HBO

Hakeem and I pray that your SO's interview will be successful and short as possible.

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Keep us posted......

Marriage fraud: Is anyone watching?

USA TODAY

Even as the Senate and President Bush on Thursday were compromising on a proposal to restrict the number of foreigners allowed to remain in the USA, one point was overlooked: There are no limits on foreign spouses.

If you can marry a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (a "green card" holder), you're guaranteed permanent access to the USA.

More foreigners gain U.S. residency through marriage than any other way, Department of Homeland Security data show. Marriage-based immigration accounted for 37% of all legal immigration in 2004, more than refugees and asylum seekers and employment-based immigrants combined.

Yet, Congress and the Bush administration have been so focused on border fences, guest-worker or amnesty programs that marriage-based immigration fraud has largely gone unnoticed. Immigration officials described fraud as rampant in a 2002 GAO report. Marriage fraud accounted for approximately half of all immigration fraud cases, the agency reported.

Marriage-based immigration has clear advantages:

A foreigner who marries a U.S. citizen can gain citizenship after two years rather than the usual five-year waiting period.

Cases of marriage fraud are rarely exposed. Homeland Security says it completed investigations of only 1% of marriage-based green cards in 2004.

A foreign-born spouse can apply for a green card after two years. Once approved, he or she can begin sponsoring other family members to come to the USA.

"Marrying a U.S. citizen is one of the easiest ways to stay in the United States once within the country's borders," said Janice Kephart, former counsel to the 9/11 Commission, in a 2005 report.

Kephart raises another caution about marriage fraud. After inspecting immigration files, she discovered numerous instances of immigration and marriage fraud by suspected foreign-born terrorists operating in the USA from the early 1990s to 2005.

Of the 36 suspected terrorists who obtained green cards or U.S. citizenship in the report, half acquired this status by marrying an American — 10 of them entering sham marriages. Kephart's report was for the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank based in Washington, D.C., that promotes tighter immigration controls.

The DHS needs to investigate more immigrant marriages, and Congress should consider lengthening the time required for foreign-born spouses to gain a green card and citizenship. If the love is real, a marriage surely will last a little longer.

Elena Maria Lopez is a freelance journalist in the Philadelphia area. She's working on a book about her green-card marriage and its aftermath.

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Thank you to all persons who dare to speak out about heart betrayal for the sake of a green card.

Our government has put measures in place to try and protect US citizens but still how can

one truly know when someone is lying about their love for another? You cannot, in my book,

so when such a marriage scam takes place, I think it is good to report this to the proper government

authorities and to educate the public. This kind of marriage scam is nothing new, however, it keeps

happening to innocent people whom only crime was to believe in love. My prayers goes out to all

persons whom had their dreams and love exploited for someone else's personal gain.

Peace & Healing unto you,

Abena

I am not watching, I'm at work. I would love to read the book. That's because I enjoy reading.

Another article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15351469/#storyContinued

Thanks

Constance

Ogele, read her timeline it states when she filed for divorce.

Ogele

Interesting questions. Are you from Africa? If your wife use profanity around you, you would divorce her or you all would discuss the problem?

Quote: Nigerians and indeed many Africans are often very demanding in terms of the intellectual,moral and character standards of their spouses. Unquote. Guess Americans don't demand those qualities.

Idocare..... Besangin.......Thank you all a thousand time for your story. Just so you will know, some of us do listen.

JJWashington..... yes, the letter writing does help the hurt. With my ex, I did question my action more so than his. The red flags were there but I was blind. We have to admit where we went wrong also. Learn, grow and let go.

Idocare and Besangin, you all don't even have a clue how you've help me. Just wanted to let you all know.

HakeemConstance:

Yes,I am Igbo,a Nigerian,an African and a United States Citizen.FYI,my U.S.citizenship was not acquired through marriage.

My use of the profanity example is to highlight the fact that disagreeable personal habits can be spoilers in a relationship.And yes,I would try to talk the problem over,but since Idocare’s ex-husband is not here to defend himself,I am not overly keen to assume that he simply packed his bags and left without making an effort.

With reference to the high standards demanded by African spouses,I think that it is common knowledge that all cultures demand same.The context in which I used this is to help Idocare and many others still on their visa journey to reassess their relationships,objectively.Even at graduate school,I met some Americans who,having watched too many documentaries on starving,disease ridden,poverty infested,unemployment gutted Africa,actually believed that Africans would swallow anything to come to the United States.Please read Idocare’s every posts on how Nigerians are desperate to come to the USA.

