Stepbrow

Literal with me too.

You know things like missile guidance systems, advanced computers, cruise missile technology, stealth bomber technology, spy satellite optics, etc, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03...ent_9599676.htm

You got it buddy. I am looking at your timeline, and it looks like your AP was due to the interview at GZ. Right? If so you should be posting your complaint on the DOS Open State website that I listed above. They are the ones doing the AP due to a blue slip.

Welcome to CFL, though you have been a member for a while this is your first post. As you were told you will need to file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for each family member. You will need to file it with the USCIS here in the states. If you were in China on a work visa you could file the forms with the consulate near you. That is called DCF (Direct Consular Filing). But, since you are in China on a tourist visa you are not a resident. The USCIS website is: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis Click on forms for the I-130 and the Instructions for same. I recommend that you get to know that site. The instructions will inform you of the address where to send your I-130. As to questions #2 you living in China is not a problem as far as the I-130. That L visa is between you and the Chinese government. Just keep it current, and renewed when you need to. It is not uncommon to get incorrect information when calling the numbers you listed. They try but they are not well trained.

I am a little confused. I thought that by having income above 125% of the poverty line was the evidence needed to prove that the wife would not become a public charge. Secondly, while it is technically true that when things are approved by the USCIS, the DOS cannot use them against you, in actuality DOS does often use things against the beneficiary and petitioner that are included with the petition and are known to USCIS (so called red flags). Randy has correctly mentioned in the past that a CO has the legal authority to deny petitions without legal recourse except to appeal to the Chief of IV Unit. After a visa refusal, the petitioner then must wait until the appeals process until he can assert his legal rights, and bring into play the facts of pre-approval by USCIS.

I totally agree with this guys reasoning on this. The US must adopt a sustainable economic model as opposed to trying to continue the current consumptive one. Also the US must keep and continue to attract the best and brightest graduating students. http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/1012b4171089657664

Well, it looks like there will not be any Hokou reform after all. Seems that the CCP was against it. At least they didn't imprison any of the publishers or editors. They just fired a few, and warned the others. http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31042/ As the article points out, the CCP floated the idea in an interview of Wen Jiabao in December of 2009. Apparently the newspapers misjudged the Wen's intent in going ahead with the articles. My own feeling is that China, by restricting the movement of it's people, the current hokou law hurts the country and the people. If people are allowed to move and seek jobs freely, then those who see opportunity can move and act on their vision. If they are restricted, then they cannot pursue the opportunity, and the country does not benefit from their pursuit of a better future.

Congrats, and happy anniversary to the rest of you.

Robert that's great news. I can't wait until you can post some stories about your training

If I were you I would not bring this up. After all, you are interviewing for the K-1. Don't muddy the waters. More important items to your relationship bonfides, are the length of time you have known her, the number of visits you have made, the gradual development of your relationship, and your documentation to verify these things.

Yup. Great News! Congratulations.

No problem Bill, and no offense taken. Your points were good, and I understand where you are coming from.

Every time you go to the consulate it is recorded. By going there and putting your face in the door you just to establish some credibility, and involvement. It is not a big deal just a small credibility building block. You know one reason for going to the consulate is to register your presence in Guangzhou. You do that with an appointment at ACS. That lets them know that you are in town. It is a common thing to do. You can do it online too, but that would defeat your purpose. The reason it is recommended by DOS to register is so that if you get sick, get hurt, mugged, arrested, etc. they may be able to help you. Also since they will know where you will stay and how to get hold of you, if there is some major emergency, the consulate can alert you. Try to think of some questions of your own when you go to ACH. You could tell the CO about the documents that your wife will bring to the interview, and ask if you have left anything out that will be needed by the CO. You could say that you wife will need some time after the visa is issued to prepare her things for shipping, etc, and ask is what is the time limit for her to use the visa? Well, that's all I've got. Good luck.

Welcome to CFL.

