hobbes79

Yes

http://www.gadling.com/2008/09/07/ru...ed-in-the-u-s/

N1cky

and at the end of the day getting a visa is partly about proving you won't be a financial burden on the US, so celebs probably do get grilled less. If Russell Brands marriage breaks down, he's hardly going to be trying to claim benefits is he?

jemima55

Everyone`s entitled to a rant! I am famous for them. I came over at the same time as Posh Spice, and no way could I imagine her sitting in the Social Security Office for three hours in tropical heat with no toilets working to get a number. It made a good image at the time!

jemima55

AND..........what would she wear to the DMV? Thats one paparazzi pic you never see in the papers.

mikechristina

Thanks Jemima!

I did preface my OP with " I may be over sensitive at the moment" But some people read only what they want to read and then critique me for having "feelings" GOD FORBID!

I am in the sweltering heat too! Florida?

mikechristina

Russell Brand was a virtual UNKNOWN at the time AND had prior Drug offenses not to mention he dressed up as OSAMA BIN LADEN and went to work at MTV on SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 !

So I am not surprised he was refused entry. I am a huge Russell Brand Fan and knew of him way before he came to the USA thanks to my DH.

I guarentee he would not be detained and sent home TODAY!

hobbes79

How about last October? That recent enough?

http://www.visabureau.com/america/ne...officials.aspx

mikechristina

Congratulations, you know how to use Google.

Not interested in a pissing match

Though I appreciate your thorough research.

Anian

Same here. I remember just standing in front of the little window, the person ticked off a load of boxes on their pages, asked a couple of very simple questions and that was it. I understand that if I'd been married for a much shorter time that it would have been more in-depth, but it was just a plain formality in my case (and I'm not famous).

Anyone seen a celebrity try to pull the "Don't you know who I am?!" routine?

1chumly

Good Lord, that's a bit harsh. I think everyone is entitled to a rant every now and then.

hobbes79

You said he'd never be detained.

He's been detained. (EDIT: twice)

Not pissing on anything as far as I know

Bob

There are a shed load of celebs that have had problems getting into the US though...but having loads of lawyers to work on waivers, having loads of money and being famous gives them more options, O1 visa, EB5 investment etc, etc.

jemima55

Nah, I am up a bit........... Washington DC, and I would pull that "Do you know who I am?" stunt willingly, just to see who they came up with!

hobbes79

I don't like the fact celebs can get cars I can't afford, houses I can't afford, eat at restaurants I can't get in, sleep with (you get the idea) etc, etc. That's life!

Is it really any different to someone getting an H-1B based on a job offer from a US company? Is that some elitist and unfair scheme against foreigners who don't have a job lined up or don't have a degree?

Or just... life!

fatbrit

Hell, I'm happy for anyone to rant about the unreasonably long process, and lack of both clarity and independent oversight for US immigration authorities.

But to say that it's unfair because celebs are treated differently is plainly wrong.

And to continue with the illegals (Mexico) [sic] was the Mailesque topping on the cake for me. Like complaining that homeless people get free food at the soup kitchen when you're ranting about an over-the-top bill you were presented with after getting your fill in a 5-star swanky restaurant.