 9th 2007. I do not normally go to the one in September because after Boston and New York, I normally do not have enough energy. Besides I like carnival when it is hot and sunny, not in September when we sometimes get an early chill here in Baltimore. Jumping half naked in the streets is better when it is hot.

We are definitely going to be in DC. Just so you know, I play with the mud band every year. I am not into the pretty mass in DC. The mud band has the most fun and all my friends are in the mud band. You should really give it a try. I know the whole idea of putting mud on your skin and jumping in the street may not sit well with you. Iffeisha is not keen about it either. But I did this since my days of living in Trinidad and I could not think of playing mas in DC any other way. I try to play with the mud bands in cities where they are allowed. My wife and I enjoyed jamaican carnival for the first time together last year in Kingston and she normlly sees me as a stiff jacket always business like. After that experienc she no longer has that perception. Calypso music has an effect on me that is hard to explain.

Thanks I've never seen the mud band so I'll prepare myself for it....sounds like fun.

Good, so I will keep you posted as time gets closer.

How are your Jamaican hubbies coping with being away from home for Easter?

Roy doesn't think he has to go to school on Monday 'cause it's Easter Monday.....just like last year, I am having a hard time explaining it to him He already ate his "bun" so I need to go buy another one....no plans -- he is working both jobs all weekend.....

Easter Monday! These Jamaican and the holidays. As if good Friday was not enough. Don't worry in Trinidad they celebrate Easter Tuesday also so I know the feeling.

Definitely. Boston Carnival has always been one of my favorites. Long drive from Baltimore but well worth it.

Wow, didn't know you were in Baltimore, I'll be moving to Washington area!! Maybe your wife can be my new best friend

I m sure she would love that. She has not made too many friends in Baltimore as yet. Been so hectic with work, school and all, she has been swamped since she got here. At the rate she is going at , it looks like she would earn her 4 year US degree in 2 years. I keep telling her that the 18 credits a semester can burn her out, but she wants this degree behind her. Try 18 credits a semester and working 30 hours a week. I do not know where she finds the energy to do it. I have found myself cooking meals more often than not of late. I keep telling her she better be lucky that her husband can cook otherwise she would be eating Mc Donalds everyday. Like most of you ladies, it is a good feeling when your better half comes here and really take advantage of the opportunities. We were so lucky this semester when the green card came earlier than we anticipated. Now she gets Financial Aid and with Pell grant and SEOG she got the semester bill behind her. We had to twist some arms to get In State tuition rates at the University of Maryland cause you have to be living in the State of Maryland for a year to get In State rate. Now I am up all nights reading assignments. You know how Jamaicans write with flowery language. Must be that British Education. I keep telling her, American professors like it simple and straight to the point. She hates me chopping her papers but she smiles when she gets the A every time. I tell you, I feel like I am earning a degree again. But I figure it's a great investment. We have our eyes set on a piece of property in Jamaica where we are going to build that mansion. We need two normal pay checks to afford to build the mansion on it after we buy the land when we go home in December. So the faster she gets that degree, the happier I would be.

I know many Jamaican spending easter in the uS for the first time are a little surprised how low key this holiday is for most Americans. My wife was surprised that she had classes at the University today since it was good Friday. Jamaicans have a long weekend for Easter and Good Friday. The holiday starts today and does not end till Tuesday. My employers closed business for Good Friday for the first time this year, but it is almost like MLK birthday where it's like a floating holiday for most people. It would have been like my first day off in a long time and would have loved to spend it with her. I almost thought she would have cried when she had to go to school today. Especially since we had 80 degree weather last week snd wend down to 27 last ight. How are your Jamaican hubbies coping with being away from home for Easter?

I guess most of your Jamaican hubbies would share with you the stories of a true Caribbean Carnival. For any of you who never experienced the Mardi gras like festivities in Jamaica, there are a lot of US cities that do have caribbean Carnivals where you get the chance to really let yourself lose. You know how Caribbean people can party.

So now that I have all these friends (am I so bold to use that word now?) across the US, I hope I can get the chance to meet some of you when I visit some of these cities this summer for Carnival. I am normally in Boston, Philly, Delaware, New York, Atlanta and Miami. I am hoping to add maybe 2 more cities this year so I can give that new car of mine some mileage. Does anyone live in a city that has an exciting Caribbean Carnival and plan to go this year? Don't worry, I am not going to be hitting anyone up for accomadation. I usually stay in a hotel.

Do you know the dates? We may go to the one in Delaware and NY. The DC carnival is June 23-24...my bellydancing class (including myself ) will be in it. Let me know if you come out...we would love to meet you and your wife. Do you have Baltimore dates?

