Not allowed back in

[anniefromessex]

Just heard tonight about a woman who has not been allowed back into the country, her and her husband are on E-2 and it has brought it all back to me just how fragile this Visa is. It is not down to me to bring this to people's attention, people have to do what they feel is right, just lately I have managed to put our kids lives to where it should be, in the back of our minds.

Unfortunately when you hear things like this it brings it all home to you just how fragile an existence it can be - you put one foot wrong and it doesn't matter how many illegals are out there and you have plowed all your money into a business but there is no leeway for you. If you want to leave at any time you have to get permission for leave of absence - even if you are a GC holder (where does that come from), so the likes of Zoe, Nina and Bob, please please please in the New Year do your best to help these people - I know you are doing what you can, but really the people who are hankering after a new life, be aware of just how fragile it can really be - so many lives are ruined by the vagaries of immigration and tbh it really isn't worth it if the rest of your lives are ruined by what you hope is going to be a good move.

To my mind, if you invest in a country - live work and play by the rules, whatever Visa you are on you should be able to leave the country to visit family whether it be back in the UK or wherever, without worrying about whether you will ever be able to return to your home and your business. Makes no sense to me, and if people want to live their lives with this hanging over their heads (and I really do not believe that people realise just how hard this can be) then go ahead but when it happens to you, do not say you haven't been warned.

Sorry to start the New Year in this vein, but it is FACT and unfortunately for this lady and her husband a fact she could do without.

I would just point out that many times it is a good move and you will never look back, but when you hear things like this it does bring it home to you just what you take for granted over here, ie moving around - you cannot do that over there and is something that should be taken into account.

Happy New Year to everyone, sorry I had to start it with such a sorry story.

Love Anniexxx

[britcan]

OMG Annie why are they not allowed back in?

[anniefromessex]

Really don't know all the vagaries of this Britcan, tbh I don't feel able to post too much because it is really not my business, but believe me I am close to it in certain ways and know a certain amount. At the end of the day, whatever happens when you are on E-2 it is not fair that you are not able to just travel, see relatives and live a normal life in the scheme of things. That is my point!! If you are living and working in America, why is it a big deal if you want to travel to see relatives - what harm are you causing anybody, but it seems that once you are there you can have no other life, America must be the be all and end all of your existence. It doesn't matter how you arrived in America, if you have plowed all your money into that country, why do they not like the fact that you have ties elsewhere, we all have history and I don't know why just because they allow you into their country that you should sever all ties!!!

That is just my view, I'm sure there are ways round it - in fact I know there are, but not without stress upon re-entering and there is no way I can understand their recalcitrance in allowing you to live a normal life - coming and going as you wish, just because most of them don't travel far afield should not stop you.

Sorry, but hard to really put how I feel about it all - all I know is that I can go where I want, live how I want without having to worry about whether I am allowed to do it.

Love Anniexxx

[InnVic]

they didn't have explosives in their underpants did they?? ;-)

(sorry didn't mean to be tactless or belittle their distress but it appears that POE/Homeland security think all terrorists come from the UK!!)

[Kriz1]

To be honest the US is going down the pan...I think even hubby is not sure about us stay here for much longer..

[kirtida8]

So sorry to hear of this story. My heart goes out to the family.

[Carl]

What reason were they denied for Annie?

Carl.

[byjove]

those poor people!

[byjove]

Hi Annie! Are they friends or did you read about it? Would love to know the excuse for not letting them in!

[Ed Tha Brit]

Come on Annie,

SPILL THE BEANS!!!!!!

Ed Tha Brit

[twen]

I am so sorry to hear of their plight.

Our son and girlfriend arrived on Boxing Day and at POE/he was given hard time as to why he was entering the US!, he said he was here on vacation to visit his Mum & Dad....what more do they need than that? the officer then seemed to spend an enternity looking at his passport photo and to him before he said Ok and stamped his passport, his girlfriend came behind him, she was asked the same question and she replied here on vacation, she was then question who was she seeing....she politely said I am with him and visiting his parents, again the officer looked sternly at her before stamping her passport. An innocent couple never done anything wrong in their lives, and made to feel like they were up to no good, our son has been here 5 times already and nver had any issues with the officers before.

[byjove]

My mom and Dad fly in on Monday! Cant wait!!!!

[britcan]

To be honest the US is going down the pan...I think even hubby is not sure about us stay here for much longer..

Are you serious? Where you going next?

