FBI is getting hard on a RW in America...

[Bruce]

Why are any Russian women even remotely considering marrying an American man when you could find a Western European?

I am an American and my wife married me.  She has had to suffer innumerable misery at the hands of the US government.  She is not even allowed to establish temporary permanent residency after more than three years of marriage.  She is on a ludicrous FBI list that there is no reason why she was put on to start with, with no end in sight of getting off of.  Because of this she is treated lower than the lowest of the low by the US government - as you in Russia treat the people from the Southern Non-Russian republics.  You women who want to marry a foreigner would have to be out of your mind to choose an American over any European.


Additionally, travel is much further to see your relatives. 

Again I ask, why would any of you Russian women in the seek mode want to consider an American man at all?  If you are smart enough to read English and understand this board why are you not running away???

[SANDRO43]

Did you ask your wife ?

[Lily]

Bruce, I think that both American and European men are equally desirable for RW. We look for a man to fall in love, who could be from either of those countries.

Some women may prefer U.S. because of language they know, some are U.S. educated and have professional considerations, some have no relatives back in the FSU to visit. Some may know German or/and French and prefer Europe. Etc, etc..

Your unfortunate example seems to be very particular. Poor woman is obviously unduly prejudiced. Suppose you have a big file of petitions filed already? Do your attorneys say anything on how to get her out of that strange FBI list? Suppose there should be a way out. Looks like discrimination at my very first sight, eventually some more violation of her constitutional rights.

[Alyona]

Bruce, I am sorry to hear that your wife is having so many problems.

Can you explain your specific circumstances?

Did she come on a K-1 or K-3 Visa?

Were their other circumstances? Previous marriage? Children involved?

The reason why I am asking is that in my situation everything went smoothly.

I married my husband in Moldova before coming to the USA on a K-3 Visa.  That was in 2003.

I received my green card right away and I am currently in the application process for my citizenship (fingerprints tomorrow), so I don't understand why it is so difficult for her.

Alyona

[Daveman]

... Looks like discrimination at my very first sight, eventually some more violation of her constitutional rights.

Lily, unfortunately in this wonderful country (I do love America, don't misunderstand), only illegal aliens seem to be protected by constitutional rights.  Well, unless the woman screams abuse... I swear, sometimes I wonder if there is anyone even resembling a sane human being anywhere near a government building.  Something like 12,000,000 illegals here, but they'll try to mess with Bruce and his wife until hell freezes. 

Bruce, I know a senator cannot assist in speeding up a visa, but perhaps one could assist with this?  I have no clue about it, but just a thought you've probably already looked into.

Dave

[Lily]

Daveman, would you please be more specific about how the illegal aliens are protected by constitutuional rights in the U.S.?

So far I could only tell about what I personally whitnessed - an alleged illegal came to the country by whatever visa, committed overstay, after some time applied for some kind of asylum using any and every reasons that have been mentioned in the governmental annual country reports. At the minimum, their goal was to stay in the U.S. as long as possible, earn as much money as possible and to transfer them to their home. Some extended all that story for several years untill they were deported.

In fact they just used the procedural, and also the substantial laws of the U.S. to their maximum benefits, that's it.

[Daveman]

Daveman, would you please be more specific about how the illegal aliens are protected by constitutuional rights in the U.S.?

So far I could only tell about what I personally whitnessed - an alleged illegal came to the country by whatever visa, committed overstay, after some time applied for some kind of asylum using any and every reasons that have been mentioned in the governmental annual country reports. At the minimum, their goal was to stay in the U.S. as long as possible, earn as much money as possible and to transfer them to their home. Some extended all that story for several years untill they were deported.

In fact they just used the procedural, and also the substantial laws of the U.S. to their maximum benefits, that's it.

Lily, my remark was tongue in cheek.  Legally, I don't know how the Constitution itself could/would be applied one way or another.  I have zero knowledge on this matter.  My point was more along the lines of - the ones who abide by the rules are often more likely to be messed with by government.

