I'm an American citizen. In August of 2009, I flew to Colombia and married my girlfriend. We are officially married in Colombia. I moved to Colombia in 1/11 and have lived there until now, teaching English. Because of financial difficulties, I'm having to return to the states in order to find a better career. My wife applied for a visa twice after we were married and was refused both times. All the necessary paperwork was properly done. We don't understand why they turned us down when we were already married. How difficult is it going to be to get her to the U.S. after I go back? Exactly which document should she apply for? I don't have the money for a lawyer at this time. Also, she has two minor children. What would be involved in their getting documents; and, what would be involved in my adopting them after I return to the states? This entire process is incredibly frustrating, and we sometimes feel that we'll never be able to be together in the United States. Please help. Thanks.

Of course if she was actually here, the current government will not enforce immigration or deport anyone who is married. This could change when presidents change.

But I congrat you on trying to do this legally. What has been the reason for their refusal ? Which visa have you been applying for ?

Hello. She applied for the spousal visa. Their refusal the last time seemed to only be because the interviewer was in a bad attitude.

Have you considered a tourist visa, she may have to leave the country ever so often and renew passport and come back in, and then work on gettting it changed once she is here?

Once you get back here, you work, hire an attorney who will help, she just can not work on the tourist visa. I know many people who use it as a catch all for many needs when it is hard to work in the system.