I little info to file away.

[Wayne]

My pick for an immigration Lawyer/Notario in Cali is

DEYANIRA LLANOS MUÑOZ ABOGADA

Address: Avenida 4B Norte # 37A 40 LA FLORA. Cali - Colombia

Phone: 665 0881 Cellular:  572 1902 Beeper: 660 2020 Code: 6315

E-MAIL: abogadad@hotmail.com.

Got my marriage arranged and done in two days after my 2nd arrival in Cali.  Simple, hassel free, excellent consultation with my wife on all aspects including embassy help.  It's really more about her helping your future wife get organized before you arrive then helping you.  Your details are usually not the problem, it's hers that you don't want to have to worry about.

My pick for a Bed & Breakfast in Bogota is the Casa Franco.
Beatriz Franco
Calle 22 D Bis No. 44 a-46 571-269-8887
45.00 per night including desajuno.
Very nice clean place, and this lady speaks perfect english and will coordinate with your lawyer if you need additional packages sent to you at the hotel while you are on your honeymoon.  Also if you go back to the states and leave your wife there, it is a very safe and friendly place for her that you won't have to worry about.

I met my wife at Latin Encounters, but I'm still not sure how I really feel about that place.  It's like most things in life, it has it's pros and cons.  I will tell you that Margareth was not happy at all after my wife decided to plan her own wedding without Margareth's help.  If you don't buy all the services at that agency, they are not happy.

My pic for the hotel is Hotel Neuchetel.

Or Aparta Hotel Del Rio.
660-2711

Both are walking distance from Latin Encounters and All Colombian Girls.

I stayed at Latin Encounters for 3 weeks and it got real old after a while.  Cold showers, traffic noise, loud music constantly, but a great view of many girls coming and going. The good thing is that my Novia worked during the day and I had some Amigos and Amigas to hang out with while she worked.

My pick for the electronic translator is the talking Franklin for about a 100.00.  Big keys and easy to use.  I've used mine so much that the letters are almost worn off some of the keys.  The translator is a perfect way for you to see if your date has any patience.  If she is searching for a way to say something, you hand her the translator and watch her.  If she throws it aside, you get an idea about her motivation.

If any of you need help on choosing a hall and arrangements for wedding, e-mail me privately.  My wedding was nice, traditional with cake, buffet, music, video, photo, flowers and a nice dress for my wife.  She arranged the whole thing and we did not pay any gringo prices.  My Immigration Lawyer attended with the Notario to make sure all papers went smoothly.

I'll write more later if anyone is interested.

Nos Vamos,
Wayne

[thomas]

... in response to I little info to file away., posted by Wayne on Feb 3, 2002

Why did you get married there? everything I've heard says it's easier and faster to get a finacee visa, bring her to the US, then get married.  I am pretty close with a woman from Bulgaria right now, but ....Just curious, and congrats & good luck.

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: I little info to file away., posted by thomas on Feb 3, 2002

Fiancee visa's are much slower than spousal visas.In Colomnbia you can get a spousal visa in 2 weeks.I here differing times on fiance visas,I think 2-3 months is a normal minimum.I have heard stories of one year in other countries.Also if your fiance comes here and marries you you then have to do more paperwork here to make her legal here (change of status)She cannot travel untill she gets this or special permission.She cannot work or get a drivers licence or social security card untill you get the change of status.With a spousal visa she gets a social security card in a week and can work and drive and travel freely.
The one talked about advantage,at least to the guy,is you get 90 days to check them out and also their reaction to the states.This has been called the 90 day test drive.Many girls will not do it or their families will not allow it.Also the first 90 days here is tough for the girl,they usually go through a depression missing their family and country.Many relationships will not survive this without a commitment.
Check out the rules for visas out of Bulgaria.If they do not do the direct filing method like Colombia the spousal visa could take much longer.Also,maybe I shouldn't say it,but the eastern block women have a terrible reputation.Girls have split as soon as they arrive or when they get their green card 6-8 weeks later.If you have any doubts about the person the fiance visa may be the way to go.You will probably get much less family objection than from Colombia also.

Pete

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Re: I little info to file away., posted by Pete E on Feb 3, 2002


Takes 2 years, not 6-8 weeks before she can leave with status.

I think the danger is over-rated though. Most women I know of that left went back home.

