Cynthia
06-27-2007, 05:09 PM
This is a letter Courtesy of Member Olami ~ LAGOS/NIGERIA
Below is Olami's letter, submitted in Lagos, Nigeria on Oct 5, 2005, approved in Ghana on March 11, 2006, for misrepresentation.
************************************************** *************************
I, USC, make this statement in support of my husband’s, ALIEN, request under I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability.
Introduction
My husband and I met through a XXX in early YEAR and ‘clicked” immediately. We were married on DATE. We married at the City Registry because we knew we wanted to be able to buy a house in a year or two and it would take all the money we had and could borrow from relatives. For 3+ years we shifted back and forth living with XXX in PLACE and my mother in PLACE. Finally, on DATE, we closed and moved into our own home. My husband and I have been married for almost X years and all I can say is marriage is a wonderful experience. The years have had their “ups” and “downs” and through it all our commitment to one another has not wavered. Some of the “ups” include the purchase of our home, and the birth of nieces and nephews into our family. We have survived the loss of a niece, the search for a wayward brother, and the near death of a sister from a miscarriage.
I. EXTREME HARDSHIP TO THE U.S. CITIZEN (USC’S NAME)
Medical
I have significant health issues which can be impacted negatively, even to the point of being life-threatening, if I do not have access to regular, expert medical care. In MONTH & YEAR I was diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin), endometriosis, adhesions and uterine fibroids, which required surgery on DATE (see appendices A-D). Hyperprolactinemia interferes with normal function of the ovaries and has been linked to blindness, hemorrhage, osteoporosis, and infertility. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia also poses a long-term risk for breast cancer (see appendix E). Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women. It can cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal organs. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis" (see appendix F). Management of this disease is a long-term process.
In brief, I have to take medication daily (Bromocriptine and Ortho Eva) to control my prolactin levels and endometriosis and prevent their arresting effects (see appendix G). It is crucial that I be followed by a reproductive endocrinologist. In other words, follow-up care needs to be done by a specially trained physician and the regular use of high tech diagnostic imaging is critical. If my condition should not respond properly to medication I risk the loss of vision as well as other significant symptoms. Clearly, if surgery becomes a requirement, (as it once already was) a highly trained physician would be necessary to protect my health.
My husband and I want to start a family in the immediate future. However, there will be serious risks to my own health and to that of any child born to me in ALIEN’S COUNTRY. As appendix H attests, health conditions in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are not adequate to meet my health care needs. “Medical facilities in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are poor. Diagnostic and treatment equipment is most often poorly maintained and many medicines are unavailable. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem and may be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications. This is particularly true of generics purchased at local pharmacies or street markets. While ALIEN’S COUNTRY has many well-trained doctors, hospital facilities are generally of poor quality with inadequately trained nursing staff. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Infant mortality rates in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are amongst the highest in the world. (Appendix I). On the other hand, if forced to wait to start our family until the 10-year bar is finished, I will be X and my husband will X years old. Pregnant women aged 35 years are at increased risk of complications in pregnancy compared with younger women. (See appendices J & K). Therefore, if I became pregnant while in ALIEN’S COUNTRY, there would be increased risks to my health and that of the fetus because of my condition and of the poor quality of healthcare. If I wait until I am X years of age to become pregnant, both me and my child will be exposed to numerous high risk factors.
Moreover, as a USC’S PROFESSION at NAME OF COMPANY WHERE USC WORKS, I am eligible for health insurance. It covers my basic health needs, including my diagnostic imaging surgical fees. However, I will not be covered overseas. [Moreover, if I stop working I am no longer eligible for the plan]. To purchase a policy that does cover me while I am living in another country would be costly. Moreover, should I require medical care that is not available overseas, the cost of an evacuation to the United States is estimated at $50,000. In short, a move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY would significantly raise the cost of my health insurance, if I can acquire it, and potentially raise other health costs as well.
Professional Career
Currently, I am one of only # USC’S PROFESSION for NAME OF COMPANY WHERE USC WORKS (appendix L). PROVIDED DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MY RESPONSIBILITES AT WORK, INCLUDING ALL ACCOMPLISHEMENTS, MEMBER SHIP TO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. THESE CLAIMS WERE SUPPORTED BY LETTERS FROM BOSS AND CFO OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Relocating to ALIEN’S COUNTRY is not an option for me because it would be extremely detrimental to my professional development. I am a specialist in my field. The market for USC’S PROFESSION in ALIEN’S COUNTRY is terrible and non-existent. To my knowledge, there are no facilites dedicated to XXX in ALIEN’S COUNTRY. Therefore, continuing my career as USC’S JOB TITLE would not be feasible.