Comparing Idocare’s posts with Bensangin’s is to do Bensangin a wrong in my view.Please read Bensangin’s posts:decent,objective,informative,even humorous without losing the important message.Do you honestly believe that Bensangin has suffered less pain than Idocare?Probably not.Idocare’s is so colored with personal anger,negativity,and calls for blood that it scares rather than impart wisdom.And how long has it been since this divorce?You really cannot give good advice to people from a podium of anger or hate. I believe most people on this journey sincerely want to learn the truth in order to succeed and not to be harassed and scared into ditching their own plans

As a Nigerian engaged to a fellow Nigerian,there is little or no benefit in terms of advice on how to proceed with my relationship that I can receive on this forum,in the intercultural sense.But I am also as compassionate as I am pragmatic,sharing in the humanity of my fellow travelers regardless of ethnicity,race or nationality,hence my posts to contribute my humble ideas.Sometimes,you need to use a little tough love to help people along.This is a new year,a beautiful world with great prospects awaits,and I want Idocare and all others who hurt to let go and reach for their blessings.Ina proverb as ancient as my ancestors,"he who forgives,ends the argument."

I hope I was able to bring more clarity to my prior post.

Mr. Ogele,

Thank you for the response. I did not compare Idocare and Besangin post. I said, thank you all for your story. Is that considered a comparison? I did not compare Idocare or Besangin pain. There is no comparison. Even if someone went through what I went through with my ex-American husband, they would handle it totally different than I. True, that her husband is not here to defend himself but she is only stating how she feel. I know there is two sides to every story. My personal opinion, she is telling her story. She will get past this, Job did.

Why do you feel she is harassing people? We don't have to read her post or come to this website, that is a choice.

I haven't met anyone that is desparate to come to America, but on this website there are others that have been scammed not just from Nigerians. Now I do have my opinion but I don't feel like being attacked. :dance: :dance:

I have many Nigerian/African friends that did not require their status through marriage yet there are some that did. So I am happy that you are one of millions that did not require your current status through marriage. I was curious to know if you were from Africa, so your citizenship status was not the question FYI.

What does the bible say about divorcing? Equally yoked?

We all have to learn to agree to disagree.

Constance

(Please excuse any errors)

Yeah I saw this, saved the article.

Check this out:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15351469/#storyContinued

Old and interesting.

Ogele

Interesting questions. Are you from Africa? If your wife use profanity around you, you would divorce her or you all would discuss the problem?

Quote: Nigerians and indeed many Africans are often very demanding in terms of the intellectual,moral and character standards of their spouses. Unquote. Personally, I think you left out a few things go ahead and give us the full scope. Don't stop with those three things. We're waiting.

Idocare..... Besangin.......Thank you all a thousand time for your story. Just so you will know, some of us do listen.

JJWashington..... yes, the letter writing does help the hurt. With my ex, I did question my action more so than his. The red flags were there but I was blind. We have to admit where we went wrong also. Learn, grow and let go.

Idocare and Besangin, you all don't even have a clue how you've help me. Just wanted to let you all know.

One more question: Idocare, with him being a doctor in his country, why did you have to pay for his trip here and your trip there? I am just curious. Is he able to practice medicine here in the US? Is he spending time with his son? Providing support, morally, spiritually and financially (One of those moral/character things for Nigerian and African), Did he at least give you an explanation of why the marriage didn't work?

Sorry for the double post.

Ogele

Interesting questions. Are you from Africa? If your wife use profanity around you, you would divorce her or you all would discuss the problem?

Quote: Nigerians and indeed many Africans are often very demanding in terms of the intellectual,moral and character standards of their spouses. Unquote. Guess Americans don't demand those qualities.

Idocare..... Besangin.......Thank you all a thousand time for your story. Just so you will know, some of us do listen.

JJWashington..... yes, the letter writing does help the hurt. With my ex, I did question my action more so than his. The red flags were there but I was blind. We have to admit where we went wrong also. Learn, grow and let go.

Idocare and Besangin, you all don't even have a clue how you've help me. Just wanted to let you all know.

Wow!!! Very interesting responses. Idocare I can't imagine what you are going through and maybe I can. Let's put it like this my EX spent time in prison for attempted murder. Get the picture.

