jemmyell

Congratulations! -James and Loving Candle

We went to Monterey Park for Spring Festival. The Floral Street Fair was pretty commercial, but my wife and daughter really enjoyed dinner at the San Gabriel Mall (Square) twice (Tofu House and Sam Woo). We stayed in a motel on Atlantic that was walking distance from NBC seafood and had Dim Sum for breakfast twice also. The Shenyang Homestyle restaurant in downtown Monterey Park was closed, so we will probably go back to try that one. They also enjoyed the LA Arboretum on Sunday. -James

Has anyone used the old style passport photo for AP (Advance Parole) ? The I-131 says 'Right side of the face showing the right ear'. This was how the passport photo USED to be taken. The I-129F says 'Full frontal' -James

Thanks Ty, that's how I read it also. -James

The checklist I have seems to imply it is not needed, but reading the I-485 seems to imply that it is??? TIA, -James and Loving Candle

is this worldwide statistics or just for the US? How are other countries doing where single parenting occurs... is it the same issue or are there local factors that cause what we see in the US? There's nothing like tossing out some blind statistics in order to "prove" a point, whatever it is. Mark Twain said: "There are Lies, Damned Lies, and then there are Statistics" -James

I just spoke to a para legal and she said my step daughter (17 years old, will be 18 in November) is already too old to gain citizenship by adoption. Does she know what she is talking about? Anybody have any experience with a step child older than 16? -James

Great news Jim! -James and Loving Candle

Hi, This is a request for personal experience information about adoption of a step child. My step daughter is 17, and will be 18 next November. Does she have to be a LPR before I can start the adoption process? Will I need to use an attorney? Any web links to the filing process? It is my understanding that she will become a citizen automatically but we need to request a certificate? We were married January 8 and are now filing AOS since we have received the official marriage certificate. My SO and her daughter hope to return to China next summer, should we attempt to file for adoption there? Would I have to be present in China for the filing if we do that? -James and Loving Candle

The new link for the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator is: https://egov.immigration.gov/crisgwi/go?act...office_type=CIV -James

Isn't it entertaining watching AT&T put itself back together after all these years? Do you think they will try to get Bell Labs going again? Do you think Judge Greene is turning over in his grave? Will they get the Bell trademark back? I work in this industry, and the SECOND SBC bought AT&T they BECAME AT&T and GOD help us if we said SBC anything anymore... -James

Thanks! I guess I am trying to decide if it is more advantageous to go before my SO's interview vs during the week of her interview. I made two trips, the second was for the interview, and I did attend ACH. This all led to fours questions only for Loving Candle, one of which was "is your boyfriend still here?". I do feel that going for the interview and ACH makes a very good impression. Remember that confidence during the interview makes a BIG difference for your SO and being there for here will really boost her confidence. -James and Loving Candle

Loving Candle likes western breads, and really likes bacon and peanut butter! We mostly eat Chinese meals that her and her daughter cook, but I have started cooking sometimes too. Her daughter tried to banish the tostada shells to upstairs claiming they had 'no taste', so I made some refried beans and we had Tostadas which both of them did like! They both claim to not like cheese, but on tostadas or pizzas it is just fine. BTW, she makes GREAT dumplings also! -James

