With all the necessary US and Jamaican approvals, Andrew & Linda went to Jamaica a sixth time in August 2007 to finalize the paperwork and bring the girls home. They expected to make a routine visit to the Embassy to pay for and pick up the visas. But their visit was anything but routine.
At the appointment window, they handed in their paperwork and were asked why they had doubles of everything. They responded that she had told them to do so at their last visit. The officer didn't respond. She directed them to the next window where they had to pay $760 in cash for the visas. Then they took a seat until their name was called.
When their name was finally called, they went forward. The immigration officer proceeded swear in the girls "to tell the whole truth." She began firing questions at the girls such as: do you ever see your fathers? How often? Do you go to school? Who pays for that? Do you have a stepfather?
The girls responded that they had a stepfather. Alexia said that her dad pays for school. Simone said that her mom pays for school. When in actuality, as per a previous post, Andrew & Linda have been paying for their school for quite some time. They also do occasionally see their fathers because they live in the same town, not because the fathers come to visit.
When Andrew & Linda told the officer that the girls that their answers were not entirely true, she laughed and said that they had been under oath. Then she said that since they weren't orphans, they could not be taken back to the US. When Andrew & Linda questioned why they were approved in Indianapolis, the officer said that someone down the line must have made a mistake. She promised that she would personally look into the case and call them. It has been almost 6 weeks at this time with no phone call.
The girls responded that they had a stepfather. Alexia said that her dad pays for school. Simone said that her mom pays for school. When in actuality, as per a previous post, Andrew & Linda have been paying for their school for quite some time. They also do occasionally see their fathers because they live in the same town, not because the fathers come to visit.
When Andrew & Linda told the officer that the girls that their answers were not entirely true, she laughed and said that they had been under oath. Then she said that since they weren't orphans, they could not be taken back to the US. When Andrew & Linda questioned why they were approved in Indianapolis, the officer said that someone down the line must have made a mistake. She promised that she would personally look into the case and call them. It has been almost 6 weeks at this time with no phone call.
Not knowing what to do, Andrew & Linda had to return to Indiana once again without the girls.
Expenses for this trip:2 airline tickets = $737.12
gas/parking at airport = $87.00
marriage license = $4.00
2 visas = $760.00
Doctor visits for girls = $300.00
TOTAL = $1888.12
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