Author: leestephensstoryteller

Geez, It’s been a while since I posted here.  I am still working diligently on my next book.  I think it’s a good piece of work.  I also will be working on editing and setup for the third book in the Paladin’s way series this year.  And nope. I’m not gonna let any spoilers get away right now.  It’ll all be along, all in good time.

Next subject:

Seriously, I’m just another opinionated guy who probably overthinks almost everything but with that having been said, I am very much aware we live in a world that’s not my grandpa’s world.

Communication can be instant.  Gratification can be instant in many cases and it’s SO EASY to commit to a decision you might regret later.  I know whence I speak.  I have the original tee shirt for doing that very thing.

The following is taken from the US Embassy and Consulate in Morroco

Internet Romance and Marriage Fraud

Many Americans befriend Moroccans through Internet dating and social networking sites and these relationships often lead to marriage or engagement.  While many of the marriages between Americans and Moroccans are successful, the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca warns against marriage fraud.  It is not uncommon for foreign nationals to enter into marriages with Americans solely for immigration purposes.  Relationships developed via correspondence, particularly those begun on the Internet, are especially susceptible to manipulation.  Often, the marriages end in divorce in the United States when the foreign national acquires legal permanent residence (“green card”) or U.S. citizenship.  In some cases, the new American or permanent resident then remarries a wife he divorced before, around the same time as entering into a relationship with a sponsoring American citizen.

Some of the signs that an Internet contact may be developing a relationship with an American in order to obtain an immigrant visa through marriage are:

• Declarations of love within days or weeks of the initial contact;
• Proposals or discussions of marriage soon after initial contact;
• Requests to the American to visit the foreign national’s home country soon after the declaration of love or proposal;
• Responses to messages from the American friend are along the lines “I love you/Sorry I missed your call,” or similarly one-sided conversations;
• Once engaged, married, or an immigrant visa petition is filed, suddenly starts missing scheduled appointments to chat or call.

While chat rooms, dating and social networking sites are great ways to make friends across international borders, the U.S. government urges Americans who meet foreign nationals on the Internet to take the time necessary to get to know them well before considering marriage and to keep in mind the signs noted above. Entering into a marriage contract for the principal purpose of facilitating immigration to the United States for an alien is against U.S. law and can result in serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment for the American citizen and the foreign national involved. (End Attachment)

I’m just tossing this information out there.  If even one person is helped by this information, good.  I hope I don’t offend by this post because that is certainly not my intent. Affairs of the heart are not something I claim to be wise about.  If you’re in love, well, good for ya.  This is just information. Nothing more. Do with it what you will.

Till next time, Peace

Lee