xdcam

I've just cut/paste this from a site (http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/in...ties_1364.html

(2) Criminal and related grounds.-

(A) Conviction of certain crimes.-

(i) In general.-Except as provided in clause (ii), any alien convicted of, or who admits having committed, or who admits committing acts which constitute the essential elements of-

(I) a crime involving moral turpitude (other than a purely political offense or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime), or

(II) a violation of (or a conspiracy or attempt to violate) any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)), is inadmissible.

(ii) Exception.-Clause (i)(I) shall not apply to an alien who committed only one crime if-

(I) the crime was committed when the alien was under 18 years of age, and the crime was committed (and the alien released from any confinement to a prison or correctional institution imposed for the crime) more than 5 years before the date of application for a visa or other documentation and the date of application for admission to the United States, or

(II) the maximum penalty possible for the crime of which the alien was convicted (or which the alien admits having committed or of which the acts that the alien admits having committed constituted the essential elements) did not exceed imprisonment for one year and, if the alien was convicted of such crime, the alien was not sentenced to a term of imprisonment in excess of 6 months (regardless of the extent to which the sentence was ultimately executed).

(B) Multiple criminal convictions.-Any alien convicted of 2 or more offenses (other than purely political offenses), regardless of whether the conviction was in a single trial or whether the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct and regardless of whether the offenses involved moral turpitude, for which the aggregate sentences to confinement were 5 years or more is inadmissible.

So, does from (ii) Exception.-Clause above exempt me in some way, I mean I didn't do prison and I only have 2 or 3 convictions.

Matthew Udall

You don’t have to answer, but I am curious; did you throw your knife at anything in particular?

meauxna

xdcam, in what way does the single (one) offense exception work for '2 or 3' convictions?

the thing is, you have multiple layers of issues now, and your case is not a DIY one. Several people who participated on this thread are folk who I would say know a LOT more than your average bear when it comes to immigration matters and I don't think anyone here can/could/would answer your questions.
There is a limit, and there is a point where the only responsible thing to do is tell you to pursue a legal consultation.

I want you to keep researching and reading, but until you get some guidance, you won't even know if what you're reading applies to you. I wish there was an easy answer for you, really I do.

xdcam

Didn't throw knife at anything, it was just in my car glove compartment and the police found it and didn't like it. Funny thing, I bought it in Florida a year earlier and they let me bring it back through customs.

xdcam

I understand you meaux, I was talking about:

(B) Multiple criminal convictions.-Any alien convicted of 2 or more offenses (other than purely political offenses), regardless of whether the conviction was in a single trial or whether the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct and regardless of whether the offenses involved moral turpitude, for which the aggregate sentences to confinement were 5 years or more is inadmissible.

I am seeing an immigration solicitor later this week. £550 plus vat for consult; bloody hell.

Kate2112

Get a lawyer like the nice lady said.

xdcam

I just did, shame they want £550 per hour though

Folinskyinla

Hi Matt:

I've just been observing this tread. Some quotes from colleagues --

My departed friend Darlene Seligman like to repeat a quote [forget who she attributed to]: "All the world needs is love; but not until the paperwork is done."

Vera Weicsz has noted that a lawyer should remember that was the client, not the lawyer, who sold cocaine --- to an undercover cop --- across the street from a school.

The Sotomayor hearings keep saying, ascertain the facts and then apply the law to the facts and you get your conclusion.

meauxna

I find that excessive.
I tried to explain that you do not need to meet someone who is working in the UK.

nettlebed

Yes, you are inadmissible. So was I (two convictions for Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude), but I am now a USC. Waivers are available, but the best way to get them is to do what you are doing: use an attorney.

I have to say that UKL550 plus VAT seems very excessive. I believe that my attorney, here in Seattle, gives a free initial consultation. Obviously you can't get to Seattle, but your SO could give them a call and see if they think they could work your case.

Editing to add: the total cost for my Green Card was $5000, which included everything - assembling packet for submission, filling in forms, all contacts with USCIS - except a filing fee for an extension of my EAD, and the fee for my medical examination.

xdcam

How else, phone?

nettlebed

Telephone, fax, email, courier. Immigration attorneys are used to working like that.

meauxna

Yes, phone. A lot of people are using Skype for consultations now. Email, eventually (I'd recommend that you speak real time with someone to start).

If you 'buy' a US immigration attorney overseas, you're going to be paying a premium. For some instances, this might be appropriate. I think right now that you need to hear from someone you have paid, so you will believe what you've been reading here. Whether or not that is the right person to guide you through your whole case, who can say?

You also need to look at your entire bigger picture plan and see if this is where you want to spend your resources. Since you're just wanting to come over to hang out for the short term, maybe you should just save the whole waiver business and wait until your USC immigrates to you.
You need comprehensive advice.