23. October 2009 by admin.

Relationships, like everything else in life, are organic and constantly evolving. They don’t always start and stop as cleanly as they do in fairy tales.

For K-1 fiance(e) visa relationships, starting a relationship while one of the individuals is still married poses potential problems that may result in the USCIS officer asking additional questions.

Timing plays a large role in determining whether a K-1 fiance(e) visa stamp will be approved. When did the relationship with the foreign fiance(e) begin? Is the individual and his/her soon-to-be ex-spouse separated? Have divorce papers been filed? When is the divorce expected to be officially dissolved?

In addition, the usual host of factors will also be considered in evaluating the outcome of the case. This includes the ages of the U.S. citizen and foreign applicant, the foreign applicant’s English competency, the length of the courtship, the home country of the foreign fiance(e), whether the fiance(e) has previously visited the U.S., the criminal history of the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiance(e), to name a few.

The bottom line is that it is very possible for a foreign fiance(e) to be approved for a K-1 fiance(e) visa even if the relationship began while one was still married. The key is establishing that the relationship is bona fide. The couple should demonstrate that their love is legitimate and maturing. This can be achieved through supporting evidence such as emails and phone logs.

While overlapping relationships are not planned for, they are not uncommon. Any prejudice on the part of the USCIS or consular officer against relationships with these charactertics need to be addressed deliberately and with ample supporting documents.

If you are involved in a relationship with a foreign fiance(e) that overlaps with a previous relationship, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm at 626-771-1078 to discuss your options or visit us at www.myfianceevisa.com   

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28. June 2009 by admin.

Another politician’s marriage bites the dust.

Why is it that politicians seem to struggle so much with keeping faithful? It probably has something to do with the power, the title, or all the people they come in contact. In the course of life, inevitably we’re going to meet people we’re attracted to. So how can we remain committed to our marriage? Especially after years of marriage when the relationship has cooled and the newness gone? 

A simple tip: when you’re talking to someone you find yourself attracted to or who is attracted to you, talk about your spouse. Compliment him/her in the presence of this other person. It’ll help you remain focused on your spouse and remind you of the wonderful attributes your spouse possesses.  It’ll also remind the person you’re speaking with that you are married, and that should help keep the conversation platonic.

I am not a relationship expert or a marriage counselor. As a “Love Lawyer” specializing in visas and green cards for U.S./foreign couples since 1997, I’ve observed hundreds of different relationships and have developed some pointers which I hope my readers find useful. Your mileage may vary. For visa assistance, visit www.myfianceevisa.com

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26. June 2009 by admin.

Anyone who enters into marriage thinking things are going to be Even, 50/50, we-both-give-and-take, may be in for a big surprise. A person with this type of thinking may actually compliment himself/herself for having such progressive thinking in our selfish world, but unfortunately, in the daily grind of relationships, it’s just not enough.

There will always be times when one person takes a significant amount more than he or she gives. Sickness, raising children, disability, a heavy work schedule are common scenarios where imbalance occurs. Initially, efforts are typically made by each individual. After time, however, one person really begins to feel like s/he’s pulling more weight than s/he should. If that resentment isn’t dealt with, it can endanger the relationship.

How do you deal with it?

1. Communication is obvious– expressing how you feel during this difficult time is important so that the care-receiver knows what the care-giver is going through.
2. Taking time out. Go out and blow off some steam. Hang out with friends. Engage in a hobby. Do something that you enjoy and will take your mind off the challenges at home.
3. Adjust your expectations. The marriage vows include being together in health and “in sickness”. We love to think about the good times, when we’re young, healthy, vibrant, and carefree. Our media focuses primarily on those times. Yet marriage is also about growing old together and with that comes more and more visits to the doctor, body aches and pain, and medication. The sooner we start accepting this as a part of a relationship, the easier it will be accept this reality. And hopefully, the less focus each person will have on just how much s/he is giving.

I believe that most couples truly want their relationships to work out, even relationships which seems challenging from the get-go such as US/foreign couple relationships. 

Yet, these types of relationships can survive and thrive. Keeping a focus on serving and loving the other spouse, instead of stewing over how much I am giving, is a great way to keep the relationship on solid ground.

As a fiancee/spousal visa attorney since 1997, I work with many US/foreign couples. These musings are simply my observations about marriage and relationships. I am not a relationship expert. Email me  or call me at 626-771-1078 if you need visa legal assistance.

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