Loss of income
The unemployment rate in ALIEN’S COUNTRY is astounding (estimated 28% in 1992, appendix Q). 60% of the people live below the poverty line (appendix R). The unemployment rate in the U.S. is 5.5 and 12% of the population lives below the poverty line (appendices R & S). On the off chance that I was able to get employment in ALIEN’S COUNTRY the income I could expect to make in would not be comparable. Additionally, I would not be able cover the minimum monthly payment on my debts (student loans, credit card debts, mortgage) here in the U.S. This would ruin my excellent credit rating and have a detrimental effect on any future prospect of establishing my family here in the U.S. It would also put my retirement plans in jeopardy and I am saving for retirement via my 401 K. Having to move would require that I liquidate my assets and thereby incur large penalties, that would significantly reduce the amount in my 401K. In order to move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY, I would have to sell our house. My husband and I worked and saved for 3+ years to achieve this American Dream. It would devastate me to have to give it up.
Psychological
Due to personal experiences, I am very afraid when visiting ALIEN’S COUNTRY. When I visited ALIEN’S COUNTRY in YEAR, I was in a constant state of fear. In the last X years I have had an uncle murdered in a carjacking and aunt die of a heart attack at the hands of armed robbers in ALIEN’S COUNTRY . There are many more familial incidents and deplorable conditions I can report, but to relive these instances is too painful. Since that visit X years ago I have not heard anything to reassure me that it is a safe place. On the contrary, things have gotten worse. According to the U.S. Department of State’s consular information sheet (appendix H), “The lack of law and order in ALIEN’S COUNTRY poses considerable risks to travelers. Violent crime committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector, including U.S. citizens, remains common in the XXX area…..Road travel is dangerous. Robberies by armed gangs have been reported on rural roads and within major cities. Travelers should avoid driving at night. Because of poor vehicle maintenance and driving conditions, public transportation throughout ALIEN’S COUNTRY can be dangerous and should be avoided. Taxis pose risks because of the possibility of fraudulent or criminal operators, old and unsafe vehicles, and poorly maintained roads.”
I call my husband on a daily basis, just to make sure he is safe. I am already suffering from sleepless nights, and high levels of anxiety because I am worried about his safety. My work performance has been hindered. The psychological stress has caused a resurgence of my acid reflux disease for, which I am currently on protonix (appendix G).
Family Ties
I was born and have lived all of my adult life in the United States. My entire family, including my parents, brothers and sisters reside in the United States within an hour’s drive from my home. I am very close to my mother, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. I grew up in a very extensive family, with many family gatherings every year. My extended family is my main support group as well as one of the most important aspects of my life. I cannot move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY because my family as I know it would be lost. I also have a group of very close friends that I have known for over 20 years, who have been and are always there for me. The continued involvement of my extended family and friends in my life is key for me to overcome the anxiety and stress I am currently suffering.
I want to emphasize that by issuing an approval of the I-130, the United States government has formally and legally recognized the validity of our marriage. It is well documented that “family unity” is an important value unpinning the raison d’etre of the United States of America and that actions to “assure family unity’ is part of the intent of U.S. immigration law [for example see Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part II, section I, pp. 64 and 65]. Although, it is a function of law to provide legal definition and recognition to this marriage between my husband and I, it is clearly the intent of law to support the complex nature of marriage. In other words, in this and other genuine marriages there are multiple social psychological, familial, economic, cultural, spiritual, etc bonds which are presumed by the law to exist conjointly with the legal presence of marriage. Support for these complex, interacting marital bonds is a fundamental value of the larger society and a function of the law. With that guideline from the US Government, a married couple being forced to live apart would alone be enough to constitute extreme hardship.
Summary
If my husband is not admitted to the United States of America I will be placed in the midst of an impossible dilemma. Because the marriage has occurred in its full sense, profound forces (recognized at least implicitly by the United States government) will move me to leave my homeland. Yet, if I go to ALIEN’S COUNTRY , I will place myself in jeopardy. ALIEN’S COUNTRY is economically depressed, has poor health care and cannot provide me with the employment opportunities necessary for me to continue to pursue my career path. Furthermore, I would be unavailable to family and friends. Most of all, by moving to ALIEN’S COUNTRY would set into motion emotional, social, and medical forces that could prove life threatening to me. I would be caught between “a rock and hard place” having to choose between my marital bond and my own survival.
My husband is a loving, kind, family oriented man with high moral standards (appendices U & V). He is a model citizen with no criminal record and has no medical conditions that make him ineligible to be granted an immigrant visa.
In conclusion, rejection of my husband’s I-601 application will result in undue and extreme hardship to me. I plead that you grant him this waiver and allow him to return home to me.
