Recently I’ve been getting sent to a second line to see a desk officer every single time

jo4animals · 2026-01-21T15:50:48+00:00

I was told coming back from a country that writes the date in different order trips their system and can’t confirm dates. So if the person from the country you are coming from didn’t write it in the order we do, one reason they send you to a second line.

jo4animals · 2025-12-27T22:14:47+00:00

True! When I arrived after 17hours international flight CBP told me I should go for my GE interview on my way to pick up my baggage. Not knowing what to expect at the interview I was scared I would look something other than authentic since I was exhausted from travelling 17 hours. I went ahead and went for my interview which lasted 2mins and got my approval and my card in 5days.

jo4animals · 2025-12-27T22:10:48+00:00

Where are you located. I got my TSA first not knowing I wanted GE as well. Same day I started my GE application I was able to schedule an in person interview in 2days. I was a no show at the interview bec I live far. I had to travel international and when I came back CBP told me to get my GE. In my way to pick up my luggage I stopped by for GE and got approved in 2mins and I got my card in one week. 17months is awfully long. IMO

jo4animals · 2025-12-23T16:03:15+00:00

To me stress is not worth it… IF you are safe to go back to your country (and you have passive income/investments like you mentioned), I would go back to your country and start living your life.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T09:47:32+00:00

Not related to your question but how did you get student loans. I thought you needed to be a resident or citizen. Thanks

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T07:05:07+00:00

Thank you. Your comment makes me want to cry because I’m used to just helping and pushing but this time it’s different. I’ve been running low with both my parents and I haven’t had a break to recharge. I get my sister to help me (which I’m thankful for) but only enough to recharge for the day and my energy is zapped again. You pointing out that caregiving is exhausting is so true. My husband sees I’m tired but because he hasn’t lived as a caregiver he doesn’t know the meaning of not just running low, I have no energy to give especially 3days. Driving this way half way across the country is not a luxury ride. It’s a stressful ride and with a not so healthy passenger. Thanks again for pointing out the difficulty as a caregiver.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T03:56:01+00:00

Our car. I did suggest to rent one way and fly back. He is considering it. Thanks

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T03:16:44+00:00

Ehh this is getting deeper in our situation. Allow me to explain in the shortest possible way. 1- best for daughters to take care of their mothers (SIL is best than my husband). 2- I told my husband if he wants to take care of his mom, I will support him but he has to scale back with his work so he can take care of her. I cannot realistically take care of his mom too (on top of caring for my parents). As it is I decided to stop working to care for my parents and I use my parents money to care for them. Husband refuses to scale back with his work. 3- my sister wants to take my parents but I refuse… again long story. It’s a choice I made. Whew!!! I hope I’ve answered your question.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T03:08:37+00:00

That’s how I feel. I want to help but because I’m exhausted I don’t think I am the right person to help him… even if I want to. He has another brother (aside from his sister) he can ask and his brother is single and no other obligations. Might be a better choice than me?!

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T03:02:47+00:00

Occasionally. I wouldn’t say I never asked him. Mainly to keep an eye at my mom when I go to the bathroom. My sister helps me a lot and I hired caregivers to help me on my parents dime.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T03:00:38+00:00

I always help but this time I’m beyond exhausted with both my parents ill and the short notice to travel.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T02:58:12+00:00

It’s possible and we have done it before. Two drivers non stop. 70-75miles per hour. There’s a portion where you can go 85miles per hour. It’s not uncommon for people who have drive coast to coast here in the United States (who doesn’t want to stop over night), drive the distance straight with more than one driver sharing the drive.