[britcan]

I am so sorry to hear of their plight.

Our son and girlfriend arrived on Boxing Day and at POE/he was given hard time as to why he was entering the US!, he said he was here on vacation to visit his Mum & Dad....what more do they need than that? the officer then seemed to spend an enternity looking at his passport photo and to him before he said Ok and stamped his passport, his girlfriend came behind him, she was asked the same question and she replied here on vacation, she was then question who was she seeing....she politely said I am with him and visiting his parents, again the officer looked sternly at her before stamping her passport. An innocent couple never done anything wrong in their lives, and made to feel like they were up to no good, our son has been here 5 times already and nver had any issues with the officers before.

So much for the "special relationship" they are treating us all like criminals- we do get better treatment when we cross as Canadians- hysterically we get more grilling coming back into Canada LOL..

The USA is not doing itself any favours because Brits talk and tell each other.

I have to say that I have been on another expats site and I am appauled that Brits on that are making a big joke about the terrorist plane attempt lately.

Glad that this site is being respectful.

[Kriz1]

Are you serious? Where you going next?

I have been thinking about it for a while..I have got hubby into thinking about selling up on the Cape and maybe renting till his job goes or if our health care bill goes to high..some around here have had a 75% rise since the laws change in MA taking their bill to 25k a year..and we can't afford that or the fine...we were lucky this time the company is in another State..so they went there so no rise for us...but I can't see that loop hole staying if the new bill comes in...my friend is now paying 6k a year for her 2 kids only and they are on a low wage..its breaking them...sad thing is before the new MA bill their care would of been free..so so much for helping the poor..

[anniefromessex]

Tbh with you all I feel bad about putting up this thread in the first place - when I heard it from a very good American friend I was just so angry because as you all know even though it is and can be a wonderful life over there, I get antsy about rough justice and to me when you go out on an E-2 Visa even though you should know all the pitfalls, you never think it will happen to you!!

It really isn't my story to tell and I would feel like a tell tale to air somebody's washing in public without their consent - sorry just the way I am, and even though some might say well she must have done something wrong etc etc and we don't know the full story behind it and I do understand that, but whatever happened it just goes to show just how precarious life can be on that particular Visa and to me emigrating to a new life abroad should be as simple as being agreed, living by the rules of that country, integrating with them at the same time knowing you can go visit a sick relative, friend or whatever, or just feel the need for a taste of your homeland before getting back on the plane to go back to your new home, business and life feeling happy and contented that you are going back to it without wondering whether you are going to be detained by the imbeciles that can be immigration officers.

If I can get permission to post anymore of what I know, then I will obviously because if it can help some other poor soul then I'm all for it.

In the meantime, not long now until the New Year and I hope it's a good one and prosperous one for you all.

Love Anniexxx

[24/7]

I think that things need to be put into context here. There are 1000's and 1000's of entries and re entries to the US each year by E2 visa holders and the absolute majority NEVER have any problems.
People reading these threads for the first time may be put off by what is happening to the absolute minority. It is not the norm.
A few questions asked by an immigration officer is not anything bad, I would expect it, and whoever holds the E2 should let their family know to expect it.
My family have been in and out of the US whilst E2 visa holders and also whilst on E2 Visa status, we have had no problems. We just came came back through Miami and the immigration guy took our number as he was in need of a vacation villa in March!
It is part of the process, and if people go for the E2 visa, as I have said before, they should know what to expect, but also what they need to acheive to remain here.
There must have been a reason for these peoples refusal, no judgement should be made until the people decide that they want to share that reason.

[anniefromessex]

24/7, totally agree with what you are saying BUT and this is a big BUT, when it happens to you, whether you are in a minority or not, it can and does ruin lives. I did say in my previous post that people will question it and I understand that, but at the end of the day when it does happen, whether it's to 1 in 1000 people that person will go to hell and back wondering whether they will ever get back in and its not easy to just poo poo it.

I went through it many many times, dealt with it but it does take it out of you eventually and you begin to wonder whether the whole process is worth it. Thats just my opinion, there are many people who never encounter it and for those people I am really glad because if you are of a nervous disposition believe me it isn't a pleasant position to be in even if you have nothing to hide/fear.

Dont want to get into disputes with people over this, I just posted what I heard and as this site is an informative one posted it, whether she did something wrong or not is open to debate but as I said in my previous post, if you emigrate to another country then you just want to be able to live a "normal" life - I don't class not being able to go out of the country as "normal".