Clarifying. You know a couple years ago the people who organize Baltimore Carnival had a big falling out. So the group split and formed two association and hence Baltimore has 2 carnivals. The first one this year is July 13-15th. The parade is on Sat 14th 2007. The other is September 9th 2007. I do not normally go to the one in September because after Boston and New York, I normally do not have enough energy. Besides I like carnival when it is hot and sunny, not in September when we sometimes get an early chill here in Baltimore. Jumping half naked in the streets is better when it is hot.

We are definitely going to be in DC. Just so you know, I play with the mud band every year. I am not into the pretty mass in DC. The mud band has the most fun and all my friends are in the mud band. You should really give it a try. I know the whole idea of putting mud on your skin and jumping in the street may not sit well with you. Iffeisha is not keen about it either. But I did this since my days of living in Trinidad and I could not think of playing mas in DC any other way. I try to play with the mud bands in cities where they are allowed. My wife and I enjoyed jamaican carnival for the first time together last year in Kingston and she normlly sees me as a stiff jacket always business like. After that experienc she no longer has that perception. Calypso music has an effect on me that is hard to explain.

I guess most of your Jamaican hubbies would share with you the stories of a true Caribbean Carnival. For any of you who never experienced the Mardi gras like festivities in Jamaica, there are a lot of US cities that do have caribbean Carnivals where you get the chance to really let yourself lose. You know how Caribbean people can party.

So now that I have all these friends (am I so bold to use that word now?) across the US, I hope I can get the chance to meet some of you when I visit some of these cities this summer for Carnival. I am normally in Boston, Philly, Delaware, New York, Atlanta and Miami. I am hoping to add maybe 2 more cities this year so I can give that new car of mine some mileage. Does anyone live in a city that has an exciting Caribbean Carnival and plan to go this year? Don't worry, I am not going to be hitting anyone up for accomadation. I usually stay in a hotel.

Let me know when you will be in Boston. Would love to meet you and your wife.

Definitely. Boston Carnival has always been one of my favorites. Long drive from Baltimore but well worth it.

When is it anyway? I always miss it and it would be great to plan for it. Nice surprise for hubby.

It is always the last saturday in August, right befor Brooklyn's carnival. Carnivals are always held the same time every year. DC is the last sat in June, New york is on Labor Day weekend, Baltimore has 2. One is the weekend after new York and the other id the 2nd Sat in August. If the date changes for Boston, i willlet you know. But for now, just plan for the last Saturday in August.

I guess most of your Jamaican hubbies would share with you the stories of a true Caribbean Carnival. For any of you who never experienced the Mardi gras like festivities in Jamaica, there are a lot of US cities that do have caribbean Carnivals where you get the chance to really let yourself lose. You know how Caribbean people can party.

So now that I have all these friends (am I so bold to use that word now?) across the US, I hope I can get the chance to meet some of you when I visit some of these cities this summer for Carnival. I am normally in Boston, Philly, Delaware, New York, Atlanta and Miami. I am hoping to add maybe 2 more cities this year so I can give that new car of mine some mileage. Does anyone live in a city that has an exciting Caribbean Carnival and plan to go this year? Don't worry, I am not going to be hitting anyone up for accomadation. I usually stay in a hotel.

Let me know when you will be in Boston. Would love to meet you and your wife.

Definitely. Boston Carnival has always been one of my favorites. Long drive from Baltimore but well worth it.

I guess most of your Jamaican hubbies would share with you the stories of a true Caribbean Carnival. For any of you who never experienced the Mardi gras like festivities in Jamaica, there are a lot of US cities that do have caribbean Carnivals where you get the chance to really let yourself lose. You know how Caribbean people can party.

So now that I have all these friends (am I so bold to use that word now?) across the US, I hope I can get the chance to meet some of you when I visit some of these cities this summer for Carnival. I am normally in Boston, Philly, Delaware, New York, Atlanta and Miami. I am hoping to add maybe 2 more cities this year so I can give that new car of mine some mileage. Does anyone live in a city that has an exciting Caribbean Carnival and plan to go this year? Don't worry, I am not going to be hitting anyone up for accomadation. I usually stay in a hotel.

Hey Trinilad!

You mentioned a $250.00 wedding!!!! How did you guys get such a good deal and can you please offer some tips? Thanks!

Wow, what happened?

Congrats to Texasbound!

And also congrats to the others who have been approved and/or received their visas!

Well Iffeisha brought a bridesmaid dress for about $80.00. The wedding ceremony was $25.00 at the courthouse. I had a suit already. My daughters dress cost about $45.00 , we had dinner at my college that is a culinary school with a restaurant. There were about 6 persons there. The school waived the charge , but the lunch special was about $10.00 pr person. Misc expenses made up the rest.

We figured that the piece of paper to mail to USCIS saying we were marraid was what we needed. Did not want to spend a fortune when we knew we could not get what we wanted in such a short time. We are going to Jamaica for Christmas and having a reception there for all her family and friends. We also have a church blessing arranged.

