Hi All,
New Rule Restricts US visas for family of Americans living in Cambodia
EMERGENCY MEET TUESDAY @ 6pm @ FCC
THIS NEW VISA RULE WILL AFFECT US IN CAMBODIA.
I have asked the US Embassy Consular Chief to send someone to our meeting.
We will be meeting on the first floor of FCC on the back terrace at 6pm Tuesday the 2nd of August (FCC is located on 363 Sisowath Quay at the corner with St. 178)
Learn what the new rule means to you and what you can do to change it.
***PLEASE BRING FRIENDS AND PASS THIS EMAIL ON TO OTHER AMERICANS AND THEIR FAMILIES***
If you have a relationship with a non-U.S. citizen or have children who are not U.S. citizens, an important rule change (Rule) is about to take effect that will hamper your ability to move back as a family to the United States.
Whether you want to go to live in the US today does not matter.
Whether you have a foreign family now or not does not matter – your option of a quick return will be foreclosed forever on August 15 as a result of this rule.
The current system works extremely well with the process only taking 1-3 months. This change to immigration procedures will mean LONG delays (1-3 years) in getting approval to bring family members who are not U.S. citizens into the States to live permanently-- and while the application is pending, your non-American spouses will not be able to even to visit the USA.
Additionally, even those not applying for immigration to the US will find VISITOR VISA issuance will be restricted as a natural consequence of immigrant visas having long wait times. Consular officers will have to factor in possible circumvention intent by visitor visa applicants that have relationships to Americans because immigrant visas will now take a long wait time.
This rule change goes into effect August15th -- so those impacted may wish to take steps immediately to avoid being caught in what potentially may become a bureaucratic nightmare. The reason for this rule change is, so far as we understand, a cost-shifting measure that has not been properly thought out.
If you intend to return to the US with your non-American spouse and children in the next year you should consult with a qualified US Immigration attorney before August 15th for information on how this change impacts you.
Democrats Abroad is seeking to clarify the situation and representations have been made to the top levels of the American government. It may be necessary to organize an action campaign to oppose this rule change—and your support will be vital.
Members of Democrats Abroad are preparing a Fact Sheet and other tools such as petitions and sample letters.
We need to circulate this as a matter of urgency.
Please forward this email to any American friends, family or colleagues living abroad (anywhere!) married to non-U.S. citizens or with children who are non-U.S. citizens.
If you are affected personally and wish to join forces with others, please contact me at Immigration [at] DemocratsAbroad [dot] org or actionagenda [at] democratsabroad [dot] org so that an action committee can be formed.