Immi_Enthusiast

Some countries do not allow tourists to marry if they arrive on a tourist visa.  They have separate visas for that purpose, but US is not one of them.  
 
The reasons some countries are high visa fraud countries is partly because of the topic you want to discuss - entering on a non-immigrant visa and then immigrating.  A part of the B1/B2 visa interview process is the CO assuming the applicant has immigrant intent unless they prove to the officer that they do not.  Enough people not abiding by the terms of their tourist visas - overstaying and adjusting status - makes it seem either the US embassy/consulate really bad at their job or the applicants really good at fooling the COs.   Therefore the consular unit "tightens up" on their review and interview process and make it very difficult to get tourist visas.  That is one of the reasons why adjusting status from a tourist visa is frowned upon, and illegal to do so if doing it with prior intent.  
 
For example, a single Ukrainian woman has just about zero chance of getting a tourist visa.  It's not impossible, but very difficult.  Followed by single Ukrainian men.  This is because there is a history of this group violating their visas - overstaying, working and/or immigrating.  But Ukrainian men and women have little difficulty in getting fiance and spousal visas, because this group of people abide by the terms of their visa (travelling to the US and marrying their fiance or being in a bona fide relationship with their USC/LPR spouse).  There are very little fiance and marriage frauds and therefore the US embassy is more confident in approving these visas.
 

USCIS doesn't make the laws, congress does. So why does Congress oppose it? Because it's not fair and yes, Congress does care about making laws that are fair and just and follow the concepts our nation was built upon as well as current POV of the general public.
 
The flow of immigration in and out of any nation is a complex topic that I'm sure you can find many published opinions on online if you are inclined.

A lot of it has already been said. 
To reiterate: USCIS and embassies are part of two different departments (DHS vs. DOS), which means different means, different responsibilities, and different resources.  Also, it is easier and uses up fewer resources if a person can be vetted in their home country and denied an immigrant visa (or, as is the case for the K1 visa, a non-immigrant visa with immigrant intent) than doing it here in the U.S.  From the U.S.’s perspective, it is simply cheaper to not let somebody come than to keep them in the system here, run after them, and remove them.  
I am not entirely familiar with tourist visas and what is asked in them, but I remember from an F1 visa application almost two decades ago that it was vastly different from my K1 visa (I don’t recall needing a police certificate from every country I lived in nor did I need a medical; the most important thing there was bank statements to prove that I was able to pay my tuition).  
On top of that, a tourist visa is often valid for 10 years (which is not the same as being able to stay for ten solid years!), so circumstances can change significantly during that time, whereas immigrant visas are a lot more limited with regard to time (I believe they need to be activated within a year of the medical being conducted, but I could be wrong here).  
So, from what I can see (and through my fiscally quite conservative lens), coming here on a tourist visa with the purpose of, well, being a tourist and then adjusting status adds to the cost of an already overtaxed (and overexpensive) system for, among others, the reasons outlined above.  I also feel obliged to stress the fraud factor, even though OP has been going out of their way to stress that they’re not considering this route, but for whoever might stumble into this thread: it’s fraud to come on a tourist visa with the intention to adjust status here. 
 

Most SS offices have opened for in person appointments, or you would still qualify for an in person appointment if it is your first SS card. Call and make an appointment with your local ss office.

Yes similar very recent situation here. Checked D-260 (thinking it would come as expected.) Patiently waited the suggested 3 weeks. Nothing showed up. Called SSA took first appointment available, which was in 5 weeks time, fully booked until then. Checked in with them a few times and tried in vain to see if any other appointments had become available sooner, but none turned up. Had appointment and received SSN, 9 days later. Total 9 1/2 weeks from POE. I ageree Covid has made wait times longer in some places. 

It was volunteered. I was called up, the address confirmed, and the officer started telling me how to go about getting a social security number. I was confused and wasn't sure what to say after I told them what I had checked on the form and the officer told me to go anyway. 
 
Sounds like I should just book the appointment to go and grab it though, or at least discuss it with the SSA, so I'll do that today. Thank you everyone for your advice! I appreciate it

I agree with you regarding CBP, but of course we do not know the entire conversation that took place when the OP entered.  As to waiting, I found out when my cousins came over on DVs, it was easier to just go down to the SSA and apply even though they also checked the box on the DS260.  I know with Covid, getting an appointment at the SSA is more difficult, but still doable especially is someone has a job prospect, or wants to start working immediately.  In my cousin's case, they wanted to start working ASAP, so rather than wait in the dark hoping the feds transfer information efficiently, they had their SSNs in about 5 days.