1. Already are. Just sometimes have a different definition of "civil rights" and "protected." 2. Already is. Define "adequate." 3. Already are. Selectively. 4. Already ended. Define "persecution," "dissident" and "religious group." People need to realize that China will never have what people in the West think is an ideal system nor should they. I agree that China will never have an ideal system. Obviously we don't either. I think that as we observe China defining its system, we are watching history as it is happening. I think that China is trying to find a new way to govern. They are attempting to find ways to allow more citizen participation, to make government more transparent, and to make government more responsive to the needs of its citizens. That is my hope anyway. As to the items you listed, I have tried to clarify them. 1. Regarding Civil Rights: The most recent example was from the Documentary "Tears of Sichuan Province." The parents were allowed to protest to a point, then they were told they would be arrested if more than three protested at one time. I guess you could classify this as freedom of assembly, and the right to protest and seek redress from the government. Last month Tan Zuoren was sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempting to investigate the tofu construction of the school buildings. The parents of those children just wanted justice and punishment for those officials who allowed the shoddy construction resulting in the death of their children. LiuXiabao is a good example of a dissident who has been persecuted for freedom of speech. He authored the Charter 08. Fineart has written about him. Here is another reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liu_Xiaobo 2. When two parties agree on a transaction, then you can say the compensation is adequate. The confiscation of land in China for development has been going on for some time. The farmers displaced by the Three Gorges Dam is a prime example of many (not all the 2.3 million that were displaced) were unhappy with the settlement. Here is another example of what happened to Lin Zhengxu back in 2004: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A...anguage=printer 3. You are right in that some prominent figures have been made examples of, but I have a friend in China who manages an office building. A large portion of this space is leased to the government. If the bribe is not paid when the lease is renewed, the official threatens to move to another building. I am told that this is "the China way." This isn't so? 4. Persecution: being harassed, jailed, and or tortured by the government. Examples are above: Tan Zuoren, Lin Zhengxu, and Liu Xiabao Dissident: Someone who speaks out against, protest against, or in other ways objects to the policies or actions of the government. Religious group: Falun Gong.

I like to follow political changes, reforms, and movements within China. My hope is that over time the political system will change for the better. I have been following the National Peoples Conference through China Daily, and I saw this announcement. Today it is announced that the NPC is working on establishing a Socialist Legal System with "Chinese characteristics." Also, making the legal system more scientific and democratic. I am not sure what this means because sometimes the Chinese press and government use English words in ways that differ from the usual connotation. I hope that the new system addresses the following issues: 1. Civil rights are established and protected by law. 2. Adequate compensation is made to land owners when property is condemned for developments. 3. Laws against cronyism, bribery, payoffs, elimination of special favors for friends and family of government and party officials will are enforced. 4. End State persecution of dissidents and religious groups. Here is a link to the article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010npc...ent_9563257.htm

Yes Yes Yes No Yes Sounds like the little woman has a bit of an ego too

Less than 40% of NPC members are Party members?? Where does that data come from? Is the source credible? As much as the Party fears losing their grip on power, it would be amazing if they allow a body composed of primarily non-party members to actually have any real power. I think that it is reasonable to accept the 40% number, but only the CCP members get to vote on the important issues. The rest are window dressing. By that I mean that some participants are there to support to actions of the CCP. I read an article on the BBC about a guy who was attending, but was not a member of the CCP. In the interview he told the interviewer that he was there not to oppose or protest any decisions by the CCP, but to show support.

Hang in there Dan. As Carl said, just take it one step at a time and then it won't seem so overwhelming.

That was a great documentary. Too bad it did not win the Oscar

Best wishes for you Michael. Let us know how things go.

Congratulations, and Best Wishes!

If your lady were an American, and she told you that she was married, but would get a divorce to marry you, what would you think of that? The same logic applies even though she is Chinese. The fact that she is married and has been having a relationship with you should be a red flag to you. Chilton's advice is correct. If you rush things, your chances of getting a finding of "Non Bonified Relationship," and a white slip will be high. In answer to your questions, yes, it will look bad that you were visiting a married woman. Second, it will look bad that there will be a short time between her divorce and your petition for her visa. Here is a link about red flags: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35080 Also, here is a link to Bonifide Relationship issues: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35161 I hope things work out for you.

On a NPR they said that the film, and any internet searches for the film are blocked. They said that the film is not mentioned on the News in China.

Well Robert, you are on the plane as I am writing. Have a safe trip. I hope that you don't make too many mistakes like Sam did Fill us in after you are home and she is settled in.