Good luck, I know you will do fine! -James and Loving Candle

James: Do you think they would further deny us after paying the 385? Here is a copy of the letter I am sending them: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services PO Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680-4120 December 26, 2006 A 99 ### #### Receipt # MSC0###### Regarding: 12/12/06 Decision on Application for Status As Permanent Resident To Whom It May Concern: I would like to file a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider. I am sending in the fee of $385.00 with the following documents to be considered: ¡ì I-797C ASC Appointment Notice for Biometrics dated 10/13/2006 ¡ì I-797C Request for Applicant to appear for initial interview dated 10/25/2006 ¡ì Letter from US Department of Homeland Security validating change of address from CA to NY dated 10/30/2006 ¡ì I-797C Notice of Inerview Cancellation by USCIS dated 11/1/2006 ¡ì Copy of AR-11 Aliens Change of Address mailed 11/5/2006 ¡ì Decision on Application for Status as Permanent Resident Denial dated 12/12/2006 Order of Events: Filed 1-485 on 10/13/2006 in California Completed Biometrics appointment 10/19/2006 in California Moved from California to New York 10/24/2006 Called USCIS and notified of move 10/30/2006 Sent in AR-11 on 11/5/2006 Received confirmation of change of address at new address 11/3/2006 Received notice of interview forwarded from previous address 11/6/2006 Received cancellation of interview forwarded from previous address 11/15/2006 Case Status online indicated cancelled appointment 11/15/2006 Received Denial decision on status as permanent resident because we failed to appear at the cancelled interview forwarded from the California address 12/26/2006 I would appreciate any help you can provide. I believe this decision was made in error, as we should not be expected to attend an appointment cancelled by your office. Regards, Toni and Lin Zhao Toni, as you may need to file the appeal using form I-290b I would suggest that you use different text to present your case in item 3. This is more of a legal proceeding and you need to clearly state who did what, when they did it and what you expect to be done. While the words may sound strong you need to make your case in a clear manner that ties your supporting documentation together as well as tells them what you expect. Here is some text you might consider: Your letter that accompanies the evidence might want to include something like: While it is doubtful they would ever consider returning your money you need to make a demand that they investigate the problem. It then becomes a matter of record that Lin has been injured by their actions. Don't worry about offending them with the term negligence, this is not a personal matter to them. You are making your case that they screwed up and you demand the correct this immediately. Personally, I would remove the niceties from the letter, such as I believe this decision was made in error, this is an error and it's theirs. You are not asking for a favor you are demanding they correct their mistake and you want it done yesterday! My hope is that when you showed up to speak with an IO today they shook their head and cursed the people who did this and re-opened the case telling you they were sorry for the inconvenience as any good customer service rep would do. Toni, Lee has MUCH more experience than I do. IF the InfoPass on 1/04/07 does NOT yield results then VERY GOOD legal representation might be in order. BUT as you said a bad lawyer is worse than now lawyer. Since you have the appointment, maybe you can spend the time until then researching possible LOCAL AILA lawyers witha PROVEN track record of fighting deportations. -James

American Citizens Hour. The interview are at a public window, but they are semi private since the waiting area seats are at a distance. IF you can POSSIBLY go to ACH just before your SO's interview I HIGHLY recommend it. Be sure that you are still there for her interview. "Is your boyfriend still here?" was one of four questions Loving Candle was asked. -James

Jim, it really sounds like we are talking about the same street. You can enter also by the trash dumpster area behind the IKea adjacent to the building the club is in. To use this entrance, stand in front of the consulate facing the street, turn right, walk to the corner, cross the street, turn right on that street and walk to the first large alley BEFORE the disco club entrance, turn left, then enter the gate by the trash dumpsters (SHRIMP!!! in the SUMMER!!!! I almost didn't go...). There is a small restaurant right at that entrance, too small and dark for me. About 1/3 way down on that right side there is a noodle restaurant that is finished COMPLETELY in tile, very clean and nice. There is a small square pond in the center by the pharmacy that a couple of small boats in it. At the end of the right side of the street there is a bakery then a small dumpling vendor. If you cross in front of the end of the pond there is another side of the street where I believe the gate you used is. That side of the street has clothing and fruit and vegetable vendors. -James

You should treat this VERY seriously Toni, get a good local lawyer, this could be really bad news. -James

