rodceasar

Hello All,
I just want to say thank you all for your support through this process and my wife has been granted her visa and is in the Washington, DC Metro Area with me now! We are very grateful to have made it through. My wife's interview experience was frustrating to say the least. Here it goes:
Interview was scheduled for Oct. 5th at 7:30 am. Apparently, the Embassy has interviewees come on the assigned date to submit any necessary paperwork, documents, ID etc. and rescheduleds you to return the following day for the actual interview. I was at the embassy from 6 am until about 3:30 pm on the 5th.
We returned to the Emabassy of Oct. 6th for the interview about 5:30 am and were about # 20 in line. After alot of waiting interviews began about 10 am. After awhile, my wife was called to the window. The guards there were nice and allowed me to enter the Embassy for her interview. I think my US Govt work badge helped in getting in to attend. I accompanied my wife to the window and the CO just looked at me. My wife stated that this is my husband and she replied "I don't need him.. Sit down". So, I sat back down. She asked my wife a few questions about me. She then asked my wife, how much money do I earn. My wife gave the correct figure and the CO told her she was wrong. My wife again indicated that it is indeed correct and the CO again said, it was not. Finally after going back and forth on this a few more times, the CO said, OK, you were right. Go figure.
Next, she asked my wife why I don't pay taxes. Of course, my wife had no idea what she was talking about but stated that my husband pays all of his bills including a mortgage and supports his son. She then told my wife "You don't know what you are talking about". The CO then told my wife to get me. I approached the window a bit surprised since she told me to sit down previously. She said "You don't pay taxes"! I said, Ma'am, I work as a US govt contractor, possess a Secret Security Clearance which is hard to obtain and I pay my taxes. I sent NVC 6 months of pay stubs showing taxes being taken out so was wondering why would she ask this and where is this info coming from. She should know that as you CANNOT get cleared with debt of any kind, especially to the IRS. I think that pissed her off as well since she has to have known this already. She then asked, why didn't you pay taxes in 1997, I believe. I said that I worked as an independent contractor at this time and was in grad school. I filed taxes, owed money and paid it off over the course of a couple of years. This really threw a monkey wrench in my game for I was wondering why she would ask me this line of questions, especially regarding resolved debt from 13 years ago which was resolved 11 years ago when I was 23 yrs old.
The CO seemed very annoyed and told me us to sit down. So, we sat and we sat and we sat. I then began over hearing some of the comments made to others being interviewed by many of the CO's and was a bit appauled. One CO asked a guy, "So you came ot the US to have sex". He said, "No, I didn't". The CO said, yes you did. This went on for some time. I am not sure whether he was granted the visa but probably was sent back for additional evidence a smany had. This is really disheartening since this Embassy services (14) countires and many have traveled extremely far.
There were numerous stories that I can tell but it would take too long. It hit about 11:30 am and my wife was called to a different window and given a blue slip that have a "F" written on it and was told to come back at 2pm now. Noone else was given this and others we talked to were approved without incident in less than 10 minutes. The women who told us to come back did ask, how she would like to get her visa, mail or pick up, if approved. That was a good and bad sign all around.
Now, my wife and I are both really concerned. I was still offended by the question especially about not paying taxes since I feel that I contribute to the health, welfare and life of 1/4 of America due to my income which is very good and that most are unemployed and receiving federal and state assistance just to survive. Also, we were never asked for any evidence of any sort. We both felt abused and unfairly treated.
Now, it's nearing 1 pm and I am about to go postal due to the experience and was about to ask to speak with a supervisor for the mistreatment in addition to the cots I've incurred for everything including the medical and flying there to attend the interview and taking time off unpaid from my work.
At 3 pm, My wife was again called to the window. I approached along side her. Another CO, seemed to be a Kenyan American indicated that he was going to interview my wife then he would interview me after. We were happier now because we had so much to say and I had alot on my chest to let out. She was in the closed in room for about an hour. I thought that she would come out crying due to the interrogation. However, she did not.
The CO called me to the window as my wife walked out of the room and took her seat. He asked me many of the questions she was asked and compared my responses to what she had stated. I also presented my govt babdge and he photocopied it. He then stated that we are all set and she will get her visa. I know that, if i were not present for her interview, it would have definitely been denied!
While waiting, I asked my wife, what happended. My wife is one smart and brave cookie for she layed it all out systematically from beginning to end to the CO. We had a bag full of evidence so we were never worried there. The CO asked her for all of her evidence and systematically went through every communication, pictures, Skype chat/call logs, email, Facebook pictures, wedding pic's, misc pic's from my visits, Western Union receipts sent from March of 2009 to present on a bi-weekly basis, my old passport with (4) visa stamps to Uganda and (1) to Thailand where I mailed her gifts, gifts such as clothes and jewelry and much more.
After her interview, he mentioned that he could see that this was a bonafide relationship and marriage to her. This CO was a blessing for he was NOTHING like the rude lady we intially experienced. He appeared to be higher up than she was. As they were preparing the visa, that mean CO lady came to the window and said that we're lucky because most visa's are not approved the first time around which is probably true but so what? What does that have to do with me and my case? I was happy to get the visa and took her comment with a grain of salt due to the insults thrown our way earlier. She then says that there is one problem. The police certificate is now expried and she would have to get a new one. I said, that's incredible. My wife has already left Uganda for the 1st time in her life to travel for a day to Nairobi for this and now you want to send us back there and there's no way i can stay any longer due to work and her awating the PC. It's been sitting at NVC forever and now this? After looking again, she says, ok, you still have 28 days on it since it's not 6 months yet. Again, I was happy but pissed since it appeared that she wanted to sabotage our chances of walking out with the visa, by all means necessary.
I am sure that my wife can add another (20 pages of our experience dealing wiht the Embassy, however we are happy and grateful to be together at last and I have moved on from that experience and now trying get my mind right from this ordeal and the distance away from my wife for a year plus. It took some time before I was even able to read VJ responses or comment for i know everyone's experience can be different due to the consulate office.
This experience has been a textbook "critical incident", however being a student of psychology I know that experiences like these help to create bonds for life and we love each other more and more everyday....