[Pete E]

... in response to Green Card, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 3, 2002

She can leave immediately and join the 8.5 million(probably a low estimate) illegal aliens in the US.She can probably get welfare you are on the hook to repay.When she gets her green card(my wife got hers in 6 weeks) she can leave,work,and travel for 2 years.An application needs to be made at the 2 year point to make her permanent.She can make this without you,claiming good will or abuse.She will get a one year extension(automatic) while the case is being reviewed.It could take years to resolve and she could probably get extensions untill it is settled.This is even if she left in 6 weeks.So basically she gets at least 3 years of status here (includng the right to travel and work,she is a temporary permanent resident)just for getting her green card.Even if she loses she then just becomes one of the illegals.I don't think the INS is trying to find people to deport.Worse case she could get welfare for years and you are on the hook to pay them back.
Now I agree,a Colombian girl with good intentions(most of them) would just go back to Colombia.They are usually having difficulty adjusting anyway so back with their family is where they want to be if the marrige fails.
But,if you get a scammer,she can really work you over once she gets in the country.I have heard stories of Russians leaving as soon as they get here.If they are a little smarter or can put up with you for 6 weeks they can get the green card.I have heard horror stories of ladies injuring themselves and calling the cops claiming abuse.Off you go in handcuffs.
I guess bottom line you need to know the lady has very good character and hopefully really loves you also.Some guys have gotten in trouble when they overlook the red flags and want to believe the woman when she is telling suspicious stories.Their should be no mysteries or blank holes in imformation about her.
The other horror story I heard,a guy posted here I think,married a Colombiana.On their wedding night she gave him a kiss and went and slept in the other room.I would think that would have screwed up her trip here but as I recall the guy was still putting up with her.
Now I don't mean this to scare people,just to make them carefull and be aware of what can happen.I think if you go to Colombia and find a girl who seems very honest and staitforward your risk is small.From reports I hear your risk goes up tremendously if she is from an eastern block country.Or if you pick a hot Colombiana who's words and actions do not jive.

Pete

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Green Card, posted by Pete E on Feb 3, 2002


Russian women don't get green cards so soon.

And there isn't the same kind of illegal alien sub-culture. A russian woman who is coming over here is looking to get her two year gree card, or she wouldn't come over.

I can't speak for Columbian women...

I imagine that in Texas, you are right... they could go into the illegal alien sub-culture and survive...

I can't imagine that life is so bad in SA that they would connive to come over to be an illegal alien.

I guess the Vets can answer that better. But I can't imagine that...

[Pete E]

... in response to Much different for LA, then, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 3, 2002

The only stories I have heard of women splitting as soon as they got here were Russians.And they can go into an illegal sub culture anywhere,for Russins that is more likely New York.
What latins have in much greater quantities are character and values.So its less likely for them to be a problem.
8.5 Million people are hear as illegal alliens.They have a better lifestyle than they would almost anywhere else,which is why they go through the risks.

Pete

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Much different for LA, then, posted by Pete E on Feb 3, 2002

In about two years of reading the P-L russian board -- as well as others --  I have yet to read one story -- verified or otherwise -- of a Russian woman coming over and splitting after a few weeks to become an illegal alien.

I have no idea where you heard that.

I think that this enterprise is fraught with peril.

Losing her to another man... sure
Losing her to her homesickness... yes
Losing her as soon as she gets her green card... yes

Losing her so she can live out a life long dream of being an illegal alien?

uh-uh...

Don't see it happening.

I've never head about it or read about it.

And I cannot imagine it happening. Not with the Russians. They're too smart for that.

She'd come over... live with you for two years, divorce you, claim spousal abuse and try to take half of what you had... sure... THAT I'd believe.

I also believe they're real good at getting stupid men to pay them all sorts of money -- and never come over at all!

But I don't think that many ladies are dying to get to America to live as illegal aliens and working in laundramats for the rest of their lives...

But in any event, having said that... I'll let the matter drop...

[Pete E]

... in response to Not to be contentious ... but, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 3, 2002

Mark,
Yes I would think they would be at least smart enough to get a green card.I may have read that on Latin Women list,another site I follow.
But there is something to be said for just getting in the country.People spend thousands to get smuggled in.Chinese work for a year or 2 to pay back their smugglers,and they are illegal and could be sent right back.Obviously we are not doing a good job of doing that with 8.5 million plus illegals in the country.But if there was alot more to get like the green card I would think they would play along long enough to get that.
Also the girl that leaves right away you didn't lose her,you never had her.

Pete

[hilton]

... in response to I little info to file away., posted by Wayne on Feb 3, 2002

.