Tallying the Conseqences of the IMBA of 2005 -- now in effect

[BC]

Sleeping on the job?

If so they wouldn't get my future vote.

funny.. you only want to count on them when you need em!

[dwfunk]

Common sense tells me that an injunction is something similar to a  temporary restraining order.  Otherwise it would be like an AW  getting a court order to keep all women away from her husband.

Yup!!

[Jack]

Well BC, on Monday the lawyers filing against the IMBA were lined up and ready to go, had their case all laid out and ready to present. Everyone was ready, except one party,......the Federal Attorney. But being a Federal Attorney, they should wait a little longer, ....a little longer, .......just a little longer. The Federal Attorney failed to show to the hearing. The judge extended the Temporary Injunction indefinitely until such time as the Federal Attorney makes a request for a new hearing.

[Killer-B]

NEW TWIST? (OR WTF!?)

This may, or may not even be related to IMBA - but I'm also a member on match.com -  and was looking thru their T&C's today and ran accross this "legal" statement -



[align=left]



Q.
How can I request information about Washington state residents?




A.
The state of Washington requires Match.com to assist non-U.S users requesting background information about Washington state residents. Toward that goal, Match.com will contact Washington state residents - upon request and at no charge - to solicit applicable data. The requestor may use the Match.com system to contact a Washington state resident once this request has been made. If specified, Match.com can provide applicable background information in the requestor's native language. To make a request, please contact washingtonlaw@Match.com.[/align]
Can someone from WA enlighten me as if this is just a specific law for WA - or is this from IMBA??

Cheers-

 

Killer-B :crackthewhip:

 

[BillyB]

Try e-mailing that address with your questions Killer-B.

How many guys are going to go out and do voluntary background checks on themselves and then send the info to match.com so they can send it to each foreign woman that requests it? I don't think a lot of guys would be willing to do that unless it's coming from one fine woman.

[Killer-B]

Hey Billy-

Well, I'm not a WA resident - Bear is - and have asked him to look at this - As I reread that Q&A it sure sounds like IMBA to me... But then again, WA is a pretty "progressive" State - so (also) thought that maybe that "requirement" was already on the books there? So was just looking for some WA members feedback....

In a similar vein - I was on Elena's over the weekend - and read their take on it all - and they reference the injunction by EC - and THEN state it's "business as usual"...

If we read up-thread correctly, that injunction really only applies to those in the ATL/GA area (right?) - Also, I've been reading more on the penalties for not adhering - Your girl will get rejected - and the agency heavily fined ... So, seems to me, whomever is advising these agencies - well - we ALL need some (legal) clarity  - AFA is also "business as usual" - So I dunno...

I know there's a parallel thread running on here about IMBA - so I don't mean to duplicate efforts.... But seems everyone is waiting and watching to see what happens with EC...

On a personal note - I don't have any issue's giving out info - cuz in the beginning I thought I was in the clear (trafficking, prostitute, felonies, etc.) since that has nothing to do with me... but upon further review - I now see "alcohol offences" are to be disclosed... Geez - 25+ years ago I got tagged with a DUI BUT it was dismissed - but is it still on my "record"??? I haven't a clue... So do I omit that - since I think it was dismissed - or reveal that childhood blemish?? That's what gets me....:burnedup:

Cheers...


EDIT: I just went to Elena's to copy & paste their comments and see they've now removed that ..... So - Like I've said - I'm no lawyer... Would be nice to know where we stand though:?

[BillyB]

Whoa there Killer-B!!!! Looks like we got a self confessed alcoholic at RWD! The first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem. Now sit back and relax while I get you professional help or someone to lock you up!

Anyway your DUI can be perceived by a Russian woman as if you are a regular abuser of alcohol over legal limits when if fact you could be totally free from alcohol as of this moment. Yes, the law can make past blemishes come back and label you. Who knows what other goodies await men with the new law? Anyone seriously read the small print?

Also many men that have DV on their records could be based on false allegations. It's hard to tell the innocent from the guilty. I have a problem with labeling innocent people as guilty.

Maybe someday the government will make it easy for all of us and we'll be able to scan a implanted computer chip from a prospective partner and get a video of the person's actions through his/her entire life!

[Killer-B]

 Looks like we got a self confessed alcoholic at RWD! The first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem. Now sit back and relax while I get you professional help or someone to lock you up!

 Well, as my poker buddies say - "AA is for quitters!" (Just kidding~!)

Actually - that was waaaaaaaaaaay back when I was "young & stupid" (you know them Texas sheriffs!) LOL - In fact, the drinking age was 18 and we could have a Keg in the back of a truck and ran the tap thru the rear slider LOL! Ahhhhhh the good 'ol days -

Either way, THAT is exactly my point (read as "Concern") that if I divulge this (even though it's probably expunged - or not there) - since "alcohol" is such a hot topic over there... Yeah, I feel like I'm being charge as guilty - even though I am quite "dry" and innocent!