Our life together is what is important. Travelling, going to school, getting a new car and preparing for the cold weather were her focus when she came here.

After you spend all that money on travel back and forth to Jamaica and the whole visa process and knowing the cost of the I-485 and the workpermit, we just did what we had to do to get this whole immigration thing behind us for now. Besides, we are stillon our honeymoon and will be for years to come.

Now to the topic at hand.

I for one don't care if a woman says 'My Jamaican husband is a dog'.

However, I take EXTREME issue with her saying 'Any Jamaican man you bring up is going to be a dog'

Because that is no longer PERSONAL experience, but a BLANKET statement!!

So while I will bite my lip when I hear some generalizations being made in what I believe is ignorance, I will not sit idly by and watch my Jamaican kings being lumped together because of someone's bad experiences.....

Of course I expect women to tell both the good and the bad, hopefully sharing will help someone else in a similar situation. I think it is of paramount importance that the 'seedy' side is shown, the horror stories.

But what needs to be remembered is that the bad in your relationship is not a trend, not a given, but a PERSONAL experience.

I derieve no pleasure from 'jumping' on people or proving they are stereotypical. All I demand is that you treat every situation as a personal experience, not a blueprint on 'What Happens When You Marry A Jamaican'....

Many of the women here are living with their families buying into the stereotype of a 'black Jamaican man' and are vocal in their outrage. Yet many here are creating their very own pet stereotype while critizing the actions of others....

I will always try to support, to educate, to help, to provide any insight I can to help people here.

But I will not sit and watch ANYONE tear Jamaicans to shreds.

Amen to that!

OK that didn't work.

In "bringing family members to the USA"

Isn't this crazy, now there's drama for you

Now that we have expelled all that energy in a pissing match let us just calm down and realize that when you post on this site, you are posting to people with very diverse personalities. We are not a cheering team, waving pom poms and encouraging everyone on despite whatever opinions they may have. We are all supportive of people who embark on this journey, but at the end of the day we all have strong opinions about one thing or another and we will sometimes express them. I am not going to hit back tat for tat with the young lady who thinks that I have no children so I do not understand her need to take care of her child. After all I am Caribbean born, with two children. Came here as a fiance years ago and now an American citizen bringing a fiance here. So I guess I really do not know. As a Caribbean man, I felt offended by what she proposes as an option for a Jamaican bro. But again that is my opinion and I did not expres it in a nasty or offensive way. I try my best to say little as possible on here because sometimes you get the feeling that a lot of people looking for support no matter how outrageous they sound. But when stuff is cruddy, I am going to break my silence and say so.

I will continue to read, and I will continue to post. But for those who come on here hoping that they are going to be applauded and cheered and encouraged no matter what they say or do, I am not sure that you are in the right forum. As i stated before Caribbean men are a proud people and just because we sometimes come from countries where the standard of living may not be on par with the US, that does not say that we are any less passionate about who we are. Sometimes the views expressed on here by some make us appear as substandard people and I just chalk it up to ignorance and leave it at that. So I am going to chalk this one up to ignorance again and just move on. Cause at the end of the day, we know who we are deep down inside and if the truth hurts, then so be it. Just do not ask me to shut up cause you cannot stand the pain.

I for one will be waiting up until the 90 days to marry Marlon but he wants to marry as soon as he gets here so he will be able to work sooner. I want to wait to be sure I can save a little money for a nice little wedding as well as look for a nicer and bigger apartment.

Good compromise would be to let him enter throgh JFK so that he gets a work permit when he gets here. They are good for 90 days. Or maybe do not have him come here as soon as he gets the visa. Work on the stuff you need to work on and then have him come to the US before the visa expires. If I am not mistaken, you need to be marraid within 90 days of his arrival, not 90 days of the visa. In that way so long as he is here before the visa expires, you will still have time to save up for the big wedding without having him just sitting here doing nothing. You know how Jamaican men can be a bit proud.

That is some sound advice, thanks for that! Your wisdom and experience are always appreciated! As far as a big wedding, eh, I am just going to do the courthouse thing for $50.00 and I can have as many people attend as I want and can decorate as well. A bigger wedding will happen later God willing. My best friend is going to throw the reception for me and I have some great co-workers who want to plan something as well. So therefore I have decided to marry shortly after he arrives with his visa and go from there. I guess I am having pre-wedding jitters! lol Thanks again for your input and I am sure I will be asking many more questions and or needing advice!

I love my VJ Yardie family!

Trust me the $250.00 we spent on our wedding was a steal of a deal. My wife got her green card in 90 days and we are still enjoying the honeymoon. Do what makes you comfortable . Get the big wedding later after you get immigration off your back.