Randy W

Yes - that's what I'm trying to figure out. I think my PDA will handle it. Congrats, Carl

Good luck. I don't think that Chinese J-1 or FRR have been discussed here. I'm sure you know more about that than any of us. Filing the K-1 pretty well shuts down any chance of getting a visitor's visa. THey are issued completely at the VO's discretion. The fact of your engagement is construed as evidence that she will not return to China. Many people have donated money to the Dept of State by applying. Doesn't the CR-1 pretty much accomplish what you want to do? There would be a delay while the application is processed, but then she would be free to visit, until she is ready to move

You have some reading to do. Start by clicking on FAQ's above. I wouldn't think they would stop her from leaving the country, but you would know that situation better than I. if she wants to remain on good terms with them, you can wait to file for a K-1 until about 1 year before she will be able to leave. If you file at that time, she would most likely interview about 9 months later. The visa is good for 6 months, but is only good for one entry. Vistor's visa are unlikely to impossible. The CR-1 is good for a longer period of time, and could be used to come and go while she is waiting. So it may be safe to file as soon as you get married. Be careful that you don't commit immigration fraud, by bringing her over on a student or visitor's visa for the purpose of getting married.

An especially vicious VO. It is incredulous that they would issue a white slip like that. This is very sad. Your wife's English seems good, but with a grammar closer to what you might expect from someone who has lived in China all her life. My wife knew enough English to start off the interview with "English no good. Putonghua, please!". It is very important to interview in the language you're most comfortable with, if at all possible. I'm sure you understand her grammar, but it may have raised the SOB's eyebrows or overstrained his brain. Best wishes for a healthy CR-1.

Fresher. Fruit in the US tends to be shipped farther and requiring a longer shelf life. So they'll tend (in the US) to pick them sooner (not letting them ripen on the vine) and ship using methods (including methane gas and waxing) to make them ripen more slowly.

Couple of questions which may or may not be relevant - Were you hired in the US and moved to China, or hired specifically for a position in China? Do you maintain a domicile in the US? Do you have a mailing address in the US? Did you file a change of address with the USCIS? To your China address? For yourself? For Lan? For Sarah?

No, married filing jointly will always put you in a lower % tax bracket, whether ITIN or SSN. Check their figures.

Then your answer is "No!" you don't have it? Why?

If you replace the operating system, I would advise that you re-format the hard drive before installing. I don't remember for sure, but this should be an option when you begin the installation. This will definitely get rid of any viruses that may be present. Simply insert the XP installation CD, and boot from the CD drive. Just follow the prompts from there.

A natural form of bulimia, which ends on the trip back to the states. Who could ask for more?

I've never heard anyone make the claim that mainland China was part of Taiwan before, but it should be interesting. I understand you're interested in these legal fine points (and I appreciate that), but I'm not sure that anyone could use that to get insurance and actually drive with a PRC license.

I think you'd be hard pressed to make that claim (ROC vs PRC) stick, much less get insurance for such a driver.

Randy, it is 30 days for registering ones vehicle. With respect to the DL, you have 10 days to obtain the license, having established residency. The exception is if you are going to drive for hire within the state after becoming a resident, then there is no grace period and you must be licensed immediately. That aspect has been law for over 30 years in California. . . . and doesn't that (resident) mean ALL of our spouses? Aren't they referring just to whether you LIVE here (and not just visiting), instead of your immigration status? Sorry - just trying to pin this down Yes, residency is residency, regardless of ones immigration status, legal or otherwise. If my Lao Po wishes to drive in CA now, she will have to obtain a CDL immediately, as she has been a resident since POE time of June 6th. She is not a visitor. However, they have tightened the rules here now and she must first have her SSN to apply for a CDL. OK - thanks for the clarification, Roger.

Randy, it is 30 days for registering ones vehicle. With respect to the DL, you have 10 days to obtain the license, having established residency. The exception is if you are going to drive for hire within the state after becoming a resident, then there is no grace period and you must be licensed immediately. That aspect has been law for over 30 years in California. . . . and doesn't that (resident) mean ALL of our spouses? Aren't they referring just to whether you LIVE here (and not just visiting), instead of your immigration status? Sorry - just trying to pin this down

Also, Roger, look up the law regarding residents. Isn't it that you need a state license within 30 days?

Yes, it does say that in a number of places that seem to apply to ALL countries, although they do not mention China specifically. I will take your word for it. The Texas Dept of Motor Vehicles says this This seems more in line with what I expected.

No thanks! (sorry)

The phrase I've highlighted would bother me - a) it's not clear that the word "country" would include China (the quote is a simple statement of what would obviously be a more complicated law) The authorities would have no way of verifying with the home country that the license was actually valid. And, of course, very few here would be able to read it. I think the IDL is a great idea, if one can be obtained here, or study up for the state DL if your residency status allows it

Name changes can affect the visa process, but that would usually be the beneficiary, not the petitioner and only when it occurs during the process. Where they ask for an alias, list your maiden name.

My opinion there is that the Bible won't affect the law. Others have pointed out that the Bible can be viewed as both favorable and un-favorable. Only a Supreme Court challenge, which is unlikely to happen

So when you contribute to a thread, it's a fact rather than your opinion? You lost me, guy!! You can read several of my opinions in this thread. I have not said a thing (either opinion or fact) about "laws" that Christians go by, only American laws.

It's completely unclear how this switched to a discussion of Christian 'law' - I haven't expressed an opinion there, and don't intend to.

I did say except as a moral authority - separation of church and state would be the basis for my claim, although I'm sure anyone can come up with several counter-examples. "there were reformers in the eastern states who were shocked by its affront to Protestant and Victorian mores, generally overlooking the fact that biblical prophets and some earlier Protestants had practiced polygamy." Yes - and the Mormon's believed the hand of god told them to have multiple wives.

The bible is not the basis for law, except as a moral authority. In fact, the Mormons ignored the law for many years due to a belief in a higher authority directing otherwise (as I'm sure you've read) These things can be argued all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary (e.g., abortion), and there be determined by majority opinion (of the court). From your readings, you know that laws against bigamy came from the religious and moral climate of the early 1800's, and were more or less settled by Utah's admission to the US. You also know that bigamists tend to be discreet and are generally not prosecuted. I think the bigamists (that do exist) are simply aware that it is unlikely the laws will be over-turned, either through Congress, or by the Supreme Court. Similar arguments could be applied to nudity.

Perhaps this topic would have worked on a less grumpy night.