 

[jb]

[color="blue"]

since "alcohol" is such a hot topic over there...

[color="black"]What do you mean with this statement?[/color]
[/color]

[Bruno]

since "alcohol" is such a hot topic over there...

[color="black"]What do you mean with this statement?[/color]
[/color][/quote]

Very simple to understand... FSU women complain over local men who drink to much... what interest they can find in a foreign men who have a official record about use of alcohol...

[jb]

I believe that is a myth that's been grossly overblown by the MOB industry.  Just about all the profiles listed on most MOB sites claim the girls neither smoke nor drink, yet when you actually meet, they smoke like a chimney and think nothing of having a few glasses of wine with a meal, or a few snorts of vodka for special occassions.

I wouldn't place much importance on a single youthful indiscretion with alcohol, no one in the FSU will.  OTOH, if you make a practice of regularly getting falling down drunk, then you might have a problem.

[Killer-B]

I thought twice before posting that alcohol comment - fearing some backlash or argument... but this was (is) about IMBA - and having to disclose "personal history" of OUR pasts... That was my main point - and concern...

That said, whilst true (some) gals do smoke like a chimney - and do like a little vino and vodka from time to time... You can't broad-stroke stereotype it one way or another.... However, I do know from 1st hand experience, that it is a "concern" for the FSU woman...

I remember one agency in St. Pete - I sent in some photos as I was setting up my profile, and sent a few of me skiing - I'm faired skinned, and get "wind-burn" and sunburned easily - The photos were taken after a day in the sun, and my cheeks and nose were slightly red - She would not publish them, for she said I looked like I had been drinking! (though I hadn't) - I tried to explain the wind-burn to her - but that made no difference - she said it was "bad".... (file that under "for what it's worth")

In addition - I am allergic to smoke and am a non-smoker and seek the same...  I list this in my profile, and agency managers laugh (if they're being honest with me) and tell me "good luck" finding a gal that doesn't smoke... They all do... Of course, not EVERY one does... but allot do...

Just go there - Find one that doesn't - and have a nice day

[jb]

You understand you are kinda proving my point, smoking and drinking is not a sin in the FSU.  Most folks smoke over there, and most folks drink.  Mostly they worry about extremes.  As long as you are "moderate" with your habits you should be ok.

Although, if you are as allergic  to smoke as you say you are, then maybe you are barking up the wrong tree.  I'm not saying you can't find a non-smoker, I'm just saying smoking is pretty widespread in the FSU.  You shouldn't be too surprised when your girl, who says she a "Non-Smoker", lights up in a bar after a drink.    She will probably not be a "TWO PACK" a day smoker, but she might like a puff now and then.

[Killer-B]

You understand you are kinda proving my point, smoking and drinking is not a sin in the FSU.  Most folks smoke over there, and most folks drink.  Mostly they worry about extremes.  As long as you are "moderate" with your habits you should be ok.

Hi JB-

Actually, your original comment was only about alcohol - and you wanted to stress the misnomers about "RW/RM and alcohol" - I understand this - and I TRIED to walk delicately around a sensitive subject - I did not set out to support or disprove any preconceived notions...

I'm not seeking confrontation - Just trying to sniff out "what to do" about this incident from 20+ years ago in regards to this IMBA stuff...

I work in a "smokers" industry... "Gaming" - (talk about a touchy RW topic!) - so - I can tolerate it - but would prefer not kiss an ashtray - But that's just ME and MY desires... It's in no way meant to be a condemnation of those who smoke or drink...

I know one guy on here that married a non-smoker from western UA - I think the "social scenes" from "City" to "Village" have allot to do with it... I've been there - I know you can't breath in a cafe whilst trying to have a cup of joe... But that's all part and parcel of searching overseas...


As to "moderation" that is simply not an issue in my case - but being forced to present something ugly from my past... well as others have said, why be judged or charged "guilty" of something done out of youthful indiscretion today? Then again. no one said life was fair LOL-:noidea:


Thanks for your feedback and thoughts.... All valid -

Cheers

[BillyB]

Question: What do you call Killer-B after he drinks a case of beer, a gallon of bourbon, a bottle of Vodka and a bottle of Whiskey?

Answer: "Just getting started".

Having fun with you Killer-B. I don't think old DUI's should be asked for. The women's groups who had a hand in drawing up this law should request recent violations only. People can be a whole different person in 20+ years. I've got nothing to hide. Never done drugs and I've never been drunk but I think it's wrong to bring up a DUI from 20+ years ago.

I've never seen the questions men would need to fill out but for the guys that don't care about anybody, they wouldn't have a problem lying. If they get cought, they'll likely have a "so what" attitude. Isn't there men getting away with being currently married and still able to marry a foreign woman withoiut being caught? Does immigration check the man's background through his Social Security # or does the SS# give limited info? If immmigration did a poor job checking  a man and women's background before possibly because of financial restraints, they may not do a good job verifying if men are telling the truth on the new questionairre unless their budget gets a boost. 

