The following is an account of what happened to my darling Rose on her recent visit to USA - The result of which in a strange way took us to Morocco
On June 5th, 2007, my dearest friend and “intended other”, Mrs. Rosaria Rodenas, arrived at Detroit International Airport in USA and was denied entry despite a valid B1/B2 visitors visa. Despite what you are about to read Rose and I were finally married in Las Vegas on March 20th 2009
Background:
Mrs. Rodenas is a 55-year-old uneducated lady, currently married, and a citizen of the Island of Malta. She has been living apart but under the same roof with her Husband (who is in another relationship) and adult son for some 8-10 years, and I have known her for approximately 5 years now. Our friendship has blossomed over the last three years during which time we have spent several months living together, both in Malta and during her past three visits to my home in the USA. Mrs. Rodenas has a business manufacturing Jewelry with my son at Studio Royal in Malta.
Because of the unique situation, which prohibits divorce on the island of Malta, we have been unable to formalize our relationship. For the last three years Rosaria has traveled back and forth between her home in Malta and my USA residence never overstaying her permitted visit and on her last visit returning to the UK where her daughter resides several months ahead of her allocated stay.
I cannot stress strongly enough that this is a very simple senior lady of limited education and command of the English language.
I had advised her prior to her intended recent visit that I had a special surprise for her Birthday (16th June) and news about our eventual marriage.
The surprise was a booked cruise with Royal Caribbean Lines to Mexico sailing on the 25th of June and the news was that I had arranged with the Marriott Corporation with whom I am a Sales Executive, to transfer to Spain for a year. This I had discovered would enable her to formally file for divorce having established residency in another EU country, which sanctioned divorce. We could then return to the USA with the appropriate F1 Visa and marry!
There was also a possibility that she could receive credit for her stays with her daughter in Great Britton, which would have enabled us to have married as early as this December.
US Arrival:
On the 5th of June as stated Rosaria arrived at Detroit airport and in her excitement told the immigration officer that she was visiting her fiancée whom she intended to marry. She was immediately referred for further interrogation and was subjected to several hours questioning. Needless to say she was terrified of saying the wrong thing and told the interviewing officer what she mistakenly believed he wanted to hear.
She was afraid to admit to being married and living with me and thought that if she mentioned anything other than our relationship she would not be allowed in.
I received a telephone call from who I assume was the interrogating officer asking if I knew Ms. Rodenas and the extent of our relationship. I should point out that at the time I received the call I was conducting a sales meeting with important clients and did not want to be too specific as all in attendance easily overheard our conversation. I informed the officer that Rosaria was my intended (my exact words) and yes we hoped to marry. He specifically asked when and I quite positively informed him that at the earliest it would be December and more than likely not in the USA. He pointed out that this was over 6 months away and I concurred. He then asked if I had discussed Ms. Rodenas change of status with the Immigration department and I informed that I was aware of the regulations from my attorneys in Las Vegas. He concluded the conversation by again asking about the December date and I again pointed out, without being too specific, that there were family matters that had to be resolved before any marriage could take place.
Approximately two hours later I received a call from a sobbing Rosaria informing me that they had refused her admission. I asked to speak to the officer concerned and eventually someone who did not identify himself told me that I could not speak to the officer responsible but that they had a signed statement from Ms. Rodenas which for confidential reasons he could not share with me but based on her statement she was not admissible and as such would be put on the next flight out. I again spoke to Rosaria who informed me that she had told them that she was mistaken when she stated we were to marry on the 16th of June but they told her they had already typed her statement and that if she did not sign it ‘voluntarily’ she would automatically be banned from returning to the USA for 5 years.
She reluctantly agreed to also sign the withdrawal of admission application.
I subsequently learnt from Rosaria that on hanging up the telephone from his conversation with me the interrogating officer turned to an associate and remarked “he’s lying!”
Despite expressing to the officers that she felt unwell, Mrs. Rodenas was offered not so much as a glass of water or a cup of coffee. She was marched escorted like a convicted criminal to her returning flight and her passport handed to the flight crew with instructions that she was not to receive it until she landed in Europe.
Whilst Mrs. Rodenas signed statement cannot be disputed, the means and circumstances by which this denial was executed is appalling. My confirmed statement should have been sufficient to, at the very least, have warranted further investigation. Temporary admittance could at the very least have been granted.
MRS. Rosaria Rodenas – DOB 06/16/51 – Valid Malta Passport #616178 – B1/B2 visa Foil# 4050008.
Her Visa was cancelledand charged with 212(a)(7)(I) of the INA as amended.
File Number A099 998 082 – Detroit,MI (Airport) Event No: DMA0706000133. CBP Enforcement officer Joseph Salvatera –Time started 18.30
