Daphne

Liz, thanks a lot. I know about some airports, so I definitely try to avoid NY and Washington. I haven't been aware of Houston and Philadelphia - actually I entered via Houston last weekend (and got really pissed once again). How did you get the B1/B2 visa, and how long did it take you? The easier part for the boogie will probably be, that I then stay only about 3 weeks more in the US, before I go back to Germany (for a while...). Would be great, if you could give me some hints regarding the B1/B2. Thanks a lot!

Hi Elis, sorry for doing this, I hate this too. But you know that all these forums are not read by skydivers only, and so I definitely can't use my own name. I am a very active skydiver, skydiving means almost everything to me. That is all I can say at the moment. Hope for your understanding.

Thank you all. I have been thru these procedures at least about 20 times during the last 3 years. It is not a matter of one month skydiving anymore. I have been in the US basically the whole last year, except maybe 6 weeks all in all. Adrock, are there any guidelines for the immigration officers, if somebody has spent a certain amount of time here already? And do they see, as soon as they scan my passport, how much time I spent here during the last year / years? There is really nothing wrong, I wouldn't spend so much time here if I didn't like the country, but nevertheless I feel a bit uncomfortable the way they ask me questions at immigration. And yes, I have an american boyfriend, and we definitely plan on staying together. I guess, getting married will solve many problems, but until then: is it a risk to tell them at immigration? I just came back to the US after a short trip abroad, and my new visa is long enough for my intended stay until I go back to Germany next time. I would like to go to a Boogie abroad for a week within this time, but I am a bit concerned if I might end up with problems when I reenter the US after the Boogie, and so I think about canceling the trip. What do you think? I am really a bit sad that it is this way. I don't have any bad intentions, I just like it here, and like to travel and skydive in the USA, that is why I spend so much time here. Other people bought houses and fancy cars for their money, I saved it instead for enjoying my live for a while, like I do right now. There shouldn't be anything wrong with it, but as I said before, I am just a bit concerned, the way I was treated lately at airport immigration. Thank you very much, "Daphne"

Hello, I have a problem and hope somebody of our skydive community can help. I have German citizenship, but at the moment, I spend quite some time in the US, traveling and skydiving. I worked hard for several years, fortunately made some good money, and so decided to just enjoy life for a while. I really have a good time at different US dropzones and boogies. But at the moment, I see one problem for me. With the new immigration procedure at the airport, when entering the country, the immigration officers seem to be able to see immediately when and how long I had been in the US before. The rule seems to be: 90 days visitors visa, then leave the country for at least 48 hours. After that, the 90 days start from the beginning. That is at least, what I have been told. Until now, it worked well and I haven't had any problems, but whenever I enter the US, I get a bunch of strange questions: -what are you here for -how long do you stay -what do you do for living -how much vacation do you have -how much money do you have -are you married -do you have an american boyfriend Especially the last question seems to be a critical one. Does any of you have really knowledge, how this all works? I heard enough speculations of friends and other skydivers, but I really need some facts. Are there any immigration officers / friends of these in our skydive community who could give me some hints? My main question is: what do I have to answer to be sure, I get the 90 day visitors visa again every time I enter the US. Is there a good chance they might refuse to give it to me? Sorry for not using my real name, but I guess you can imagine that it is too risky. Hints would be highly appreciated! Blue skies, "Daphne"