_______________________
Sworn before me this _____ day of DATE.
Below is Olami's letter, submitted in Lagos, Nigeria on Oct 5, 2005, approved in Ghana on March 11, 2006, for misrepresentation.
************************************************** *************************
I, USC, make this statement in support of my husband’s, ALIEN, request under I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability.
Introduction
My husband and I met through a XXX in early YEAR and ‘clicked” immediately. We were married on DATE. We married at the City Registry because we knew we wanted to be able to buy a house in a year or two and it would take all the money we had and could borrow from relatives. For 3+ years we shifted back and forth living with XXX in PLACE and my mother in PLACE. Finally, on DATE, we closed and moved into our own home. My husband and I have been married for almost X years and all I can say is marriage is a wonderful experience. The years have had their “ups” and “downs” and through it all our commitment to one another has not wavered. Some of the “ups” include the purchase of our home, and the birth of nieces and nephews into our family. We have survived the loss of a niece, the search for a wayward brother, and the near death of a sister from a miscarriage.
I. EXTREME HARDSHIP TO THE U.S. CITIZEN (USC’S NAME)
Medical
I have significant health issues which can be impacted negatively, even to the point of being life-threatening, if I do not have access to regular, expert medical care. In MONTH & YEAR I was diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin), endometriosis, adhesions and uterine fibroids, which required surgery on DATE (see appendices A-D). Hyperprolactinemia interferes with normal function of the ovaries and has been linked to blindness, hemorrhage, osteoporosis, and infertility. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia also poses a long-term risk for breast cancer (see appendix E). Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women. It can cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal organs. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis" (see appendix F). Management of this disease is a long-term process.
In brief, I have to take medication daily (Bromocriptine and Ortho Eva) to control my prolactin levels and endometriosis and prevent their arresting effects (see appendix G). It is crucial that I be followed by a reproductive endocrinologist. In other words, follow-up care needs to be done by a specially trained physician and the regular use of high tech diagnostic imaging is critical. If my condition should not respond properly to medication I risk the loss of vision as well as other significant symptoms. Clearly, if surgery becomes a requirement, (as it once already was) a highly trained physician would be necessary to protect my health.
My husband and I want to start a family in the immediate future. However, there will be serious risks to my own health and to that of any child born to me in ALIEN’S COUNTRY. As appendix H attests, health conditions in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are not adequate to meet my health care needs. “Medical facilities in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are poor. Diagnostic and treatment equipment is most often poorly maintained and many medicines are unavailable. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem and may be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications. This is particularly true of generics purchased at local pharmacies or street markets. While ALIEN’S COUNTRY has many well-trained doctors, hospital facilities are generally of poor quality with inadequately trained nursing staff. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Infant mortality rates in ALIEN’S COUNTRY are amongst the highest in the world. (Appendix I). On the other hand, if forced to wait to start our family until the 10-year bar is finished, I will be X and my husband will X years old. Pregnant women aged 35 years are at increased risk of complications in pregnancy compared with younger women. (See appendices J & K). Therefore, if I became pregnant while in ALIEN’S COUNTRY, there would be increased risks to my health and that of the fetus because of my condition and of the poor quality of healthcare. If I wait until I am X years of age to become pregnant, both me and my child will be exposed to numerous high risk factors.
Moreover, as a USC’S PROFESSION at NAME OF COMPANY WHERE USC WORKS, I am eligible for health insurance. It covers my basic health needs, including my diagnostic imaging surgical fees. However, I will not be covered overseas. [Moreover, if I stop working I am no longer eligible for the plan]. To purchase a policy that does cover me while I am living in another country would be costly. Moreover, should I require medical care that is not available overseas, the cost of an evacuation to the United States is estimated at $50,000. In short, a move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY would significantly raise the cost of my health insurance, if I can acquire it, and potentially raise other health costs as well.
Professional Career
Currently, I am one of only # USC’S PROFESSION for NAME OF COMPANY WHERE USC WORKS (appendix L). PROVIDED DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MY RESPONSIBILITES AT WORK, INCLUDING ALL ACCOMPLISHEMENTS, MEMBER SHIP TO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. THESE CLAIMS WERE SUPPORTED BY LETTERS FROM BOSS AND CFO OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Relocating to ALIEN’S COUNTRY is not an option for me because it would be extremely detrimental to my professional development. I am a specialist in my field. The market for USC’S PROFESSION in ALIEN’S COUNTRY is terrible and non-existent. To my knowledge, there are no facilites dedicated to XXX in ALIEN’S COUNTRY. Therefore, continuing my career as USC’S JOB TITLE would not be feasible.
