lloy0076

CBP are highly unlikely to have shredded the documents; as someone else pointed out, you could likely try to call/contact the POE to explain the confusion and get the originals back.

Hmmm, so it doesn't - I was remembering the question about US visa denials

If I recall correctly, most VISA applications would ask if you had been "denied" a VISA from some other country, and not just the USA. These forms talk in USA "legal speak" and there are subtle differences (if I recall correctly, you can be turned away from the USA without necessarily having any VISA denial on record). I wonder if there was a discrepancy in the answer to this question, i.e. did the applicant say they'd never been denied a VISA anywhere before but the US Consulate discovered the denial?

Indeed - if you're doing anything legal, or have any legal concerns, an experienced immigration lawyer is a must.

To be honest, the process will take as long as it takes; and many things could factor into it. If it takes an excessively long time, it is possible a local US congress person (senator or house) - although it's likely their actual office staff rather than the elected person - might be able to get some sort of response from USCIS. And, if I recall, there is a process to sue any US Government department for a decision of some type (IANAL but I think after a very lengthy period of time, there is a way to file a write of mandamus against USCIS/the relevant party). In my case, I found that once USCIS started "talking" about in-person interviews and/or biometrics they moved to interview within 6 months of that. Three of my "decisions": the initial denial at the embassy, the subsequent approval at the embassy, and the final adjustment of status were all approved by the officer(s) on the spot, with the formal letters/cards being produced as fast as USCIS ever does. The initial preliminary green card approval was delayed for a few weeks because the officer needed to check with their supervisor but that only took two weeks. I wish the OP luck - use the time to get to know each other more, if you're able.

The only thing I might add is if there are any substances such as alcohol or any one of the myriad illicit ones (whether pot is illegal or not depends on where the OP lives), they can also really make bad situations worse; so, whilst the OP most likely couldn't stop their wife from drinking (etc) they can stop themselves. At worst, they'll most likely become more healthy over time - at best they may be able to figure out a solution easier when "sober" much easier; and honestly, a single standard glass of wine (or two - few at home drink a real standard glass) can seriously change thought patterns. Don't ask me how I happen to know this; plenty of scientific evidence to back me up but unfortunately I also know first hand. I DO wish the OP the best, though; others have given great advice. I hope the OP and his wife - whatever happens to them - recovers from the situation and they can move on slowly to a better place in life, together or apart.