[Bruce]

Alyona, the majority of petitions will go right through.  Yet, right here on this board I know of my wife and two other wives so that is three out of how many really married that are in legal / FBI limbo misery.  My wife's particulars: came to USA on a K-1 visa, married within 90 days, I-485 accepted less than two weeks after marriage, never a RFE. 

My wife is a real Russian with Russian parents in Russia.  Her parents are run of the mill normal Russian citizens with normal jobs.  I really feel sorry for them for how the USA is treating their daughter.  People from the former republics are almost thought of as refugees.  The chance of them having a problem is much smaller ie. Moldova etc.  Real Russia - that is where the problems may occur, for no reason other than a random check according to the BCINS officials, if you can believe them.  So, people applying to the BCINS are randomly chosen, like my wife, to be placed in FBI limbo.  The only connect between the three on this board is that all three are comparatively well off financially, and all three wives are real Russians, so it easily could be a jealousy thing with the BCINS ie. their tax returns are bigger - lets "randomly" put their Russian wives through hell. 

Numerous visits to 26 Federal Plaza where you are really treated like a subhuman, numerous calls on the 1-800 speak to a moron reading a list line; three trips to the congressman; wrote Hilliary Clinton to no avail. 

Advice from the BCINS is to make friends with the FBI.  How am I going to do that?  I do not know any FBI.  You call up the office you get a recorded message.  You get to a live secretary they tell you sorry, we do not discuss name checks. 

Lily, never used a lawyer, shouldn't need to, and that may be the problem.  I really hate the idea of a lawsuit against my government.  It is not in me because I have always been brought up to be patriotic, but I probably have no choice.........

[alantodd]

Bruce, I would get a lawyer.  Since you said your well-off paying several thousand dollars should not be an issue.  Writing Hillary Clinton not a good idea - FBI and Department of defense do not like her.  She wants to cut their spending to fund universal healthcare.  Stay away from politicians in this process and hire an expert lawyer. Your money has nothing to do with the issues you have.  Could be just a red flag on on some paperwork that was mis-read.

My cousin works directly for Kerry and is friends with Kennedy and not even they could help me bypass the K-1 process.  They could get a tourist visa with no problem for me but that would cause problems down the road for me with K-1.  They did tell me to hire a lawyer which I did eventhough at this point it was $2,000 just for K-1 paperwork.  But if problems in future arise they make sure the issues get resolved timely and that is already included in the $2,000 price. 

[BC]

Lily, never used a lawyer, shouldn't need to, and that may be the problem.  I really hate the idea of a lawsuit against my government.  It is not in me because I have always been brought up to be patriotic, but I probably have no choice.........

Have you tried this route from a link you posted in another thread?  http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/editorial_0497.shtm

I would think a response would ultimately be beneficial in substantiating your case if you do decide to go to court.  It's free so why not?

IIRC one of the (recommended) conditions to bringing suit is that you have exhausted all possibilities..

[Turboguy]

Having spent 5 months in FBI name checks I can relate to your misery.   I hope it all gets wrapped up soon.   Last I heard there were something like 810,000 people going through it with you.  The worst case I heard of was 8 years.  Hopefully yours will end soon.

[beachcomber556]

This really is a no-brainer.  RW still believe that American men are rich and they are thankful that we are white.  They are doing what they believe to be in their best interest for financial security while being able to live with someone who is genetically close to the children of the Beloved Motherland.  That may sound cold and calculating, but it is what it is.  Falling in love is theatre, pure and simple.  RW love only one person -- themselves.  The only thing keeping us from being cast aside like an old shoe is our income and net worth.  If suddenly tomorrow we were to wake up penniless, we would soon find ourselves wifeless.  Anything to the contrary is the exception that is as rare as palm trees at the North Pole.

[groovlstk]

That may sound cold and calculating, but it is what it is.  Falling in love is theatre, pure and simple.  RW love only one person -- themselves.  The only thing keeping us from being cast aside like an old shoe is our income and net worth.  If suddenly tomorrow we were to wake up penniless, we would soon find ourselves wifeless.  Anything to the contrary is the exception that is as rare as palm trees at the North Pole.

