I'm married to a USC but I had a secret I can't tell her.We are happily married . We are in the process of filling out all the necessary forms for INS. The problem is, I had wrote bad checks in my old country and it's haunting me. Do I have to tell INS that I have this kind of problem? I never had any crimes committed here in the US.Do you think I will be deported if they know this fact about me? Please help.

You are scum and should face your crimes. Go back home. You are a shining example of why we need to limit immigration into the US.

Maybe they practice capital punishment where you are from. We need one less criminal in the world.

F*** O** *** ***

HA HA HA

I really don't know what to tell you. But you may want to discuss this with your spouse and you may want to talk to a lawyer.

Either way good luck!

Well one question i wanted to ask is this .
It may be something important to you since you saying that it is hunting you but to me it did sounded kind of silly because what does that have to do with?
It's not that you killed someone or were a part of some nazi's group. Did you get arrested in your country for that ? or is it just something you did and feels like u did something bad?And if that's the case it is bad you shouldnt have done that its not cool because someone actually stole my check book once and my driver's licence and did the same to me and i got in all kinds of bills and it turns out to be my roomate best friend in atlanta georgia. But if you didnt get in any big trouble just dont worry about it .okay ?
So until i hear from you again my friend take care and be good next time.

GETTING LOW ON IDEAS SO
**** *** *** D**
HA HA HA

I had a rice business at that time. I ordered 300 sacks of rice and issued check for them but unluckily the boat was ransacked by terrorists and they took all of my rice. I issued the check thinking I could pay them right away. I sell them at the small market in my hometown. The owners sued me but I didn't have the money to pay because I was depending on that transaction to push through.We were so poor and no one in my family was able to help me.
I know it was wrong to issue a bad check but I didn't know that would be the outcome.There are points in our lives that we made mistakes but we used them wisely as a good teacher for a better life. Now, whenever I issue any check I make sure that there is something in the bank. My mistake before was a very good lesson for me.
If ever I could work here and save some money,I'll definitely paythem back 3x of the amount I owed them.
My question is, can I apply for a green card here inspite of my past history in my old country? Will I be deported if I go to the INS? I am a very good citizen here for the past 10 years now.Not even a moving violation. I volunteer my time and sweats at Habitat for Humanity and some Nursing homes, do some errands for old people. Please help me, this is mental torture.

Well seem to be like its not a really a big deal at all .But it 'll a lot wiser to call a lawyer you know pick up your phone book look for an immigration lawyer that gives FREE CONSULTATION and ask him just that but make it quick and i think he'll tell u the same i dont see that as a big deal unless the INS of course once they doing they background check on you and find that out might want to say something about that but i dont think that should stop you from adjusting your status.People do worst than that here in the US .Plus you being here for 10 years without having any felony is a good sign so dont torture yourself just ask a free lawyer and if you cant find one i'll help you find one .But first try to do that yourself .Okay ?
Put your fear into prayers and leave the rest to GOD okay. But honestly speaking though i dont think you should fear a thing. Be strong and good luck

I felt like crying when I was reading your input. Thank you so much. I've been praying and begging God to lead me to the right path. Thank you....

Well , im glad u liked my thoughts. The only best way i know how to handle things is by puting them into prayers and trust me it does work. Have you tried calling a lawyer? What's ur state? And home country.I can help u figure that out if u want.
But please promise not to torture yourself by thinking about it over and over because it doesnt no good to you but get you depress.And speaking of being depress i have so i know its no fun.So be strong and get yourself together in order to think right and get that done once and for all.
Peace.

I'm currently in Minnesota and tried to contact a lawyerbut they charged so much. I'm already penniless yet they charge us $6,000.00. They want $4,000.00 deposit before they even look at you. I came from the interior part of Philippines. Thank you once again.

FBI will only check your crimes in the US, not in your home country. Unless you are wanted by Interpol, stop worrying.
Put it all behind and go forward with your life.

Sorry about what happened.

What may ease your conscience would be to pay the people that you gave the bad check to, to cover the check...just a thought.

Believe me, we have ALL been there.

Sometimes it is good to confront your fears.

Goodluck to you..

your crime is nothing in compare to my husband's crime.
This country absorbs crimals easily
so do'nt worry

You need to calm down. We all make mistakes. There is not one person in this world that hasn't done something at some point in their lives that they regret. Stop beating yourself up. It was a long time ago and you were in difficult circumstances. PEOPLE CANNOT JUDGE YOU UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN STANDING IN YOUR SHOES. And believe me, 99% of the world out there would behave exactly the same way.

It sounds ABSOLUTELY absurd to me that a lawyer would charge you so much money for something that is an easy consultation. Here is what you need to do. Start calling various legal defense funds -- the Catholic Church, etc. Call INS and ask them for a list of free lawyers. Your question is very basic. Any immigration lawyer who is not SLIME can take 1/2 an hour to listen to your problem and give you some advice. One other thought -- start calling the law schools near you and ask if they have Immigration Clinics. Sometimes law schools have helping organizations where there are students who are studying immigration law with professors who are experts and will help.

I highly doubt that INS checks this kind of stuff outside the country, but you really need to talk to someone who knows the system.

In the meantime, start developing a LONG list of character references of people who will attest to your morals, your integrity, and how you are a model citizen. Continue to get involved with all sorts of organizations.

Hang in there. I am confident that it will work out.

P.S. -- Were you ever arrested, or just sued?

Unluckily, I was arrested then I posted bail and I fled.

My above advice still applies. I don't think this will affect your ability to adjust your status, even if you disclose it. The length of time that has passed alone is so long. But FOCUS ON inundating INS with character references. Anybody and everybody who will attest to your character, your generosity, your willingness to help those who have less than you -- your boss, your religious adviser, your friends, people that are involved in charities, a teacher, ANYBODY. Your goal is to inundate the INS with proof that you are a good person.

Believe me, this isn't so serious that I would imagine you would be unable to stay. But follow my advice -- speak to a lawyer (just make sure that you are speaking to an HONEST one and there are honest ones)! An HONEST lawyer will not charge you a fortune for this advice -- you are not the first person to have this problem.

I could kiss your feet for being so kind to give me some very important advice that could change my life forever. Thank you so much.

don't worry. I'm happy to help you. You can "repay me" by taking the time to help others in similar situations to yours. If we all did that, there wouldn't be so many people being hurt and having their families separated by these unfair immigration laws. Try to get some help -- if you are not having any luck, post here and lets arrange a chat somewhere and I will see how I can try to get you some referrals to an HONEST lawyer in Minnesota. I'll check back to this board so let me know how things are going....

Send money to one of your trusted relative in the Phil to pay your debt. The relative should:
First, hire a lawyer, go to the complainant and pay your debt and have the complainant execute an affidavit of disisstance. From then on your lawyer will know what to do to dissmis the complaint.

I do not know of any case wherein the INS reguires the applicant to produce a local police or NBI clearance (from the PHILIPPINES) if you are already in the US applying for a change of status.

I hope there is someone out there that has undergone the experience you are in now to help you.