Across the Pond blog in Orlando Sentinel

[runveg]

See www.orlandosentinel.com/acrossthepond

Started last Sunday.

[floridapete]

What a curious collection of tidbits of 'news' this blog is !

I decided that someone had to respond to something - if only to keep Kelly happy as she has received precious little response so far. So I decided to respond to the thread about 'Retirees Visas'.

Well, these people are very touchy about what words you use !

I always figured that 'hell' was a valid word, used regularly by all-American guys and gals as in 'hell, no way !' and similar expressions of dismay etc. Not really a 'cus word', just an expression in common useage.

So imagine how miffed I am that their 'system' has censored my posting where I used the words "chance in hell" (of ever getting to retire to Florida) and replaced that 'dreadful' word with xxx !

How touchy they are !! Maybe it's their religious right wing again ? Get a life !!

[floridapete]

I have now also entered a response on the blog thread on buying an E2 business.

See it at:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_southwest_brit/2006/05/e2_buyers_bewar.html#comments

Some of you may want to join in this discussion and open a few eyes over there. It's time that they started to know a few things.

[JulieC]

Great post Pete. I think you said it all and dont need to add anything really. People keep telling me the one particular officer is going soon, it has become an urban legend, not sure what the truth is.

[Kriz1]

I don't think we can say enough times that the E2 is only a temp visa....you have a great way with words so does Terry....people need to know what a mine field of worry and heartbreak they are heading too a lot of the time...

If they come with all the facts unlike a lot of people....then they can't moan when its time to go home....I know a lot of people come here on a E2 thinking this is a start of a new life...which for most people its not....

[JulieC]

Unfortuanately true, Kriz. I have friends here in their 11th year of E2 contemplating EB5 because they cant face another renewal. After 11 years, this place is your home in your eyes, but not in anyone elses, certainly not USCIS or the embassys..

[Kriz1]

It seems odd to me..that people spend hours in forums moaning about the E2 visa..this lady gives everyone an opening to let off some steam..and very few post there..
If it were me I'd want my views in print anywhere I could find an opening..:confused:

[JulieC]

I think some are afraid to post so openly, Kriz.

[Kriz1]

Well they are going to be even more afraid when they don't get renewal or their kids are sent home..how does anyone ever hope to make a change if they are not going to stand up and be counted..?
If they all wait for someone else to make the move the E2 will never stand any chance of changing..

[JulieC]

That is absolutely true but no one is willing to take the lead. The initiative on that other forum, you know the one I mean Kriz, hasnt come to anything as no one will. I am no longer on E2 so not my place to be spokeperson, others are better qualified.

[Kriz1]

I'm sure it'll pick up again the nearer they come to renewel..most are still on their honeymoon with the USA..maybe they just want to enjoy their time here..

[mark]

Hi Peter

I do know my mum had been speaking to Kelly Griffiths before my dad was ill and she apparently has recently been trying to contact my mum

A Southern Dunnes owner of ours has the same surname as us (Mr Graham and Mrs Sue Ward) We are not related but kelly sent an e-mail to this Sue Ward by mistake thinking is was mum

Could you call Kelly and give her details of this site so she may e-mail me or Mum

Thanks

[JulieC]

Mark, Kellys email is kgriffith@orlandosentinel.com

[floridapete]

I already e-mailed her asking her to call your home number, Mark.

But it is Saturday - so she may not pick up on her office e-mail ?

[Kitty]

On another subjest I have been told that even green card holders can have this revoked at any time by the US government, does anyone know about this, surely it cant be true? It is so hard to get any visa now, I wonder if they still want us even as tourists.

[Kriz1]

http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/retain-greencard.html

[JulieC]

Quite a list there, I guess you are not home and dry even if you think you are home and dry then, not until you take citizenship anyway.

[Kriz1]

You have to drum into your kids about keeping away from drugs..drugs are a big part of a lot of US schools..and I've made very sure that both my kids friends know that having any kind of drug on them around my kids is a big no..and they respect that...you have to be very open with your kids about drugs and what could happen if they are in a car with friends who use and are stopped..or at party that has the police called etc..we all think as parents that we know our kids..but we don't..so you have to take its as read that they will be around drugs at school or outside...and make sure they and their friends know that greencards can be lost even if they are not using anything..

[JulieC]

Yes I knew some people on a visa here, their teenage son was in a car where drugs were being used and he wasnt even using. anyway he still lost his visa and his parents went home with him so it screwed the whole family up.. I have impressed it on my son. But what do you do if you are in a car and someone lights up, ok you can try and explain the situation to them but most americans think you are like them and havent a clue what constraints we are under, but failing that, do you just get out of the car wherever you are and walk? It is a difficult one.

[Kriz1]

My kids friends are very understanding and if anyone outside the group were to light up they would be told to leave..I remember a friend of Michelle's throwing a pipe belonging to someone they knew into the sea..telling the owner that we all know about Michelle's visa...and there will be no drugs of any kind around her...the same with Chris's ex..she would smoke but give up when she started dating Chris...her Sister even went to rehab...kids today and drugs..my kids grow up around drugs in England.. we were bikers its part of life...but everyone made sure they told our kids never to take drugs..and they remember being told it was not clever or smart....I've been around drugs all my life...and never felt the need to even try them...I hope my kids feel the same way...

[floridapete]

"Legals vs Illegals"

See: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_southwest_brit/

Your turn to comment !

[pegasus]

Hi
ref having green card taken away. (without nit picking the laws) the rule of thumb.
The green card is an ID card only (you dont need it to stay in status), however a right to permanent residency status, is always (permanently) valid unless you move outside the USA for long periods (more than 12 consecutive months) and dont get an in advance OK, or frequent stay outside the USA of long periods (6mths plus), other than those then basically the only 2 ways you can lose it is 1) commit a felony and 2) fail to pay taxes "promptly and on time". Incodently you can lose any visa by breaking those same rules (other visas have additional stipulations).

B rgds

Neil

[floridapete]

"Legals vs Illegals"

See: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_southwest_brit/

Your turn to comment !

Well, nobody commented yet ! What happened ? Are you all too busy to comment on something which is what a lot of discussion on this Forum has been all about ?

Well, I have set the ball rolling for you, I have posted a comment which should appear later today (Wed.) ..........click on the link and maybe you will offer a thought or two also ?

Let's support Kelly with comments or she will have no reason to keep her blog going.

[floridapete]

Here's another one that many of you should respond to - if only to get things off your chest !

See: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_southwest_brit/2006/07/how_long_will_u.html

[Susie]

Hi Peter

I have posted a comment and wait to see if the moderator accepts the posting.

I agree we must support Kelly in her blog's and in turn she will support us. It would be a great shame if her blog's page got cancelled due to lack of support