Rete

Nitpicking here:

I went to the site to see what it said regarding formatting of the affidavit letter from friends and/or family requested for the I-751 petition.

I am surprised to see that the first sentence says:

."..can be used to have letters from relatives and friends that confirm that they think that your marriage is a HAPPY one."

I have the actual I-751 in front of me and it says:

"affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship."

I don't interpret this to mean that the couple has to be "happy", "in love", etc. and that the affirming person has to state this in their affidavit. How could someone, even a close relative, know if another is happy or unhappy. How would someone know if a marriage is platonic or passionate or hot or cold. And someone else's definition of what constitutes "happy" may not be the same definition as the couple involved.
And why would INS care?

I interpret this to mean that the person making up the affidavit has to affirm that they know to the couple to be living together as a married couple, doing things socially, have been invited to their home for dinner, etc., and that they share the same household together.

Rita

Ranjini

You are nitpicking Rita. Many of us accessed that page and based our applications on
it. If you are a happily married couple as Alvena and Arnaldo obviously are, their
happiness will be obvious to friends and loved ones, and there is no harm in saying
that. To my mind, the letter will come across as straight from the heart. I think you
know what I mean. Our friends provided us with an affidavit of a similar nature and
it was a very nice, warm letter. And I'm sure even an INS official reading it would
have appreciated that. It just depends on the official concerned. And I was somehow
pleased to be able to include it. I'm sure any intelligent person should be able to
sift the facts, based on the nature of the marriage in question and be able to
provide an equally good letter, just leaving the "happy" part out. It just depends on
what you want to say about your friends or loved ones. Ranjini

"Rete" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Nitpicking here:
    >
    > I went to the site to see what it said regarding formatting of the affidavit letter
    > from friends and/or family requested for the I-751 petition.
    >
    > I am surprised to see that the first sentence says:
    >
    > "..can be used to have letters from relatives and friends that confirm that they
    > think that your marriage is a HAPPY one."
    >
    > I have the actual I-751 in front of me and it says:
    >
    > "affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you
    > since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your
    > marriage and relationship."
    >
    > I don't interpret this to mean that the couple has to be "happy", "in love", etc.
    > and that the affirming person has to state this in their affidavit. How could
    > someone, even a close relative, know if another is happy or unhappy. How would
    > someone know if a marriage is platonic or passionate or hot or cold. And someone
    > else's definition of what constitutes "happy" may not be the same definition as the
    > couple involved. And why would INS care?
    >
    > I interpret this to mean that the person making up the affidavit has to affirm that
    > they know to the couple to be living together as a married couple, doing things
    > socially, have been invited to their home for dinner, etc., and that they share the
    > same household together.
    >
    > Rita
    >
    >
    >
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Rete

Ranjini Wrote:

"I'm sure any intelligent person should be able to
sift the facts, based on the nature of the marriage in question and be able to provide an equally good letter, just leaving the "happy" part out. It just depends on what you want to say about your friends or loved ones. Ranjini"

And not so intelligent (or is that enlightened) people as well ;0)

Just ever so glad that we don't have to depend on someone writing that we are happily married; or tell of our affectionate gestures; or, god forbid, infer that we are as in love today as we were four years ago. Would really hate to have to place that burden on a friend or family member. Would much prefer they limit their affidavit to the "facts and only the facts" as they know them.

Rita

Simon Jessey

<If you are a happily married couple as Alvena and Arnaldo obviously are, their
happiness will be obvious to friends and loved ones, and there is no harm in
saying that.>

I agree. My family and friends would vouch for the "happy factor" in my marriage
because it is very obvious.

Simon Jessey

See my timeline and get K1 / AOS info at my website:- http://jessey.net/visa

Rete

Remember the person doing the affidavit has to be willing to testify before an immigration officer if requested to verify how they know their information to be correct.

Reminds me of when people say "He seemed like such a nice, friendly, quiet man. I can't believe he was an abuser."

Ranjini

    > since the affidavits are not required in order for conditions to be lifted. I
    > understand they are recommended by most but the process does work without
    > them. < snip>

.... depending on how strong the rest of your evidence is. And I basically think it's
hard to decide exactly how much evidence the INS is looking for, or what. There have
been people on this newsgroup recently who have been called for interviews even
though they thought they had sent more than enough. Including those affidavits. My
personal feeling is send those affidavits... better safe than sorry. Ranjini

"jb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Rete wrote:
    > >
    > > Nitpicking here:
    > >
    > > I went to the site to see what it said regarding formatting of the affidavit
    > > letter from friends and/or family requested for the I-751 petition.
    > >
    > > I am surprised to see that the first sentence says:
    > >
    > > "..can be used to have letters from relatives and friends that confirm that they
    > > think that your marriage is a HAPPY one."
    > >
    > > I have the actual I-751 in front of me and it says:
    > >
    > > "affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of
    > > you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of
    > > your marriage and relationship."
    > >
    > > I don't interpret this to mean that the couple has to be "happy", "in love", etc.
    > > and that the affirming person has to state this in their affidavit. How could
    > > someone, even a close relative, know if another is happy or unhappy. How would
    > > someone know if a marriage is platonic or passionate or hot or cold. And someone
    > > else's definition of what constitutes "happy" may not be the same definition as
    > > the couple involved. And why would INS care?
    >
    > Presumably the INS does not care whether the marriage is a happy one since the
    > affidavits are not required in order for conditions to be lifted. I understand they
    > are recommended by most but the process does work without them.