I'm sorry you fell in love with someone who had ulterior motives and is unable return your love, but please don't disparage all Russian women based on your experience.

I'll certainly agree that the majority of women actively searching for a foreign husband have financial security at the top of their list, but not all of us married desperate women.

[Blues Fairy]

This really is a no-brainer.  RW still believe that American men are rich and they are thankful that we are white.  They are doing what they believe to be in their best interest for financial security while being able to live with someone who is genetically close to the children of the Beloved Motherland.  That may sound cold and calculating, but it is what it is.  Falling in love is theatre, pure and simple.  RW love only one person -- themselves.  The only thing keeping us from being cast aside like an old shoe is our income and net worth.  If suddenly tomorrow we were to wake up penniless, we would soon find ourselves wifeless.  Anything to the contrary is the exception that is as rare as palm trees at the North Pole.

I am glad to be able to tell you in front of all my guests - despite  the fact that their presence here is proof to the contrary - that your theory is intelligent and sound.  Now - one theory deserves another. Among them there is one which maintains that a man will receive his deserts in accordance with his beliefs. So be it!

(c) Mikhail Bulgakov, "The Master and Margarita"
 

[chernoble]

I'll certainly agree that the majority of women actively searching for a foreign husband have financial security at the top of their list, but not all of us married desperate women.

I seriously disagree with that statement.  I do not believe RW are looking for foreigners because they are looking for someone who makes more money than Sergei or Vlad living next door.  I think those women who do are in the minority.  Rather its more because of the lack of available RM who shows the love and commitment to the women that they turn outside looking for such qualities.  Especially someone who doesnt down a bottle a day.

[groovlstk]

I seriously disagree with that statement.  I do not believe RW are looking for foreigners because they are looking for someone who makes more money than Sergei or Vlad living next door.  I think those women who do are in the minority.  Rather its more because of the lack of available RM who shows the love and commitment to the women that they turn outside looking for such qualities.  Especially someone who doesnt down a bottle a day.

This is the kind of utter BS that agencies spout in order to attract Western guys who want to "save" a beautiful but desperate woman. If you want to believe that as an American man you are somehow superior to local Russian men, go ahead but don't mind that I'll be covering my ears when you do your K1 so as not to hear the train wreck.

[Lily]

This really is a no-brainer.  RW still believe that American men are rich and they are thankful that we are white.  They are doing what they believe to be in their best interest for financial security while being able to live with someone who is genetically close to the children of the Beloved Motherland.  That may sound cold and calculating, but it is what it is.  Falling in love is theatre, pure and simple.  RW love only one person -- themselves.  The only thing keeping us from being cast aside like an old shoe is our income and net worth.  If suddenly tomorrow we were to wake up penniless, we would soon find ourselves wifeless.  Anything to the contrary is the exception that is as rare as palm trees at the North Pole.

Well, if people are said to have opinions influenced by their human environment, I really sympathize with beachcomber556. He obviously had not enough luck with people...

As a place to live and work, the U.S. obviously has some advantages over other countries in the world. to the most part it could be explained by its democracy and well functioning rule of law. The U.S. has made its history on immigration, it is a country of immigrants.

I guess there is no need to describe the known advantages of the U.S., one can easily find them in any public source of information.

[Bruce]

BC -that was one avenue I have not tried.  I doubt the ombudsman can help with the FBI (Fu$king B*stard Incompetents).   We figure we will wait one more month, call Hilliary Clinton a bunch after January 2 for a month and go from there.  AlanTodd, I hear you, and now suspect you are right, but it is a shame that I will have to have a lawsuit against the government I was brainwashed to be believe is good and fair to get basic rights for my wife.

[Turboguy]

BC -that was one avenue I have not tried.  I doubt the ombudsman can help with the FBI (Fu$king B*stard Incompetents).   

