Girlfriend barred from entering US :(

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marshall, yes, it isn't always easy to show proof of ties back home, especially if the person doesn't have an official workplace or a home that's in their own name, whether renting or owning. I know that sucks as yes not all of us can always be in those situations of independence.

Unfortunately from everything I've learned in the transatlantic online community I spent a lot of time posting and reading in, that's what they want to see. I've had my online acquaintances post about having to actually bring along rental agreements on their apartments to show they still live somewhere in the place they come from. Even notes from a boss to confirm employment is expected to resume on such and such a date.

It sounds extreme but the Immigration department in the US is bigtime tough about the potential of anyone being just a green-card seeker, BIG time. They run rough-shod over both the legitimate international couples and the potential shady, barely acknowledging the differences. It's a lot to go through.

If there is anything at all that shows she had anything to go home to after a visit to you -- a part time job, maybe even volunteering for charity, maybe she could try to have something like that going on. Even if she volunteers at a local animal shelter and could get them to sign a note saying they rely on her as part of their team and are expecting her back on such-and-such a date, that might help.

As for supporting her while she visits, she may need to obtain some paperwork from you and your family stating that, and have it on her to show when entering. I've known of some couples who really did have to physically bring this stuff to show and tell.

There is a pre-approved situation you can get when applying for another visa next time and now that she's been turned back once, you very likely will have to get that pre-approval; I don't know the ins and outs but I believe you go through the embassy. You can probably google the process, there's a lot of information and the US government immigration department also has its own website/pages. Also yes find an immigration lawyer -- there are some that do pro-bono (free) services for those who have limited means but need the help.

Be aware that even if you go to Turkey and just marry her there, and have all the correct documentation of that, she still may not be permitted to simply come back to the States with you -- couples can and have been forced to stay apart in their separate countries even after marriage, while they file the required applications. Even if the alien party manages to come in, they can be officially told to return to their own country until the applications go through and are approved, which can take a long time. There's even a backlog of cases, making the times even longer.

I'm not trying to make all this seem impossible -- people do go ahead and go through the official channels and eventually get their spouse in the end, all the time. It's just that you need to be aware of what a huge amount of officialdom you two will be faced with, and may even have to remain in separate countries even after any marriage or the start of official filing. It's tough even on the most genuine of couples. The INS (I'm not sure they're called that anymore but that's from the old days) are tough as steel.

Now that your girlfriend has already been turned back, things are trickier now, I can't lie to you. That will be on record, and she will need a pre-approved visa in future, but this is what you need to get information about now -- go on the US government website, look up listings for your nearest immigration lawyer, try to get good help and advice as now with one rejection this case is not a simple one. But people have had this happen before and sorted it out in the end, you just have to really look for the info and help now.

I too would be very concerned about the prospect of going to Turkey in these times. The entire situation with ISIS is scary as hell, and the massive migrant crisis, some of whom I gather have tried to move through Turkey, is another thing that will make border control be a pain in the ass there too but for different reasons.

The US is very tough about immigration and insanely careful about who is entering, leaving and most of all who is staying and why, but then again I kind of respect them for that -- some other developed countries in the world are not tough enough.

Your best bet is to find an immigration lawyer as soon as possible before either of you even travel anywhere again, and find out what your options are, including the terms and conditions of that fiance visa and what happens after that.

Yup, it is expensive and time-consuming to bring a spouse to America. Any interest in moving to Turkey? lol

When we were doing my husband's paperwork, he required a sponsor - someone who was willing (and had the means) to repay the government if he applied for welfare during his first five years in America.

This world revolves around money, not love. It gives me a sick feeling.

There are criteria to get visitor visas, fiancée visas, etc. that's a basic fact of life, not the world revolving around money.

What part of Turkey is she from? I think it is mostly safe except along the southern border Syria where you have ISIS and Kurdish militants, is it completely unsafe to visit now?

Is Turkey in the European Union?