My husband, Lucas, and I knew his immigration to the United States was going to be an arduous journey. Couples who had gone through the process long before us had warned about the stress and anxiety that comes along with it. Thus, I expected that the fiancé visa and the first green card were going be incredibly challenging and thus was mentally prepared before we applied. Having survived the long four year process, it never crossed my mind that the second green card would be the one that proved to be the most difficult. We applied last November and for seven months we waited. Since we heard nothing, we assumed that everything was okay. But, as fate would have it, the exact same day that we found out I was pregnant, we received an alarming email from our attorney stating that the government still, after three years of marriage, needed even more proof that our union was legitimate. What should have been the happiest moment of our lives was a day mixed with intense emotions. Two weeks later I had to send a copy of my eight week ultrasound and a sworn affidavit from my OBGYN to the government. It would be the last piece of evidence needed to finally prove that our marriage was real. What would we have done if I had not been pregnant? I try not to even think about it! I am not sure I will ever forgive my country for making me do this, as it felt like such an incredible invasion, although I am elated that finally they gave him his permanent residency and we will never have to worry about this nonsense again. A couple of days after receiving the second green card in the mail, we discovered that the only way to renew Lucas’ passport was for him to apply for it in the Argentinean consulate in Washington, D.C. Normally, I would have jumped at the opportunity to explore a new place with my husband, however a seven hour car ride for a woman who is almost five months pregnant is definitely not the most appealing adventure. My Mom decided to join us and the both of them promised me that they would not get frustrated if I needed to stop for a restroom every thirty minutes or so (they kept their word). Our three days in D.C. were a whirlwind. A lot of our time was spent at the Argentinean consulate, eating in fabulous restaurants, and taking tours. It had been over five years since I had been to the capitol and I had forgotten what a national treasure it is. Lucas was ready to move there by the end of our trip despite our love/hate for the government! The following photos were taken over the three days we were there. . .
Hotel Recommendation: Residence Inn, Foggy Bottom
Restaurant Recommendations: Circa, Founding Farmers, Notti Bianche
Tour Recommendation: Big Bus Tours
As always, beautiful photos! I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that but I’m happy it all worked out. And congratulations on the pregnancy!
Happy travels 🙂
Thank you so much dear! Happy travels to you as well!!!
Oh darlin, I feel your pain! I’m working on the second phase of my paperwork at the moment. It is so stressful, isn’t it? You feel like a criminal even when you know you’re not. So glad everything worked out for you. XOXO
EXACTLY!!! And it made it even more stressful once we knew we had a little one on the way. I hope everything works out for you too. XOXO
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Oh my, that sounds like a really stressful situation!!! Glad it finally worked out for you!!
Thank you!!!!!!!
I’m glad that Lucas finally received leave to stay in the US permanently! 🙂 What an annoying experience! Bureaucracy can really be the worst! But love the way the capitol looks in the setting sun!
It really truly can be the worst!!! Sometimes I just wanted to yell at the government, “Don’t you read my blog?????” Hahaha! The capitol is GORGEOUS at sunset.
Love the photos and the story! Love even more that Mom and Lucas kept their promise about the bathroom breaks lol Too funny! So glad that’s all settled and behind you guys now! Yay!
Thank you so much!!! One time I didn’t even make it 20 minutes before I had to use the bathroom again. They are too good to me to not get mad haha! Thanks for your support!!! 🙂
Did you do the night time monument tour? That’s the one we did the first time I went and it was wonderful. That is such a fascinating city — I never thought I’d like it (due to the politics), but it just has an amazing feel. I’m glad you made it there and home safe — I can’t imagine how uncomfortable that car ride must have been. And CONGRATULATIONS to Lucas!!! Huge sigh of relief. (How crazy that you had to be pregnant to prove the legitimacy of your marriage. I guess after 8 years and counting, mine’s still not legit!)
We did do the nighttime tour and LOVED it!!! I highly recommend it to anyone visiting DC whether it’s your first or fifth time. I love love love the energy in that city. Yeah, the car ride sucked I’m not going to lie! But yes, HUGE sigh of relief. According to our lawyer and others you either need to own property together or have a baby to prove the legitimacy of your marriage, which I think is the most ridiculous thing EVER. Grrrrrr!
That is completely asinine. Sooo… if you don’t want to be tied down with home ownership or have a baby (yet, if ever), you’re not a real marriage? I just can’t… even… yeesh.
I KNOW!!! Trust me, I am still pissed about it. I honestly thought they might even make me take a paternity test!
That sounds horrible, Andi. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Sometimes governments can be so bureaucratic with their laws that they forget that it’s people they’re dealing with. I hope it’s all taken care of now and that they won’t bring your any more hardship.
Thank you! It was so horrible and I totally agree that governments forget that it’s people they’re dealing with. We had a little hiccup with the passport, but we’ll get it taken care of soon enough!
I’m glad that a negative experience could be coupled with some positives!! This whole visa process is so time stressful, and obviously being an expectant mother isn’t the best time for such stress 😛 So glad you had two of your favorite people by your side and a BEAUTIFUL time in DC. I love your photos! I’ve never done the night time tour, but Gav and I will have to do that next time we’re in the city. And we’ll have to eat at Founding Fathers. It was on my list last time but we weren’t able to make it happen.
I hope you guys have had an easier time than us! I hope you do the nighttime tour, it was amaaaazing!!! And definitely eat at Founding Fathers (though make a reservation in advance), as my meal was unforgettable.
What a pain the US govt can be, it’s similar in Canada. For people trying to do things ‘by the books’ the correct way, they sure make it terrible, don’t they? Glad it’s all behind you guys now and you don’t have to worry about it any more! And at least you got to sneak in a little trip with good food and sightseeing 🙂
Such a pain in the ass!!! I agree, they don’t need to punish the people that are doing it right. Sad to hear it’s similar in Canada. Boo! And yes, great food and sightseeing in DC. 🙂
I’m glad you guys were able to make a fun trip out of the red tape and make the uncomfortable car ride worth it!
Thanks sweetheart!!! <3
I can’t believe how difficult this visa thing is… Your baby is already your personal hero! 🙂
S/he is!!!!!!!!!!! <3
Glad to hear you were able to make the best of a tough situation (and that all worked out in the end). I lived in DC for 11 years. You took some fabulous, fabulous photos of a great city!
What a fun place to live for over a decade!!! Thank you so much for your kind words re: my pics!
Wow! Sounds like a strugle you went through. Good it went alright in the end.
I have to share this post, as I love these pictures. Amazing!
Thank you so very much for your kind comment!!! I appreciate you sharing my post. 🙂
You are so very welcome 🙂