He is a quote from their website.   Remember "Department of Justice" and "FBI name checks" mean basically the same thing.


NOTE: CIS Ombudsman only has jurisdiction to provide assistance resolving case problems that arise under the jurisdiction of USCIS. The Ombudsman is not able to provide assistance with case problems that arise under the jurisdiction of other agencies dealing with immigration-related issues, such as:

The Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which are part of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR);
The Department of Justice (DOJ);
Customs and Border Protection (CBP);
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE);
Department of State (DOS), including the National Visa Center (NVC) and U.S. Embassies and Consulates; or
Department of Labor (DOL). 

[BC]

Bruce,
Turbo,

It's not about them being able to do something, it's about the ombudsman saying he/she can't do anything and stating the reason why, or not even replying that likely counts in court.

Remember, the party you bring to court will also have their rebuttal..

Judge, here is someone who did not try this, and this, and this before bringing suit...

Think not of resolution but notches in your favor.  Correspondence, notes of contact.. who where when, copies of phone bills etc etc. 

Before filing the lawsuit, there are a number of steps that should be taken.  This is so that when the suit is filed, the plaintiff has clearly done everything they can, short of filing a lawsuit, to resolve the problem.  A plaintiff who appears in court without having attempted to resolve the situation in other ways will not be particularly sympathetic, whereas one who has will be.

http://www.visalaw.com/05feb3/2feb305.html

Your lawyer will probably do the same or similar before actually filing suit.  This might save time and money down the road and let your case proceed more quickly.

If anything, it will give you something productive to do in the meantime and the satisfaction that you were really left no other choice (which seems quite important to you).

p.s. this all very very FWIW.. I'm not a lawyer.

[2tallbill]

Well, if people are said to have opinions influenced by their human environment, I really sympathize with beachcomber556. He obviously had not enough luck with people...

As a place to live and work, the U.S. obviously has some advantages over other countries in the world. to the most part it could be explained by its democracy and well functioning rule of law. The U.S. has made its history on immigration, it is a country of immigrants.

I guess there is no need to describe the known advantages of the U.S., one can easily find them in any public source of information.

Lilly, thank you for the Nice words about my country.

UdAchi v NOvom Godoo!

Bill

[Lily]

Thanks, same to you Bill!

[BillyB]

Bruce, you've got the money, what's taking you so long in getting legal help? Unfortunately, your wife probably shares the same name of some insincere bitch on the FBI's sh!tlist. The FBI has better things to do than to double check everyone's name and clear it off their list. Have you written to the President? He has enough pull to get the FBI to do as he ask.

[Mishenka]

Bruce, I understand your frustration.  I'd like to answer your question: Why should you have to hire a lawyer?  unfortunately in your situation, I think RESPECT with the FBI has to be earned. Do it yourselfer's are not respected in legal matters in most cases.  Lawyers are respected in in the eyes of the FBI.   If you want to see a torch lit under an agents bum and really resolve this issue, then hire a lawyer to handle it. Why? Because it is amazing how all of the sudden her name will be removed from that list because you followed the "unspoken" rules and hired legal council. It's like being arrested and trying to defend yourself in court on a DUI without a lawyer. They judge will just chew you up and spit you out as he hands down your sentence and revokes your drivers license. Hire a lawyer and your fine will be cut in half and you might keep your license. The advise has been given. There are a few words of wisdom here. If you are not getting results doing the status quo, then hire a professional to handle it.  Remember, in this country you are guilty until proven innocent. regardless of how the law is written, we all know the real world is much different.  I find it sad how we who choose to do things legally are the ones put through the test of fire, when millions upon millions go undetected for years under the radar of immigration.

Best of luck with you and your wife! I am right there with you!
Mishenka & Galina

[Turboguy]

Your option is a writ of mandamus.   You need a lawyer who works with federal law and has some experience in suing the goverment.    What that does is forces them to act.   The action they take can be to decline your application but they will be forced to take an action.   They don't want to go to court any more than anyone else so the threat of it is usually enough to get your application approved.