In Desperate Need of Advice

**jimiwaters79** · 05-04-2006, 10:24 AM

I am an American citizen who recently married a Spanish native. We originally met on the internet approximately 8 months ago. She entered the US legally with a valid tourist visa nearly three months ago. Her tourist visa officials expires today. We were legally married in Las Vegas this past Saturday.

My fears are two fold. First, I've been traveling around the US working odd jobs under the table or in exchange for room and board for last 2 or 3 years. Earning just enough to continue my travels. I haven't filed for Federal Income Tax in the same amount of time. I just didn't earn enough money to bother. This is obviously coming back to haunt me. According to what I've been reading I need prove that I've earned 25% over the poverty level the last three years. And quite frankly, I haven't earned a third of that. And I have no Federal Income Tax receipts.

Secondly, she has been working illegally in the US for the last three months. Of course their is absolutely no record of this, but it's still a cause for concern.

What are my options? Time is quickly running out. I'm afraid to speak directly to the USCIS for fear of her being deported and we can't afford an attorney.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jimi

**jimiwaters79** · 05-04-2006, 10:30 AM

I forgot to mention that we won't be living permanently in the United States. We'll be returning to Spain in one year. So our hope is to get some an adjustment of status or some sort of temporary visa.

**gigi07** · 05-04-2006, 03:38 PM

My recommendation would be to get a credit card and get a lawyer. I just say that because I am going through a K1 fiancee visa, and I couldn't have done it without them!

Also, couldn't you get a sponsor? Obviously if you are already married, your friends and family are aware of your situation, can you ask someone to petition for you so you can use their financial proof and support? Try to get a sponsor.

If worse comes to worse, look into enrolling in school ... JR college is a lot cheaper! Plus if you only want to be hear for a short time this wouldn't be a bad situation. I believe she can go to school for that time and be on a student visa.

Lastly, how about getting a job now??? You only need proof of 50% above the poverty level which is $16,500.00 usd annually. Can you get a job now, and use that? I am not an expert, I am just throwing out ideas. I totally feel your pain though ... it sucks. Who would ever think it would be so hard to be with the one you love, right? Hope this helps some!

**marks11** · 11-02-2009, 03:20 PM

Perhaps if you did not live your life skirting the laws then things would be normal for you. Try living as required so our country wil be better off. You are a burden to all good and honest people. Because of you and fiancee.. true couples abiding by the laws are forced to wait unreasonable time lengths for processing.

**Woodger** · 11-03-2009, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by marks11

Perhaps if you did not live your life skirting the laws then things would be normal for you. Try living as required so our country wil be better off. You are a burden to all good and honest people. Because of you and fiancee.. true couples abiding by the laws are forced to wait unreasonable time lengths for processing.

I have to say I agree with this, i have been waiting around 8 months now, and the process would not be as thorough had people stay within the law....

Your asking people on a forum who have applied to be with their loved one the official way, the law abiding way, and expecting advice from us on how to get around that ?

The thing that hacks me off more is that a good immigration lawyer will have your spouses green card / Adjustment of Status / Work Authorization, probably way sooner than I can get mine, even tho my fiance and I followed the letter of the law.

It's a disgrace