I am here only by the Grace of God I couldn't get past the thought that someone hated me so much that they wanted to end my life. It wasn't me he hated it was himself that he hated. It was hard for me to trust anyone and I still have problems with the "trust issue". For three years I avoided men at all cost. I didn't hate them, I just didn't want to be around them. I cried for those three years, even with my sons at home they never knew my pain, I too am a good actress. I prayed, I cried, and I tried to think of ways to hurt him. Then I went to see him in prison. He couldn't touch me but I had to forgive him and let it go. So you will know, I visited him the day before our divorce (4/15/02) because I needed closure. He cried and I told him, don't cry you will be free to love again. Well he was free after three years, remarried and tried to kill her. Let me guess, he's back in prison. I am one year from completing my BS in Accounting and I am working as an Accountant. God gave me strength to "Keep it moving" and focus on his blessing, his forgive and his love. And to for me to realize that he loves me no matter what and I love me no matter what.

Steps I took. I wrote letters to him but never mailed them. That was not my intention to mail them but to let go of the anger and the pain. That was one way of healing for me. You really need to find a way to let it go. Write letters to Victor, (don't mailed them) cry your eyes out, pray, pray, and pray. Forgive him, forgive him and forgive him. Go to Marshall, TJ Maxx, etc. I know that it is hard for you. You can't imagine someone saying they love you and hurt you. No one can but it happens.

I still write to myself. I have more journals than Books A Million. I am not a writer but when it come to venting I am the best writer ever. Please try it.

I know you are probably venting here but also do it alone. I promise you it will work. One of my dear friend who is no longer with us, gave me a book. The title: What you think of me is none of my business. I love this book for two reason, one it's a great book for healing and my best friend gave it me. It is next to the bible on my bookcase. Read the bible (the best book on earth) it is so relaxing and informative. You must forgive him girl and go on with your life.

Another good book: One Day My Soul Just Opened Up = Iyanla Vanzant

How's your son? I have three sons. My precious gifts from God.

Take care of your self and your gift from God. Hold your head up girl, "this too shall pass."

Please excuse any errors.

Constance

Background checks can be a good thing especially since most times the USC has only spent a couple of weeks to a couple of months with the person in his country, therefore not really knowing that person, many times the person that you spend time with in their country ISN'T the personality that you meet at the airport once they arrive into USA.

For some once they figure the cost is clear and u have signed their adjustment papers things can become very unstable in your marriage, to the point that u just wish that person will go away and leave you alone, only to find that they r more then willing to give u your wish.

But at least if they perform a background check they may find out that the person that treated u so good when u were there in their country has a very shady background and that will spare some from a horrible marriage. So be patient, and let immigration do what they have to do.

I know it's now easy for me to say be patient especially since I feel that my ex. turned out to be the perfect con man.

Hello Idocare,

Hope all is well with you. Girl if immigration could detect all the con men, that place would be overwhelmed with applications. Heck I would have completed one for my ex that is American. Talking about a snow job, he deserves an Oscar.

Take care and God Bless

Constance

So if the USC has had a security check in the past it would potentially speed things up ? I wonder if some of those that move quicky through a service center have had a sercurity check done proir to their filing.

Happy New Year All,

I had a interim clearance November 2006, that's was more than a year ago. Can't imagine if I had to go through AP. WE were approved 11/15 and received email from Lagos embassy that the packets were ready for Hakeem on 12/13.

Not sure if the interim clearance moved things along.

Constance

I called to find out the status of my case and they told me it was in administrative processing. Then I called again to get a definition of administrative processing because the first woman told me she couldn't tell me anything. This one told me it was a security check that is done randomly. The third and fourth time I called they said the same thing. So, I'm going with majority opinion since that's about all you can do when talking to the customer service reps.

Happy New Year Bassi and Zainab.

I am so sorry to hear that you all have been waiting since 12/4 for your information to be forward to the appropriate embassy.

We will pray that this process will be over for the two of you soon.

May God continue to bless you all.

Constance

Hi Missy,

Thank you for your prompt response. That's very expensive. The weight of my package is 1lb., FedEx quoted me $73.20.

I am so very happy that the package arrived on time for his interview. We are all praying that everything will go smooth.

Again, thanks for your response.

Constance

CONGRATULATIONS BRYON AND LEIDY :dance: :dance:

Have a safe trip home: HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hi Missy,

Hope all is well with you. If you don't mind, how much did it cost to ship the required documents to your fiancé Hakeem interview is February 6. I sent the I-129F package to him in August. Just need to send the original documents for the interview.

Your response will be greatly appreciated.