Loss of income
The unemployment rate in ALIEN’S COUNTRY is astounding (estimated 28% in 1992, appendix Q). 60% of the people live below the poverty line (appendix R). The unemployment rate in the U.S. is 5.5 and 12% of the population lives below the poverty line (appendices R & S). On the off chance that I was able to get employment in ALIEN’S COUNTRY the income I could expect to make in would not be comparable. Additionally, I would not be able cover the minimum monthly payment on my debts (student loans, credit card debts, mortgage) here in the U.S. This would ruin my excellent credit rating and have a detrimental effect on any future prospect of establishing my family here in the U.S. It would also put my retirement plans in jeopardy and I am saving for retirement via my 401 K. Having to move would require that I liquidate my assets and thereby incur large penalties, that would significantly reduce the amount in my 401K. In order to move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY, I would have to sell our house. My husband and I worked and saved for 3+ years to achieve this American Dream. It would devastate me to have to give it up.
Psychological
Due to personal experiences, I am very afraid when visiting ALIEN’S COUNTRY. When I visited ALIEN’S COUNTRY in YEAR, I was in a constant state of fear. In the last X years I have had an uncle murdered in a carjacking and aunt die of a heart attack at the hands of armed robbers in ALIEN’S COUNTRY . There are many more familial incidents and deplorable conditions I can report, but to relive these instances is too painful. Since that visit X years ago I have not heard anything to reassure me that it is a safe place. On the contrary, things have gotten worse. According to the U.S. Department of State’s consular information sheet (appendix H), “The lack of law and order in ALIEN’S COUNTRY poses considerable risks to travelers. Violent crime committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector, including U.S. citizens, remains common in the XXX area…..Road travel is dangerous. Robberies by armed gangs have been reported on rural roads and within major cities. Travelers should avoid driving at night. Because of poor vehicle maintenance and driving conditions, public transportation throughout ALIEN’S COUNTRY can be dangerous and should be avoided. Taxis pose risks because of the possibility of fraudulent or criminal operators, old and unsafe vehicles, and poorly maintained roads.”
I call my husband on a daily basis, just to make sure he is safe. I am already suffering from sleepless nights, and high levels of anxiety because I am worried about his safety. My work performance has been hindered. The psychological stress has caused a resurgence of my acid reflux disease for, which I am currently on protonix (appendix G).
Family Ties
I was born and have lived all of my adult life in the United States. My entire family, including my parents, brothers and sisters reside in the United States within an hour’s drive from my home. I am very close to my mother, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. I grew up in a very extensive family, with many family gatherings every year. My extended family is my main support group as well as one of the most important aspects of my life. I cannot move to ALIEN’S COUNTRY because my family as I know it would be lost. I also have a group of very close friends that I have known for over 20 years, who have been and are always there for me. The continued involvement of my extended family and friends in my life is key for me to overcome the anxiety and stress I am currently suffering.
I want to emphasize that by issuing an approval of the I-130, the United States government has formally and legally recognized the validity of our marriage. It is well documented that “family unity” is an important value unpinning the raison d’etre of the United States of America and that actions to “assure family unity’ is part of the intent of U.S. immigration law [for example see Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part II, section I, pp. 64 and 65]. Although, it is a function of law to provide legal definition and recognition to this marriage between my husband and I, it is clearly the intent of law to support the complex nature of marriage. In other words, in this and other genuine marriages there are multiple social psychological, familial, economic, cultural, spiritual, etc bonds which are presumed by the law to exist conjointly with the legal presence of marriage. Support for these complex, interacting marital bonds is a fundamental value of the larger society and a function of the law. With that guideline from the US Government, a married couple being forced to live apart would alone be enough to constitute extreme hardship.
Summary
If my husband is not admitted to the United States of America I will be placed in the midst of an impossible dilemma. Because the marriage has occurred in its full sense, profound forces (recognized at least implicitly by the United States government) will move me to leave my homeland. Yet, if I go to ALIEN’S COUNTRY , I will place myself in jeopardy. ALIEN’S COUNTRY is economically depressed, has poor health care and cannot provide me with the employment opportunities necessary for me to continue to pursue my career path. Furthermore, I would be unavailable to family and friends. Most of all, by moving to ALIEN’S COUNTRY would set into motion emotional, social, and medical forces that could prove life threatening to me. I would be caught between “a rock and hard place” having to choose between my marital bond and my own survival.
My husband is a loving, kind, family oriented man with high moral standards (appendices U & V). He is a model citizen with no criminal record and has no medical conditions that make him ineligible to be granted an immigrant visa.
In conclusion, rejection of my husband’s I-601 application will result in undue and extreme hardship to me. I plead that you grant him this waiver and allow him to return home to me.
_______________________
Sworn before me this _____ day of DATE.