Hello, Here are some notes on resources / places close to the IV unit in Guangzhou: The Citic Plaza (a short walk from the consulate) has both a Citic Bank (pay your visa fees here) and a Bank of China (upstairs) that will cash American Express travellers checks, but they have a daily limit, I believe it is $500. Also there is good shopping at the Citic Plaza and a GREAT Thai restaurant on the 4th floor. Downstairs (in the basement) there is a good Japanese restaurant and a Fast Food restaurant that has big to go lunches for 10 Yuan. There is a McDonalds in the Citic Plaza also. IF you are in Guangzhou in the summer (NOT recommended, but I had no choice) remember that the McDonalds restaurants DO NOT allow smoking and they have VERY GOOD air conditioning. The day I arrived in Guangzhou the pollution was the worst I have ever seen anywhere, the humidty was VERY high, and it was over 100 degrees. I was NOT sure I was going to survive just breathing. Also, I am allergic to cigarette smoke and I was surrounded by smokers!!! There are good, clean WESTERN toilets on the 4th floor of the Citic Plaza building also. McDonald's all have squatters, but they have a big strong pipe you can hold on to... In the basement of the Citic Plaza (it is called Back Street) there is a shop called 'Corner's Deli' that has a LOT of western foods (European and American). I introduced Loving Candle to Muesli for breakfast. Also the major supermarkets in Guangzhou DO have Skippy Brand peanut butter, but it is labelled 100% in Chinese. Just ask to find the section where the jams and jellies (sweet things for bread) are kept and the peanut butter is there too. The BEST value is at a small street that represents 'old Guangzhou'. It is right behind the hometel of Angela and Mr. Xie and I believe Mr. Yang's hometel also. You can buy fresh fruits, there is a GREAT noodle shop (4 Yuan!!! - clean and nice). At the far end of this street you can buy fresh dumplings also. These were all extremely yummy. There is roast corn and sweet potatoes available from vendors too. The shopping in Guangzhou is very good. There is a 'wedding dress' street that Mr. Xie (or Mr. Yang) can direct you to which has a LOT of affordable clothes. -James

Merry Christmas Jany, and wishes for a Happy New Year also. I hope you will post some photos for us of Mei Mei's happy Christmas like last year. -James and Loving Candle

Hi! First welcome to CFL! Second, a caution about that FAX you sent. In general you NEVER want to tell GUZ anything they did not ask for. Just turn around the blue slips as quickly as you can. Your fiancee should have detailed info on the denial, just focus on getting the materials together then call the Visa Information number to make an appointment to submit. Also, you should remove that email address before the harvester bots get it since that is a MAJOR source of SPAM. All telephone numbers, email addys, etc. should be sent by a PM (Private Message). -James

I believe this is the equivalent of 'packing her bags'. She does NOT want help with this she wants to be told that you love her and need her to come to the USA NOW. -James

Congratulations!!!! -James and Loving Candle

And you are where??? -James Only 72 It was 80 here today. I may have to reconsider moving to a frigid region. Well Dan as much as it pains me to have to... ...my goat brother, here is the bad news for LA... Qionghai, Hainan, China VS Los Angeles, California, USA...Winter weather Okay this is not a fair fight. Qionghai lies at 19 degrees N latitude and Los Angeles at 34... That is the same difference of 15 degrees as there is between LA and Vancouver (49-34=15). Southern California also suffers from a cold ocean current while Hainan basks in the South China Sea... During the next 6 days, which look to be pretty typical of both places. LA has highs of 79, 72, 64, 65, 66 and 66. Qionghai is 81, 81, 75, 73, 79 and 76, an average difference of 8.8 degrees F. But the nights show a really big difference while LA drops into the frigid range of 48-50 every night...Qionghai stays at 71-74... So averaging the highs and lows for both ,Qionghai is 16.5 degrees F warmer, or 28 %...The latitude also gives Qionghai a much longer day in the winter, more than an hour more daylight at this time of year. But for a really BIG difference check the prices of fresh LIVE seafood such as lobster, crab, shrimp, clams and abalone... So you are confirming that LA has perfect days and MUCH BETTER 'cuddle weather' at night? These temps are JUST RIGHT for hearing 'Lao Gong, I am cold, can you warm me?' -James

And you are where??? -James