I wish CBP would all mention this to everyone when they first enter into the USA. I suggest you ring your local office and book an appointment as they can take several weeks (especially during this time of Covid shutdowns.)  Book the appointment and if you SSN does happen to turn up by chance, you can always cancel the appointment you already booked. Best of Luck. 

I wish CBP would all mention this to everyone when they first enter into the USA. I suggest you ring your local office and book an appointment as they can take several weeks (especially during this time of Covid shutdowns.)  Book the appointment and if you SSN does happen to turn up by chance, you can always cancel the appointment you already booked. Best of Luck. 

I wish CBP would all mention this to everyone when they first enter into the USA. I suggest you ring your local office and book an appointment as they can take several weeks (especially during this time of Covid shutdowns.)  Book the appointment and if you SSN does happen to turn up by chance, you can always cancel the appointment you already booked. Best of Luck. 

I wish CBP would all mention this to everyone when they first enter into the USA. I suggest you ring your local office and book an appointment as they can take several weeks (especially during this time of Covid shutdowns.)  Book the appointment and if you SSN does happen to turn up by chance, you can always cancel the appointment you already booked. Best of Luck. 

This is great result! Hopefully they call you back and have an appointment available asap. The advice he has given you is correct. Fill out the SS5 and take your other ID (Passport ect) when you go in for the appointment. Good Luck! 

Yeah it's up to the local office when they can schedule your appointment. Try different office. Did you check for SSN application on DS260?

Hey buds, i received my green after three months upon arrival, and after 3 more months got my SSN. Took way too much, but i guess its normal these days

Actually, Truman had the lowest approval of any president ever in US history.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/272765/lowest-gallup-presidential-job-approval-rating.aspx
 
I mean, I just checked 538.com and looks like Biden's lowest approval rating has been 42.3% on there and on Gallup (so we have an apples to apples comparison to Truman) it's currently 42%.
https://news.gallup.com/interactives/185273/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx

Simple.   DJT.   He instigated all the anti vaxx non sense because instead of address the pandemic like a normal person he turned into a political culture war.
 
Prior to the pandemic the fraction of anti vaxxers was super small.    tRumpers wanted to down play it and pretend this was all over low and then challenge science.
 
If someone intentionally fails to get vaccinated I feel not one shred of sympathy.   Oh, and the bible thumpers keep finding out prayer doesn’t save them either.   🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊

Got my social security today. Im happy, but it took too long. Make sure to have your name on mailbox, especially those living in apartments. Good luck, fellas!

FEE PAID JULY 5 2021
POE DULLUS AUGEST 25 2021
 STILL WAITING FOR GC  MORE THAN 77 DAYS   ANY ADVICE ?
 LAST UPDATE IS 
Immigrant Visa Fee Payment Received
On July 5, 2021, we received your USCIS Immigrant fee payment for your Permanent Resident Card related to your immigrant visa. We will be processing the request for production of your Permanent Resident Card. You should receive your Permanent Resident Card within 90 days of your entry into the United States or within 90 days after your USCIS Immigrant Fee payment is received. If you do not receive your Permanent Resident Card, contact the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Wait some more.  If your GC doesn't arrive after 90 days, call the USCIS hotline to file an "Out of Normal Processing Time" request.
 

Hello guys. I can tell now - my case is nothing but a comedy. I have applied for ss card on september 24th, and yesterday i received a notice from ssa stating that ,,you applied for ss card on october 25th. You should have your card in about two weeks." 
Guess what - no card yet. On Monday i called them, and they said that i should get it next week. Lets see how this will go from here. Cheers!

We got stuck with the same situation. We requested SSN with DS260 application.
Arrived 3 weeks ago by IR-1 visa, didn't receive a card.
Called 2 local offices, one told you can't get a ssn without green card, another told us they can not find us in their database that means we need to schedule an in person appointment for the interview, but those appointments are scheduled only if you really need it. Giving an example that if you are enrolling in insurance or getting a job, an insurance company or employer can request a SSN and that can be a reason for an interview.
And the third phone call told us it might take up to 8 weeks to transfer data from DHS to SSA so just wait. 
 
I think checking with USCIS seems like a good idea.
Any updates so far with getting their SSN recently after such issue? 

Hi I’m having the same problem. What did you do? TIA🙂

@devo77 any update on your situation?
My wife is in a very similar situation as yours, it has been 3 weeks since the Vermont Service Center received our i-751 and still haven't cashed the check, no receipt number, or anything...
Any update is much appreciated!
I hope things worked out!

It’s been a little over 5 weeks for us and neither the SS card nor the green card have arrived.

In the same spot as you are, been 5 weeks for me, for about 2~ weeks the status in SAVE has been "Returned to Agency". Called my local SSA office yesterday and they said the case was pending at their office. Couldn't give me any more info though...