I, too, am frustrated with this process.
I met my husband in 1998 when i was an exchange student in Poland. We were both university students at the time.
The summer after my return to the states, he applied for a touristic visa to visit for a few weeks. We (my parents and I) provided all sorts of 'sponsorship' supporting materials. Application Denied.
I travelled to Poland instead, and over every available holiday for 2 years. We were engaged and applied for a K1 visa in 2000. I was present at the K1 visa interview in Warsaw, and luckily, that was approved.
His sister attended our wedding because she was teaching (legally) at a university in the US at the time, however, his mother was not able to attend.
We moved around quite a bit for the past few years, my husband earned a masters degree in engineering and we're finally in a place, financially, that we can bring his mother over for a visit.
She is retired, and like many retirees, is not rolling in 'dough'. But she owns her own home, has a little money in the bank, and her entire family (including only grandchild - whom she helps to care for) is in Poland. She's deeply routed to her home and culture in Poland and wouldn't even consider moving out of her own flat, let alone to another country.
She was denied a touristic visa based on 4 questions. The consulate officer did not even look at her supporting documentation or allow her to elaborate on any answers.
My husband and I have always handled his immigration status by the book. His sister, also, has abided by her visa regulations. If we wanted to bring her over to stay, then we wouldn't be applying for a touristic visa, we would instead follow the appropriate channel. I only wish that the consulate officers would take more consideration in these matters. The $131 application fee should grant more than a 5 minute 'conversation'.
I understand the necessary precaution in immigration matters, but there is something seriously wrong with a system when decent, law-abiding people are penalized and not allowed to see their own families as a result. Yes, we can continue to travel to Poland to see his family. But we wanted to bring his mother here, so that she could see how our we live, and hopefully to visit her grandchildren someday.
We have elicited the help of our congressman, but I doubt that will be fruitful.
We'll just keep trying and hopefully, this story will have a happy ending.
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