Posted on 02/03/2008 2:33:16 PM PST by beaversmom
We have an acquaintance from South Africa. She's in this country legally, but if her paperwork expires she will be forced to return to South Africa. Immigration is holding her up. Some of her specific situation I can't divulge to the forum at large, but over the years--she's been here 8 or 9 years now--she's paid $45,000 trying to get her greencard. She's a good person. She is skilled. She's a Christian. I don't know what it's going to take to get her over the hump, but if it doesn't get resolved by June, she'll have to probably go back. She won't have anymore resources to come back to the U.S. if she gets sent back. When so many people do it the wrong way, it's a shame that someone doing things legally will be penalized.
One way to permanently live in the United States is to apply for a greencard through your employer. In my case, labor certification has been approved and I am coming to the end of the process. I only need to submit one last set of documents, have a full medical examination and have an interview at a United States Consulate. This was due to be submitted in September, 2007 and this is where the process has stopped.
I received a letter from the National Visa Center on July 1, 2007 pertaining to my green card application. I paid the Processing Fee Bill and have had no further communication. My current work-visa is valid until June 30, 2008. I am unable to apply for a work-visa extension as I would have exceeded the 6 year limit to work in the United States. This process was further delayed by two years due to 9/11.
ping
Here’s hoping it all works out.
We have a friend in a similar situation. When she had to return to the Philippines three years ago, she has not been allowed to return. She, too, spent a good deal of money on immigration attorneys, all for nothing. She now has to have a job contract with an American company or school (she has a Masters in special ed) before they will allow her to return. Her son was born on Guam, an American territory, and is an American citizen, but that fact hasn’t helped her situation at all. All this to point out that if your friend’s visa runs out and she does have to leave the country, it’s a difficult process to get back in and get a green card. No wonder most people choose the illegal route.
I’m not sure why the $45K either. This has been over a 9 year period though.
The real question is why hasn’t her employer taken care of this?
Has she considered applying for Residency in England or Australia in case she fails to stay here?
England and Australia have a large South African immigrant community and it is easier to immigrate to England or Australia if you have skills than it is to stay in the US.
I believe she has considered that. I think at one time she mentioned New Zealand and Canada.
P.S. She’s spent so much money though, I think if she gets sent back to South Africa, she would have to just stay there—at least for the forseeable future.
I gotta make a run to the library for some tax forms and to PetSmart for some cat food, but keep the prayers and any advice coming. Thanks so much.
Legal immigrants who try to obey the law are treated terribly by our government. I know legal immigrants who have jobs and are good people who face delays, legal fees etc. Yet the politicians are falling all over themselves telling illegal immigrants to disrespect and disobey our laws and promising them governments handouts.
Have her change her name to Gonzalas and just stay. She could probably get some fake, but good ID’s pretty cheaply.
My stepmother spent about 10 years doing it legally when others seem better off doing it illegally.
It’s completely backwards to the way things should be. It makes me want to scream.
Have her change her name to *******ez or *******ez, etc. (Only half kidding).
I hope she gets some relief from this situation. This is exactly why people here illegally should not get put in front of the line.
My friend cleared things up through her employer and a lawyer they (the hospital) had. She fought tooth and nail, too, every time she was held up. Seems like a malevolent bureaucracy with a lot of Petty Tyrants.
I know stories like this, too. One is about a woman from Mexico who got married to an American and had two kids while she was waiting (legally). She did go back when her visa expired, but her husband finally found someone to intercede, and now she’s here legally.
They never imagined that a woman who was here on an employer sponsored visa, married an American and had two American kids would have such a hard time.
I do wonder why so many insist that we don’t need comprehensive immigration reform.
Good luck to this woman.
Thanks for your story and well wishes. I do believe that we need reform but not the kind that puts illegals to the head of the line. I’m not saying you are suggesting that BTW.
ping
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