We pray that your fiancé interview will be successful and he will be here with you soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thanking you in advance

Constance

Hello Everyone,

In my research I found books on Yoruba/Nigerian culture that you are allowed to read online. Some will allow you to download in .pdf.

Check it out: www.books.google.com

You have to register to read the books online. Not all will allow you to read or download but it's a start.

You call always check out your public library. Check and see if the public library in your area has a website, if so, you can search their database for books on Yoruba, etc culture, request it and pick it up at the front desk. I found a book on Yoruba to English dictionary but not as helpful as the cassette tapes and book I purchased at the airport in Lagos.

Hakeem and I would like to wish you all a Bless and Happy New Year.

Constance

Good morning all,

I'll bite, Hakeem is Yoruba. My story is next.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

I thought my family was bad for ragging on me about being vegetarian or making stupid jokes about my Australian husband.

"Oh you must eat kangaroo meat all the time"

"Do you ride kangaroos"

It goes on and on!

Oh yes.....we all have our cross to carry......or family member to endure.......but it does get old.......I am just afraid that Oscar will not understand.......and on top of it all I live in Prince William County, Va....anti immigration capital of the U.S.....so everyone in the place thinks they have the right to comment........augh

Oh by the way the lawyer called me from his vacation spot.....He thought I sounded distressed on my message....duh....but he will not be in the office until Jan. 2...........OMG.....I want my money back.....rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....So no RFE info until then........

Hi Lora,

Sorry to hear of your VSC nightmares and to top that off family woes. I feel you on the family, I keep my business to myself when it come to family. And I am a happy camper. I am very happy I didn't get a lawyer, I would be in jail somewhere.

I too live in Prince William County, VA.

I am sorry that you are going through this. Please make sure you have all your complaints in writing. I had problems with my neighbors, with many complaints and police being called, I finally wrote letters and emails to the corporate office and district office. She didn't move but they moved me to a different location in the complex. Now I am on the top floor. I made documentation of all the harrassment, name calling, peeping in windows and knocking on doors and running. Not going to have it.

We will pray for you and your family safety.

Buy youself a gun, apparantly that's the solution to most problems.

i'm sure you'll have a better response from it than 911

So true. Safety comes first.

Buy youself a gun, apparantly that's the solution to most problems.

A gun per room.

I diffinitely need something...that is for sure I am moving out on 12/30/07 into an apartment in a different zipcode (alot less violent area according to the seminole county's sheriff dept website) and I am going to be on the 3rd floor...just patiently waiting. I will get my daughter in some therepy because I want her to get over all the emotional distress....and use it as documentation for getting out of my lease....if needed....I appreciate all of the advice you all are giving me....God Bless all of you

Good for you. I am very happy for you. God Bless you

AMEN!!

AMEN!!

MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL :dance: :dance:

Besangin and Uno - Now I have to get me another bottle of wine. Anyone for some Moscato D'Asti?

Nothing like a tall glass of sparkling wine and Besangin post, now we must add Uno.

You Go Girls!!!!

Thank you

Could someone please give me information or their experience relating to the medical exam in Lagos?

Hakeem interview is February 8, will he need an appointment for the medical exam?

Is that information in one of the packets?

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Constance

If Hakeem is marrying me for the "Green Card" then once he's here he need to get a job "acting". How would we know unless they tell us? I never thought about that until I started reading stories on this website. Now if that's his intention, then I wish him all the blessing in the world. I would say Good bye and say enjoy your blessing. I don't have time to fight him on any of these issues. If he can live with himself for marrying me for that reason, I can live without him for the same reason. I am going into this praying that we will be together forever but we all know that can turn around on any given day. I have to remain optimistic but not blind. So in other words I have my third eye open. Please excuse my writing skills, I am an accountant by trade.

Merry Christmas every one. :dance: :dance: :dance:

Good afternoon all,

Hakeem and I would like to CONGRATULATE!! Mel and Syl on their recent approval. We pray that the rest of your journey will be less stressful and FASTER. 233 days that is just ridiculous. Merry Christmas.

Lora, Steph and Mirla, we pray that you will be blessed with your approval before Christmas.

It would be a welcome Christmas Present to you all. I can't imagine it taking this long to approve these cases. My goodness some of you are May filers. Our prayers and heart goes out to each and everyone of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all, thank you for your continued support. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND THIS WEBSITE.

Hakeem and Constance

Besangin again you had me in tears. Hilarious but real. Nothing like a glass of wine and Besangin post. What a night?

Happy Holidays Everyone.

Hello Everyone,

I am five years older than Hakeem.