Ranjini

Just ever so glad that we don't have to depend on someone writing that we are happily
married; or tell of our affectionate gestures; or, god forbid, infer that we are as
in love today as we were four years ago.> I agree. Like you say, why should the INS
care? But my point is that it is obvious, to me at least, that Alvena does not convey
the impression that it is a must. Ranjini

"Rete" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Ranjini Wrote:
    >
    > "I'm sure any intelligent person should be able to sift the facts, based on the
    > nature of the marriage in question and be able to provide an equally good letter,
    > just leaving the "happy" part out. It just depends on what you want to say about
    > your friends or loved ones. Ranjini"
    >
    > And not so intelligent (or is that enlightened) people as well ;0)
    >
    > Just ever so glad that we don't have to depend on someone writing that we are
    > happily married; or tell of our affectionate gestures; or, god forbid, infer that
    > we are as in love today as we were four years ago. Would really hate to have to
    > place that burden on a friend or family member. Would much prefer they limit their
    > affidavit to the "facts and only the facts" as they know them.
    >
    > Rita
    >
    >
    >
    > --
    > --
    > Rete and Jim (Can/Am Alumni '98)
    >
    > The K1 FAQ http://www.k1faq.com The Mysterious Sealed Brown Envelope
    > http://www.k1faq.com/faq_index.htm Update AOS Experiences at:
    > http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html Update POE Experiences at:
    > http://www.k1poelist.com/ Update AOS filing: http://www.kamya.com/aos/ I-130/I-485
    > Helpsite at: http://www.mindspring.com/~docsteen/...o/visainfo.htm
    > http://www.geocities.com/immigration...-130/index.htm AOS filing; AOS,
    > I-130 and K-1 Interview Experiences: http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html
    >
    >
    > --
    > Rete and Jim (Can/Am Alumni '98)
    >
    > The K1 FAQ http://www.k1faq.com The Mysterious Sealed Brown Envelope
    > http://www.k1faq.com/faq_index.htm Update AOS Experiences at:
    > http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html Update POE Experiences at:
    > http://www.k1poelist.com/ Update AOS filing: http://www.kamya.com/aos/ I-130/I-485
    > Helpsite at: http://www.mindspring.com/~docsteen/...o/visainfo.htm
    > http://www.geocities.com/immigration...-130/index.htm AOS filing; AOS,
    > I-130 and K-1 Interview Experiences: http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html
    >
    >
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Rete

I agree that the inclusion of the affidavits are a must have when removing conditions. Every little bit helps if you can do away with another interview at the local INS office.

However, once again my friends and family have seen us in normal day to day activities. I see them in the same. I don't think of them as being happy or content with their married lives or their lives period. I could vouch for the validity of their marriages but not for their emotional state.

For example, my friend in MA is writing a letter for us. We visit her home, which is out of state, as a couple. We share a room and a double bed while visiting. But can she say we are happy? I don't think so if she were just to go by our visit. We don't fight. We conduct ourselves as normal people and talk of shared activities that we participated in while at home. That, and only that, is what she can write about.

Just as when Jim and I wrote a letter to the Dept of Social Services in regards as to why we felt she would be a good guardian for her grandchildren. The letter recounted the many things we have seen her do for her two grandchild over the years as their sole guardian and our assurances that she will continue to provide the same in the future. We only briefly touched on the love she has for them and them for her. Love was not a pre-requisite to her ability to provide a home for them. It is not something the court will place sole consideration of guardianship on.

I feel the same with INS. They want to see that Jim and I function as a married couple and other evidence will prove that our live have been financially co-mingled. The emotional element is like icing on the cake. It adds a nice finishing touch.

Remember these are my thoughts on the subject. If friends and family only write generic letters of validation, that is perfect for me.

Also for the divorced spouse removing conditions, being in love didn't make the marriage work. But showing that they entered into the marriage for valid reasons will allow INS to remove their conditions.

Rita

Alvena Ferreira

Rete wrote:
    > Remember the person doing the affidavit has to be willing to testify before an
    > immigration officer if requested to verify how they know their information to be
    > correct.
    >
It may be helpful for the person swearing the affidavit to write concrete data such
as: -we have had supper together, -we have been together at social events. -We go to
church together. -We play bridge (or tennis, or whatever) together.

