So here you are - - standing in line at the immigration window in a U.S. airport. Are you nervous? You “betcha” you’re nervous. You are with your intended bride and going through your mind are countless questions and “what ifs” as you pray that you and all the bureaucrats you’ve dealt with have done everything correctly.
And mind you, this is the second time you’ve been through this on this trip. You see, in your fiancee’s home country (in Alla’s case, Ukraine), seeing a K1 visa in her passport prompted more than the usual questions and a special search of her luggage looking for gold, art, antiques, or anything that could be construed as a state treasure. The questions in your mind at her home country departure airport are focused on “will they let her out?”.
And now as your fiancee steps before the immigration officer your focus is on “will they let her in?” She hands him the mysterious sealed envelope given to her (with specific instruction to not open) by the U.S. embassy in her country. Your future rests on that envelope, her passport and the immigration card you filled out on the airplane.
The officer leisurely reviews everything (the envelope remains sealed for delivery by airport immigration to USCIS) as you stand there on the verge of a cold sweat. Then he stamps her passport, hands it to her, and with a big smile says “Welcome to America”. Breathing a huge sigh of relief you think “whoopee, we made it”.
HA! For sure you have gone through a lot. Many hoops have been jumped through and many hurdles have been conquered. But in truth, you’re just beginning. Keep in mind that all countries have bureaucracies and rules to deal with. To get what you want is very doable by learning about and following the rules. Check back soon for details and suggestions on how to proceed.
Best Wishes, Gary.