Now certain as to a quicker way but your wife can go into the Office of Vital Statistics (one is in lower Manhattan at the Dept. of Health)and purchase a copy of the birth certificate. Unless, things have changed, she should be able to obtain it and walk out in less than 30 minutes.

Contact US Senator for your state! I've seen where they can get a new interview and have a fair interview afterwards! I agree with the unfair treatment, which is very common for sub-saharan Africa unfortunately.

Contact US Senator for your state! I've seen where they can get a new interview and have a fair interview afterwards! I agree with the unfair treatment, which is very common for sub-saharan Africa unfortunately.

I like her resourcefulness! That's no different from eating cold pizza, chicken or anything else, when hungry. My wife eats with her hands in her country and sometimes here too which we aren't used too but in many countries, silverware is not used much. I take my wife to an African market each month to buy all of her local foods. This helped her to adjust to the US more easily and allows her to enjoy the foods she is accustomed to eating from her home country. It takes awhile for one to begin enjoying foods here which they aren't used to eating.

Bumbero, HILARIOUS!!!
I think I will be drinking a few Heinekens and awating to go to work the next day ...

Kim & Hatim... I think you were very clear in your explanation!!! You indicated that he said he tried it as a teen and yes, he tested positive during the medical. Anyone with reasoning and critical thinking abilities should have gotten the point here and understood what actually occured! Also, I agree that the negative comments are unwarranted and hope the VJ comunity has not changed to a group of people acting as immigration officials or critics but those offering advice and support.
My advice is to filter through the nonsense and communicate with those who responded with understanding, research and love to your post. I wish you luck and faith..
Rodceasar

Leave asap!!!!!!!!!! Also, let your friend know that she should never compromise herself to perform anything that she does not feel good about doing. There is a life and world outside of the US, you know.

I was told that I wouldn't be able to enter the embassy for my wifes interview, however I was let in (with a little coersion)and attended. I personally think that American spouse should always be prsent, even if you have to wait outside for if there are any issues/concerns, you probably would be brought in to interview as well, therefore resolving any possible problems.
This process is so long and expensive, I think that we should do whatever possible to ensure no delays...

Kim & Hatim... I think you were very clear in your explanation!!! You indicated that he said he tried it as a teen and yes, he tested positive during the medical. Anyone with reasoning and critical thinking abilities should have gotten the point here and understood what actually occured! Also, I agree that the negative comments are unwarranted and hope the VJ comunity has not changed to a group of people acting as immigration officials or critics but those offering advice and support.
My advice is to filter through the nonsense and communicate with those who responded with understanding, research and love to your post. I wish you luck and faith..
Rodceasar

Kim & Hatim... I think you were very clear in your explanation!!! You indicated that he said he tried it as a teen and yes, he tested positive during the medical. Anyone with reasoning and critical thinking abilities should have gotten the point here and understood what actually occured! Also, I agree that the negative comments are unwarranted and hope the VJ comunity has not changed to a group of people acting as immigration officials or critics but those offering advice and support.
My advice is to filter through the nonsense and communicate with those who responded with understanding, research and love to your post. I wish you luck and faith..
Rodceasar

It simply boils down to people from developing countries have a greater likelihood to commit immigration fraud based on the standards of living and quality of life in their home country. Someone from France, Europe, etc. typically comes from a high quality of life, therefore it's not as likely for them to commit fraud or simply want to enter the us for a better life... by any means necessary. It's as simple as that!
However, I once felt similiarly to you, especially after having worked at the US Embassy in a developing country and walking in and talking directly to the Chief Consular about my intent. It was a very disturbing conversation for me and my spouse, however I found that much of what he stated is in fact true and if you continue to follow VJ over the years, you will notice that there are multiple cases of immigration fraud committed with USC requesting the deportation of their significant other for fraud, which only complicates matters in the long run!

Get documentation and proof and protect yourself and you should be ok!

Sorry to hear of your dilemma, however your experience is very normal at the Nairobi embassy! I would recommend just completing the process per the requirements. If you decide to close the current case and open a new one as married, they will still request the same thing (DNA test) as they did for the K-1 plus scrutinize you more severely for discontinuing the current petition. You should get all the requested items as soon as possible and return to the embassy....

Am not certain but think it will be in Nairobi for they service most of E. Africa and other countries. US Embassy Kamapala does not process immigrant visas!

Yes, this cost you alot and saved you much more in the long run unfortunately. We have all taken chances and not knowing what would be the result. Consider yourself very lucky...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

As a man talking to another man... run fast and leave this marriage. I feel that this is only the beginning and there's alot more to this behavior that you probably had not yet found out...

Run fast and do not attend the interview. Let him crash on his own accord and leave this marriage quickly...