Sounds familiar

I just feel worse for the people who have done things the right way and have had issues completely outside their control come up stopping them. It also just reflects poorly (IMO from comments I've seen previously) on all of us (the majority) who have done things the correct way and those who will do things the correct way. It doesn't seem she's taking much responsibility either (she's accepted that maybe she didn't properly understand some things in response to some comments on the article but excused it by saying it was made unclear by UKVI). Hopefully she understands how lucky she is that they've made this exception to let her in because of the lack of comms by HO and that there are bigger things she'll still need to tackle once this party is over and she won't be able to just steamroll them on everything.

I feel for her having had issues with getting responses from HO but, ultimately, the issues with the planning and not meeting requirements was on her (not them). HO played a part in this issue, but they did not cause the bigger problems here. I know the processes put in places and requirements can be ridiculous and the timescales are obscene, but even if we don't *agree* with how it's done, it's important that she understand that she still *neeeeeds* to do it and not just assume it's okay that they don't meet requirements because they feel they do.

I don't know. Best of luck to her.

I just feel worse for the people who have done things the right way and have had issues completely outside their control come up stopping them. It also just reflects poorly (IMO from comments I've seen previously) on all of us (the majority) who have done things the correct way and those who will do things the correct way. It doesn't seem she's taking much responsibility either (she's accepted that maybe she didn't properly understand some things in response to some comments on the article but excused it by saying it was made unclear by UKVI). Hopefully she understands how lucky she is that they've made this exception to let her in because of the lack of comms by HO and that there are bigger things she'll still need to tackle once this party is over and she won't be able to just steamroll them on everything.

I feel for her having had issues with getting responses from HO but, ultimately, the issues with the planning and not meeting requirements was on her (not them). HO played a part in this issue, but they did not cause the bigger problems here. I know the processes put in places and requirements can be ridiculous and the timescales are obscene, but even if we don't *agree* with how it's done, it's important that she understand that she still *neeeeeds* to do it and not just assume it's okay that they don't meet requirements because they feel they do.

I don't know. Best of luck to her.

"the squeaky wheel gets the oil"

I hope they realise that 90% of the problem was really their own fault and stop saying that the reason to the refusal is "immaterial" - it sends a wrong message to the people who are in similar situations as they were.

I do agree with you and feel that on the other hand, it's unfair to other people who have done things correctly and followed all the rules with patience and diligence.

Wow KissOfDeath went in HARD 

I tried to be cool and responded. GeorgeO is my username 

I reached out to her via PM to tell her we are here to help with the refusal.

She said she has an interview tomorrow and is told she'll likely be allowed in for 30 days to attend the party.  So I guess the media attention worked.  As UKVI realise "she doesn't fit the profile of someone who would overstay".

She does seem wholly focused on the party and not on the refusal.  She also said UKVI already owe them $5,000 for the last few days. 

Told you she'd get in Sirius. 

Well, that's sounds like a positive development.

I think we can all agree that her methods are a bit 'wowzers!', but she clearly does not represent any kind of clear and present danger to the UK.  And she was also very upfront with UK border control re her situation when trying to enter the country.

So, yeah, I hope they exercise some common sense discretion and let her enjoy her party.

Am I correct in thinking that they tried to get in at Calais with their visa pending (in their eyes)?

Wow KissOfDeath went in HARD 

I'm not trying to be harsh, I just honestly hope she understands she's lucky and that if she doesn't realise she needs to sort out the visa still and it wasn't *ALL* on UKVI, it may not end as lucky the next time.

I have complete empathy that she was messed around with the comms. That was wrong. But I'd have more empathy in regards to the rest and almost missing the party, etc., if she held her hands up and said "I screwed up. I didn't realise I needed this. It was a genuine mistake as I had a lot on my plate." That doesn't seem to be happening..I'm sorry if that seems really harsh, but that is truly how I feel and I'll stand by it.

Nobody likes having to jump these hurdles. It absolutely sucks. But I can't pretend it's not upsetting that a person who didn't follow the process may end up getting a free pass. Maybe that's me feeling bitter for myself and others when I shouldn't. I don't know. Again, best of luck to her. I'm not wishing anything negative on her, I truly hope it all works out in the end and they can get back on track and enjoy their life together.

Well, that's sounds like a positive development.

I think we can all agree that her methods are a bit 'wowzers!', but she clearly does not represent any kind of clear and present danger to the UK.  And she was also very upfront with UK border control re her situation when trying to enter the country.

So, yeah, I hope they exercise some common sense discretion and let her enjoy her party.

I don't know how I feel about it. It sounds like such a first world problem to consume so much attention and energy and fuss over. I feel bad for other people who are actually waiting in line for their visa for REAL family reunion but the resources and attention they deserve was spent on issues like this only to let her&friends enjoy a wedding party.

Am I correct in thinking that they tried to get in at Calais with their visa pending (in their eyes)?

Yes, that is my understanding as well. (Turns out it was a rejection so that might be why it wasn't an issue for her to get in now upon further review - because there is no visa pending to automatically be cancelled).

but she clearly does not represent any kind of clear and present danger to the UK. 

I don't think she represents any danger, but I AM curious about what they view as a person who is a threat to overstaying if they view a person who's dogs and husband reside in the UK, in the home they intend to live in together, with no home and (presumable) no job to go back to in the US. She literally ticks off all the boxes we are told to have evidence on the contrary of when visiting to show we aren't overstaying but in this instance they are saying she isn't a threat to overstay. What will that mean going forward for others? Again, it'd be interesting to see what their idea of a threat is.

Playing devil's advocate here - how is she "not the type of person that would overstay?"  She has ZERO ties to the USA.  No job, no home, nothing but a (couple of) passport(s).  Her husband, dogs, and their belongings are all now in the UK.  Husband is starting a university course.  She has NOTHING to go back to the USA for.  Isn't that *exactly* the type of person that is at risk of an overstay?

Ha ha.  Cross posted with XoD.  Great minds!

nothing but a (couple of) passport(s). 

Forgot to mention the double passport. She could quite easily - if she wanted to (I'm absolutely not trying to say she is the type that would) - completely ditch the first passport in favour of the second passport if she truly wanted to. Again, I'm not saying she would be dishonest or have ill intentions, but my question is what DO IO's look for in relation to people who are likely to overstay if not having literally no ties to the US anymore?

I feel awful for the members who have been separated from kids for years, and the Windrush generation hitting real true hardship from UKVI.

I feel badly this individual chose to apply non priority and lack of communication meant they didn't have a timely notification of their refusal. I do not feel badly that they went against common sense and chose to use their privilege as a rich couple to throw an expensive party and then went to the media when things didn't go their way, and continues to use their privilege because UKVI don't want any more negative press. She feels she is above the rules because she is rich and well educated. I hope she learns humility and that you have to follow the letter of the guidance and *read it all* regardless of background.

I greatly dislike UKVI but I really HATE ignorance.

well said!

I agree with almost all of what I've read here in this thread.  And I really don't like exceptions being made, I feel the same rules should apply equally to all of us.

Having said that, she is one of our forum members and I like to think that we are here to offer her support. It might take a little (a lot of?) tough love to help her understand the position but calling her names is probably not going to help right now and I'd really like to believe that we're not that kind of a forum. 

I agree with almost all of what I've read here in this thread.  And I really don't like exceptions being made, I feel the same rules should apply equally to all of us.

Having said that, she is one of our forum members and I like to think that we are here to offer her support. It might take a little (a lot of?) tough love to help her understand the position but calling her names is probably not going to help right now and I'd really like to believe that we're not that kind of a forum. 

I have edited my post, but as its quoted twice I believe it will still show up there.