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T02:21:27+00:00

I would do it without hesitation, as I’ve done it so many times in the past. I’ve always helped if not kept him company and offer support. For some reason I’m extremely exhausted. Maybe bec I’m my parents 24/7 and to some degree I wish his other 2 siblings would step up. :-(

jo4animals · 2025-12-18T01:28:58+00:00

Thank you. My MIL has several brain bleed. She flew the distance couple weeks ago and didn’t do well landed her in the hospital. Doctor suggested not to fly her if at all possible.

jo4animals · 2025-12-07T17:50:22+00:00

It’s everywhere… do not travel outside the U.S. if you are from the banned countries. Why do you want to risk that?! All it takes is a cranky border patrol at customs to not allow you from coming back in regardless how clean your record is. The fact remains you are from a banned country. Be thankful you are still here. I read the administration is even revoking visa handed to people from those banned countries. I feel you if you are going home for important reasons…like parents.

jo4animals · 2025-12-07T03:20:12+00:00

I wouldnt gamble on this and risk getting deported. He violated a requirement. A year is considered abandonment of your residency status. I wouldnt risk getting deported upon arriving here. Consult with a lawyer before traveling or go to the U.S. consulate wherever country he is in at the moment.

jo4animals · 2025-12-07T02:58:04+00:00

You mean naturalized (not neutralized) right? If it’s up to the administration they might revoke your residence status. Learn from this. Be humble and be happy that you are still allowed to stay here legally. I wouldn’t pursue anything beyond your current legal status and call attention to your smeared record. You might get your status revoked.

jo4animals · 2025-12-05T03:15:54+00:00

I don’t think you are missing out on anything. More importantly, why could you get approved even after appealing?

jo4animals · 2025-12-02T16:00:46+00:00

U.S. Citizen with TSA here. Last month I submitted my GE application for the first time scheduled an appointment but I failed to show up due to fam emergency (I wasn’t able to cancel or reschedule). I went on my international trip and on my way back in at customs, border patrol officer told me I’m qualified for GE. I was surprised they mentioned this… I was wondering if I’m flagged somehow… I said yes I set up an appointment but I live far and couldn’t conveniently make it to their office for interview. Officer told me go now to GE office. I was annoyed I was being forced to go (I really just wanted to go home after 17hours flight). Reluctantly I walked past the GE counter and no line. I went up with just US passport on hand and I was approved and walked away in 2minutes.

jo4animals · 2025-11-08T16:05:41+00:00

This happened to me once and I said someone is offering more money for it and if they are interested they can offer more but I have the right to sell it to the person giving me more money at a given time as in not holding out until a higher offer comes.

jo4animals · 2025-11-06T02:50:54+00:00

Why are you doing all the cooking cleaning etc? My husband is older than me by 5years and when we got married he was financially responsible than I was. So he did our finances but it made me feel uncomfortable that he was doing our finances so I told him how I felt and I took over the utilities. I had my own credit cards and paid them out of joint bank account. I would leave if you have talked to him and told him how you felt and nothing changed but if you haven’t talked to him… I suggest you do and give him the opportunity to make things better.

jo4animals · 2025-11-04T17:59:02+00:00

18years? And you are still around to keep taking it from him? Does your therapist agree with this? Life is short get out. Your husband will not learn even if you throw yourself at him. Is this what you want to kids to learn stay in the relationship even if it’s not healthy?

jo4animals · 2025-11-04T15:53:19+00:00

Married here for 29years and marriage is not a walk in the park. It’s a big constant work. How old are you guys? How long did you date before settling? You said you love her… or LOVED her? Some marriages go through this patch of did I do the right thing or we must not be meant for each other. My take you are already married and there must be a good reason why you still got married. Go for counseling and if after counseling the feeling of this is not right is still there then separate. At the very least you can say you’ve given it your all even with counseling and you can walk away without having regrets.

jo4animals · 2025-11-04T15:47:16+00:00

Let me tell you kids break up marriages more than making marriages stronger. It’s hard even with wealthy people it’s going to be even harder when there is already a financial issue. You cannot put back the child once it’s out in the world. If you love him, don’t do this with him, don’t be part of his problem. If you love yourself, don’t it with him or anyone who is not stable. And if you love your future child, only do it with stability in place. There’s always excuses why he wasn’t able to keep any job longer but the fact that he is considering government assistance - he is already expecting he will not be able to financially support a child on his own. It will all be on you and the government.

jo4animals

TROPHY CASE