Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing K-1 Visa processing. So for those who are unaware, an American citizen can seek immigration benefits to the United States for a foreign fiancé(e). Here in our office we often assist primarily with the Thai fiancés of American, sometimes expats, sometimes tourists, sometimes folks that work in the region who end up with a loved one, oftentimes a fiancé(e) who is of Thai nationality; we assist in processing K-1 Fiancé(e) visas back to the United States. 

Here recently I have had a development, and I was kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop with this Administration since Trump has taken over because quite frankly, while I agree with Mr. Trump's position on illegal immigration, I have serious problems with the way in which this Administration - both in the first term and in this term - have dealt with certain aspects of legal immigration. My opinion is look, the people who are processing legally, let's just let them get on with it; let's put them through due process and get them through. 

Now that said, I know that in the States right now especially, the paradigm regarding immigration is not the most friendly. But that said, I think most Americans would agree that legal immigration is a good thing for the United States. One thing I've seen recently that I haven't seen in like 15 years, maybe more, is I recently saw a request for biometrics on a petitioner for a K-1 Visa case. And again, I haven't seen this since we had a local office of USCIS out here in Thailand and recently I saw one of these in connection with a case. I am starting to wonder if this is done in an effort to try and throw intentional obstacles in the way of those who are trying to process a K-1 Visa. But yeah, it can come up especially depending on the possible criminal history or maybe no criminal actual charges history, but arrest history, or interaction with the police history of a given petitioner, it might warrant them saying, "yeah we want to do biometrics; we want that person's fingerprints primarily to run a background check on them". It is not the most optimal set of circumstances, not really where you want to be with regard to processing one of these cases but unfortunately it can happen. I'm questioning whether it is really all that necessary, especially when you understand the apparatus of the Department of Homeland Security, I have serious questions as to whether or not they are not well aware of who everyone is and what their backgrounds are. But that said, I often also wonder if this is the Administration's attempt to throw out a requirement that unless you fulfill it, they can close the case as well; if that's intentional might be. That said, just another update in the possible obstacles associated with processing a K-1 Visa. 

For those who are looking into the possibility of getting a K-1 Visa for a fiancé(e) to take them to the United States, look things are shifting. Under this Administration it's not, I'll put it this way, it's not getting easier, let's put it that way. So those that feel a little bit overwhelmed by the process, it may not be a terrible idea to contact a legal professional, gain some insight and guidance into how best to proceed.