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bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:09 PM
Some of you may have known this but there was a big error on Eduardo’s paperwork which could’ve allowed us to file what’s call Motion to Reconsider. However, after consulting with a new attorney here’s what happened. It was long and complicated conversation but here’s the bottom line.

We can’t do a Motion to Reconsider. According to Laurel (the new attorney) the Immigration Officer was correct when they rendered the denial judgment. Eduardo’s waiver packet should have been about his rehabilitation (in fact 90% of the packet should have been about that). And that’s all because of his 5 arrests back in the days of him acting like a crazy gang banger. Which is hard to believe that the Pastor of Santa Rosa church was ever that.

So we have do the entire process again. Sigh. But in the meantime there something that is working to our benefit. His arrest are 13+ old. By the time it’s hits 15 years they really can’t say someone ISN’T rehabilitated. There are some arrests that Eduardo has that say something like “leave to reinstate” meaning that he can be arrested and tried for them. Laurel has recommended that I go find a criminal lawyer and get those cases closed.

Currently it’s taking 3-5 months to get a new appointment with the Consulate. Under the new Pilot program (which allows for instantaneous approval) we will be referred to the backlog aka no instant approval. So that means I’m going to stay in the states to try to get Eduardo’s old criminal cases closed (with hopes they can be closed because of statue of limitations). After some thinking… by the time the appointment eventually comes Aaron will be in school. Which Eduardo and I discussed that we would/do not want to take him out until the school year was done. So now my new departure date is sometime next year next summer. That’s a maybe could be earlier then that but we’ll see.

My next obstacle is paying for Laurel. Normally she charges $6,000 for these cases, but Eduardo’s is “way to complicated” and therefore will be $7,900. And that doesn’t include the government filing fees. Maybe I’ll make some tamales or something but seriously it’s a lot of money that I have to pay off in 5 months. And I’m not even thinking about the other criminal lawyer. So that’s the news.

Does that mean Eduardo will get approved… nope she said it was 30-40% of an approval. But we have to try.

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:11 PM
BTW I sent that to my family so I had to explain things a little more in detail...

Chapital
04-30-2008, 10:14 PM
wow..at least it sounds like you are getting some straight answers and have the beginnings of a plan. I sincerely wish you the best as you figure this all out (including how to pay for it).

Adriane
04-30-2008, 10:16 PM
Wow, Bridget, that's a lot to digest- but I think all in all it's very positive.

I know coming up with the money will be a struggle, but I think she is your very, very best bet for success.

Good luck with getting the cases closed- is there a legal aid organization in your area that might be able to help?

ratito921
04-30-2008, 10:17 PM
at least now you know where you stand. I have to say it's sounds so complicated but I'm glad you have a grasp on it and know what direction to take.

good luck!!!! and please keep us posted

chalakita
04-30-2008, 10:19 PM
You got some straight answers with that consultation and Laurel was honest enough to tell you your chances. I know its a lot of money, but I think its worthy to try. Keep us posted and if you decided to make some tamales let me know, I have no clue how...

y14gemini
04-30-2008, 10:20 PM
I am glad that you were able to get your questions answered! Good Luck with your journey! :)

J3NNI
04-30-2008, 10:20 PM
yea but wont they still see them on a fbi check

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:23 PM
wow..at least it sounds like you are getting some straight answers and have the beginnings of a plan. I sincerely wish you the best as you figure this all out (including how to pay for it).

Yes and I'm grateful for that. I hated being the the dark half the time during this process. My eyes are open and I'm ready for the next challenge even I hate having to stay away from my husband another year. But a lot of the the things I have to do is a legwork and I just can't do that if I'm over there.

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:24 PM
Wow, Bridget, that's a lot to digest- but I think all in all it's very positive.

I know coming up with the money will be a struggle, but I think she is your very, very best bet for success.

Good luck with getting the cases closed- is there a legal aid organization in your area that might be able to help?

I agree, I totally agree and yes the money is a worry but at this point I'm not too proud to beg... Can you spare a dime Adriane heheh j/k

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:25 PM
at least now you know where you stand. I have to say it's sounds so complicated but I'm glad you have a grasp on it and know what direction to take.

good luck!!!! and please keep us posted

Yes I never really realized the magnitude of what would be involved. Again I'm happy she was very straight forward with me. We're on our way!

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:27 PM
yea but wont they still see them on a fbi check

Yes they will but the difference is that the records will reflect CLOSED or Dismissed. That's important because if they approve the visa and he comes back then he could be tried for them. It's best just get them closed ... for the wavier packet.

Laura
04-30-2008, 10:28 PM
Wow Bridget -

I'm glad she gave you a realistic outlook and a good, concrete path of where you need to go.

Financially, yikes, I can't imagine. I hope you will be able to work some miracles.

:)

bohorquez
04-30-2008, 10:43 PM
Wow Bridget -

I'm glad she gave you a realistic outlook and a good, concrete path of where you need to go.

Financially, yikes, I can't imagine. I hope you will be able to work some miracles.

:)

I tell I'm going to start praying for some !

MendozaQH
04-30-2008, 10:51 PM
Wow Bridget, I am sorry it si such a difficult path for oyu, but you are right in saying you at least have to give it a try! Good for you!

Have you spoken yet with hubby? How about sending Aaron to Mexico for the summer so that he can spend time with papi? That may give you a chance to work an extra job to help pay for the lawyer fees........just putting suggestions out there. I am sure you will find a way! Best of Luck and we are here for you! :)

simply-heartfelt
04-30-2008, 10:54 PM
Best of luck Bridget!!!

You are a stronger woman then I!

Dorothea
04-30-2008, 11:16 PM
Bridget, you're amazing! After all these obsticles... I'm so glad you spoke to someone who will work hard to make everything go as smoothly as possible. You are in good hands...

dduran
04-30-2008, 11:34 PM
I know it'll be a long and costly journey, but with prayers & faith you will get thou it...You know I2US (& Laurel is awesome) is here for you too...Good Luck!!!

LilB
05-01-2008, 12:25 AM
Bridgette, I'm so glad you got a clear perspective with Laurel on your hubby's case. I knew she would give you the straightforward answers you needed. And you thought 30 minutes wasn't long enough :D

Anyway, did she tell you about the Legal Lending Group? Here's their site: http://www.legallendinggroup.com/index.htm

You can also go that route for paying her legal fee. If I'm not mistaken, you have about 48 months to repay which would make the monthly payments less.

At the same time, you'd want to try paying her out of the way as soon as possible to avoid the legal debt. Are there any assets you can sell? Like a vehicle, etc? Trade it in for something more affordable? Or...cash out your 401k? Or something like that?

Again, I'm glad you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Take care, and God bless.

jsierra1982
05-01-2008, 01:06 AM
i'm glad you got some answers!! i'm praying for you girl! i hope this works!

could you get letters from his parishioners talking about his character?

aprilstorm
05-01-2008, 02:02 AM
Goodluck!!!

TorresSanchezKing
05-01-2008, 02:11 AM
Just wanted to say good luck! It sounds like you have somewhat of a plan and it will all work out. You'd be amazed how much money you can raise/what you can do when you're forced to. And you always have us for moral support. :D

tasksgirl
05-01-2008, 02:22 AM
oh gosh I'm sorry to hear this.. but there is some good in it right? Things will work out .. :hug:

~MP~
05-01-2008, 03:55 AM
Wishing you the best...this process has been way too long for you guys.