Love Anniexxx

Oh by the way just got a pm from a very dubious person - hot and sexy I think were the words so people please be aware!!!!

[byjove]

Thanx Annie Totally understand.

[britcan]

24/7, totally agree with what you are saying BUT and this is a big BUT, when it happens to you, whether you are in a minority or not, it can and does ruin lives. I did say in my previous post that people will question it and I understand that, but at the end of the day when it does happen, whether it's to 1 in 1000 people that person will go to hell and back wondering whether they will ever get back in and its not easy to just poo poo it.

I went through it many many times, dealt with it but it does take it out of you eventually and you begin to wonder whether the whole process is worth it. Thats just my opinion, there are many people who never encounter it and for those people I am really glad because if you are of a nervous disposition believe me it isn't a pleasant position to be in even if you have nothing to hide/fear.

Dont want to get into disputes with people over this, I just posted what I heard and as this site is an informative one posted it, whether she did something wrong or not is open to debate but as I said in my previous post, if you emigrate to another country then you just want to be able to live a "normal" life - I don't class not being able to go out of the country as "normal".

Love Anniexxx

Oh by the way just got a pm from a very dubious person - hot and sexy I think were the words so people please be aware!!!!

I too got a weird PM from some woman-so I have forwarded it to punky and susie for them to check this person out.

[Phoenix]

My family have been in and out of the US whilst E2 visa holders and also whilst on E2 Visa status, we have had no problems.

Hi 24/7,

I'm not doubting your words at all, but how did you manage to travel in and out of the US on E2 Visa Status?

Everything I have read, or been told, is that if you leave the US whilst on an E2 Visa Status, then you give up that status and consequently have to re-enter on a different visa and re-apply for the status change. Even if you leave on compassionate grounds, I'm led to believe that chances are slim that you are allowed back in on the status change.

[24/7]

I cant remember the exact details as it was my wife and son who left back in Oct of 2007. We were advised of the risks, but there is nothing 'illegal' with it. They left their status, came back in on their B2's, then readjusted status to E2 again. We then went to London in Jan 2008 and got the E2 visa actual.

My wife and son re entered through Sanford and were not even asked any questions, straight through. I did supply them with the company details etc in case they got secondary, but it was not needed.

[Phoenix]

Thanks for explaining 24/7.

I understand now, they didn't actually travel on an E2 status, rather it was relinquished and they came back in via another visa. Glad it worked out for you :)

[anniefromessex]

I cannot understand the above at all. Even though I used to hold a B Visa, then went to L Visa and then tried to get another B Visa (long story) I was told that my ties were to the US therefore they wouldn't reinstate a B Visa meaning that for many many months I had to keep entering under the VWP - a nerve wracking experience I can tell you!! It really points to the fact there are no real rules, it is down to the person you see when entering or indeed when going to the Embassy in London; they all seem to have their own interpretation of the rules and regs which doesn't give one much hope at the end of the day. I think they call it a Post Code Lottery!!

Love Anniexxx

[JulieC]

I cannot understand the above at all. Even though I used to hold a B Visa, then went to L Visa and then tried to get another B Visa (long story) I was told that my ties were to the US therefore they wouldn't reinstate a B Visa meaning that for many many months I had to keep entering under the VWP - a nerve wracking experience I can tell you!! It really points to the fact there are no real rules, it is down to the person you see when entering or indeed when going to the Embassy in London; they all seem to have their own interpretation of the rules and regs which doesn't give one much hope at the end of the day. I think they call it a Post Code Lottery!!

Love Anniexxx

I know of someone on E2 status who had the same thing happen to them, Annie. It is a very dangerous thing to do.

[Kriz1]

The post code lottery is health care...we've just had that with my mum and my husbands Aunt..one got her op in 2 weeks the other took 6 months well she could have had it sooner if they paid 10k..to old we were told unless they had the money...silly thing is Aunty is 5 years older than my mum..my mums doctor just wants to give up and retire at 33..but he is a lovely man who has help my mum no end..he worked for days to get a doctor to op on my mum who was then well in hours..my neighbour who is a doctor here in the US could not believe they sent my mum home with no oxygen..he said the trouble she had breathing for that 6 months could do untold damage..she is now up and about after her op which took 10 mins ...my poor dad..and us so far away he just did not want to worry us...sad thing is both my parents have US health care..she would of been seen in hours here..but she was taken sick a few days after going home..