Today's Rant - USCIS

#So bummed! We are trying to get our nieces travel to America and spend their summer holidays here, see some sights and spend time with their cousin. Sounds reasonable right? I just don't get why their request for visit visa gets rejected? I am sponsoring them, will pay for them and take them around, we submitted all the right documentation and my sister traveled quite far to attend a "so called" interview in the local USCIS office in Hyderabad, India. They ask her 4 questions and the whole interview concluded in 2 minutes.

Who is going? - She responds my two kids.

Why are they going? - She responds 

to spend summer holidays, watch their cousins annual dance performance and of course visit Disney and other tourist spots.

Why are you not going? - They will travel with grand parents, I have commitments that do not allow me to travel with them.

What is your annual income?-She responded with their income, which is substantial even by American standards.

Response, visa rejected. No explanation provided. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for why a visit visa gets rejected these days. We had so many plans, I was really looking forward to having the kids over and providing a solid experience, kids lost a good opportunity to meet new people, experience new culture and a chance to be on their own. My daughter did this last summer and stayed in India all by herself at her grand parents home. It was a great learning experience for her.

Why does America make it so hard to visit? I can understand that there maybe an issue with folks not wanting to come back, but a 8 and 10 year old children? What can they possibly do in USA after a visit? They have to get back to their school in India. 

As US rejects their visa, my folks are just going to look for another international destination like U.K to send their kids to spend their summer vacation.

This rant will go on..just so bummed! It is time for our US visitor visa process be reformed. My vote in next election is only committed to a leader who will make it easy for my family to visit me in America.

Today's Rave - Happiness Day

Today is the International Day of Happiness. Interesting. What makes one happy? What makes me happy? Anything and everything that can bring out a smile, doesn't take much. A warm sunny day for a start, hot hot coffee, tight hugs and a good book. Costs nothing and means everything. Gratitude is closely linked to contentment which leads to happiness, at least for me. Today I count all my blessings, say thanks and generally revel in my good fortune. Smile and be happy! Have a wonderful happiness day!!

Today's Rave - "Re" Discovery Begins..

Today marks a new day, a new beginning. A day I begin to "un" learn, shed and enter a new phase of life. 20+ years ago I committed to find a new self as I enter my 40's, yes the dreaded 40's. However, the desire to quit my job at a young age kept me going and I pushed harder than I needed to, went faster than the allowed speed limit so I can conclude phase 1 of my life with an adieu to my first "professional career". My work back in the days was my savior, I threw myself into it with a lot of passion, savored every minute of it and loved my journey and the intention to quit as well. I followed my passion and money followed me, enough to give into our random travel splurges. I always thought as I quit  my next steps would be clear to me, I would know exactly what I would do next..well, I don't so I am throwing my life into a bit of an experiment right now. I know I want to cherish the last few years that my daughter will be at home with me and beyond that I know I want to push myself a bit out of my comfort zone. I want to find a bit more time to pursue my interests, be it reading, writing, cooking, travel, embroidery, spiritual learning and what not..

this blog is more a journal an online account of my journey to self discovery! wish me luck and read on as this blog will always be about things to "rave" about in life..