If a frequency can be specified, that is even better, I think. If one has been in the
home and can attest that there appears to be a harmonious relationship, in my mind
that equates to happiness. The more specific data that can be cited, the better.

Just my opinions, of course.

Alvena

Doc Steen Site: http://www.mindspring.com/~docsteen/...o/visainfo.htm
=========================================
I am not a lawyer and this is not immigration advice. This is my personal opinion,
gleaned from the previous postings of others, and posted for the purpose of
discussion only. If your case is complicated, then you may need an immigration
attorney. Locate an immigration attorney in your area at: http://www.aila.org
=========================================

Riri

I agree with you Rita. It should be change to "bona fide" marriage, even though too
technical. My 3 affidavits were formal and not warm at all. They just described that
they knew we were married and that we had things in common and doing things together:
we were going together to the same Mail Box & Etc.!! Absolutely no indication of our
"happiness" status. We are very private and we do not really go out that often. Was
the INS supposed to deny my application for this reason?

Anyway I was approved with no interview!

R

"Rete" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Nitpicking here:
    >
    > I went to the site to see what it said regarding formatting of the affidavit letter
    > from friends and/or family requested for the I-751 petition.
    >
    > I am surprised to see that the first sentence says:
    >
    > "..can be used to have letters from relatives and friends that confirm that they
    > think that your marriage is a HAPPY one."
    >
    > I have the actual I-751 in front of me and it says:
    >
    > "affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you
    > since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your
    > marriage and relationship."
    >
    > I don't interpret this to mean that the couple has to be "happy", "in love", etc.
    > and that the affirming person has to state this in their affidavit. How could
    > someone, even a close relative, know if another is happy or unhappy. How would
    > someone know if a marriage is platonic or passionate or hot or cold. And someone
    > else's definition of what constitutes "happy" may not be the same definition as the
    > couple involved. And why would INS care?
    >
    > I interpret this to mean that the person making up the affidavit has to affirm that
    > they know to the couple to be living together as a married couple, doing things
    > socially, have been invited to their home for dinner, etc., and that they share the
    > same household together.
    >
    > Rita
    >
    >
    >
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Jacky Zimmerman

Rete...I agree with you...I think what INS is looking for is that "others" can vouch
that it is a marriage of good faith...happiness doesnt enter
it.....gee I wonder if those people who did an affidavit for me (I sent 5) thought I
was happy in my marriage....after all I was divorced from my USC husband...I
hardly think INS were looking to see if I was happy in the marriage....*s* "Rete"
<[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
    > I agree that the inclusion of the affidavits are a must have when removing
    > conditions. Every little bit helps if you can do away with another interview at the
    > local INS office.
    >
    > However, once again my friends and family have seen us in normal day to day
    > activities. I see them in the same. I don't think of them as being happy or content
    > with their married lives or their lives period. I could vouch for the validity of
    > their marriages but not for their emotional state.
    >
    > For example, my friend in MA is writing a letter for us. We visit her home, which
    > is out of state, as a couple. We share a room and a double bed while visiting.
    > But can she say we are happy? I don't think so if she were just to go by our
    > visit. We don't fight. We conduct ourselves as normal people and talk of shared
    > activities that we participated in while at home. That, and only that, is what
    > she can write about.
    >
    > Just as when Jim and I wrote a letter to the Dept of Social Services in regards as
    > to why we felt she would be a good guardian for her grandchildren. The letter
    > recounted the many things we have seen her do for her two grandchild over the years
    > as their sole guardian and our assurances that she will continue to provide the
    > same in the future. We only briefly touched on the love she has for them and them
    > for her. Love was not a pre-requisite to her ability to provide a home for them. It
    > is not something the court will place sole consideration of guardianship on.
    >
    > I feel the same with INS. They want to see that Jim and I function as a married
    > couple and other evidence will prove that our live have been financially
    > co-mingled. The emotional element is like icing on the cake. It adds a nice
    > finishing touch.
    >
    > Remember these are my thoughts on the subject. If friends and family only write
    > generic letters of validation, that is perfect for me.
    >
    > Also for the divorced spouse removing conditions, being in love didn't make the
    > marriage work. But showing that they entered into the marriage for valid reasons
    > will allow INS to remove their conditions.
    >
    > Rita
    >
    >
    >
    > --
    > --
    > Rete and Jim (Can/Am Alumni '98)
    >
    > The K1 FAQ http://www.k1faq.com The Mysterious Sealed Brown Envelope
    > http://www.k1faq.com/faq_index.htm Update AOS Experiences at:
    > http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html Update POE Experiences at:
    > http://www.k1poelist.com/ Update AOS filing: http://www.kamya.com/aos/ I-130/I-485
    > Helpsite at: http://www.mindspring.com/~docsteen/...o/visainfo.htm
    > http://www.geocities.com/immigration...-130/index.htm AOS filing; AOS,
    > I-130 and K-1 Interview Experiences: http://www.kamya.com/interview/intro.html
    >
    >
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com