My fiancee doesn't smoke! She isn't a normal RW, she exceptional!

[jb]

Killer-B,

I'm prolly the last person you should ask about this crap.

I'm a cigar smoker, (outdoors on the patio only), and I'll admit to taking a drink now and then,,, mostly a little wine now and then, and a few beers once in a while.  I don't drink and drive, I don't ever go to bed drunk, and my wife has never felt threatened by any of my bad habits,,,, ever.... (being at a Russian party and having access gallons of frozen vodka doesn't count).   Besides,  I like to remember what the hell happened yesterday. Which you can't do if you are seriously addicted to booze, or the weird stuff.

Your admission to a DUI back when you were young and stupid is not a big deal.  I got my first DUI on my 30th birthday.  Boy~! I was really fu@ked up too, my co-workers threw a party for me, and I over imbibed.  I was taken home in a police car, embarrassed as hell, paid the fine, and went on with my life and never looking back.  Stuff happens, but it doesn't make you a criminal...

Drinking and smoking is as much a part of life in the FSU as breathing air.  If it bothers you, go somewhere else, you aren't going to alter the lifestyle of Russians with your dissapproval. OK....

[Son of Clyde]

Even Bill Gates had a DWI when he was young and reckless.

[jb]

Not to mention George W. Bush....

[Bruno]

Bush has described his days before his religious conversion in his 40s as his "nomadic" period of "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years. He says he changed to a sober lifestyle shortly after waking up with a hangover after his 40th birthday celebration.

[aikorob]

Does anyone have a definitive answer on whether the TRO in place only affects Agencies and their requirements, or does it cover the whole act? 

Will the embassy interviewer still ask her if she knows of previous marriages; DV orders and such? Of course she already knows of past marriage and previous K-1 application- nothing else to hide. I was just wondering if I had to provide some type of formal, notorized statement (or even get a background check from Sherriff's office).

[jb]

aikorob,

I think it's just a questionaire you fill out and sign, with a; "This information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge" sort of affirmation.  The background check is to match names on the registered sex offender database.  Marriage agencies will not have access to the NCIC criminal database.

As has been said, this is a very weak law and not much machinery is in place for enforcement at this time.  This may change over time, but right now it's just another thorn in the side.  The BCIS already has records of any K-1s you may have done in the past and has made noises about putting limits on the number of times you can apply.   IMHO that would be a bigger impediment to this pursuit than the IMBA is at this time.

[Killer-B]

Does anyone have a definitive answer on whether the TRO in place only affects Agencies and their requirements, or does it cover the whole act? 

 

Just the "constitutionality" of SOME sections of the law are being challenged -

If you read the EC complaint, it calls out several specific sections in question - but no, the overall "law" (Violence against Women & Children) stays in tact... And applies only for this specific case - Not "other" non-GA agencies... (if I'm reading all this correctly).

Also, I see you're from GA - Based on the 2 threads running here, seems you'd be covered under the TRO - but - other agencies are taking some liberties and saying it's now "business as usual"...

Now I'm wondering (since you're in GA) if you personally are covered by this TRO, simply because you're in the region, or do you have to be an EC "customer" in order to be exempt - Hmmmmm!?

Could be interesting if the latter is true - What if the court only finds for EC! LOL - EVERYONE would have to go thru them! (In theory of course - and that is simply ridiculous!) :hairraising:

 

[aikorob]

jb,

I've seen some preliminary questionaires floating around various attourney websites asking about where and when of any offences, and other requirements. Unless I see something specificand formalized by the government; I thought I would model something along those lines; and have it notarized.

We have discussed all pertinant information between us,  I am not hiding anything from her. My only concern would be at the interview---what does the embassy want to see? I e-mailed Kiev; but they told me to go ask USCIS for any definet requirements.

[jb]

rob,

I think you could have expected to see some lawyers jump on the bandwagon here, they smell the possibility of fees out there somewhere, but it's my understanding that neither a notorized document nor a police report from the local Sherriff  is needed. 

The reputable agencies will have done all of the legal work in the preparation of the questionaire that you would fill out.   You would/could either sign and send a fax or a scanned copy, or even maybe an electronic signature is possible.  Either way they are not going to hold your feet too close to the fire, right now it's just a formality they have to comply with.

As far as what questions the American Consulate might ask your lady at interview time, if she knows you well enough to marry you she shouldn't have any trouble with the interview.

[RacerX]

Just for interest, I note the hearing on the TRO is now scheduled for April 3rd.

From a quick reading of the interview experiences being currently reported by K-1 people, none have been asked any of the questions that would have rquired by IMBRA.

None of the consulates have upodated their K-1 visa info.

And, the USCIS is still listing last year's I-129f on their website. 

So, it's safe to say that none of the IMBRA provisions are not being enforced so far.