A Kenya woman has opened up on a life dilemma that is troubling her. The woman who is aged 30 years old says that she had applied for a US student visa. After going through the whole process, including taking her medical exams and attending her visa interview, she was informed by the US Embassy that she had been approved.
Since the day she got her approval, this woman has been preparing to depart Kenya. In fact, she had already set her departure date to be in July. However, things have taken a turn. She has recently discovered that she has fallen pregnant.
“I got approved for a US student visa and will be travelling end of July. However, I just found out that I am pregnant. I am just dating and not legally married and so I got my visa alone,” she said.
She confided that she doesn’t know what the right decision is for her to take. “I don’t know what to do…so many thoughts running through my mind… how will I manuever in the US while pregnant and as a student?” she poses.
She went on to add that since she will have to work and study, she and her boyfriend are thinking about getting married.
“We are thinking that we could formalize our union at the AG so that I can invite my partner to join me when I get to the US through the F2 visa. Please advice how a student can navigate in the US while newly pregnant with the high bills and health care,” she said.
Ex US Visa Officer: US doesn’;t owe you a visa, Interviewing visa officer better like you!
In response, a good number of Kenyans came out to offer suggestions on what she could probably do. We sampled some of the suggestions that were made as follows:
There is plenty of help in America for new mothers but do your research and try and locate near relatives or good friends who can help with baby once he/she arrives. You’ll be ok. Travel! – Tony.
Depends which school as cost of living and other things are not consistent. A kid born in US has some special privileges and they will literally keep you on your toes to ensure you are safe and taking good care of the kid, this may include monthly visits and evaluation. They also have necessities so that should not be your worry. The only worry is how to navigate classes which are at minimum 6 hours per week as you are allowed to take online classes. If you do the minimum, you should be able to manage. – Jack.
If you are a US student visa holder on scholarship,your visa I believe is F1 visa. It’s also possible that you might have medical cover so explore that and check the doctors in your area covered by your insurance. Don’t rush to file F2 visa for you partner. Give yourself some 6 months then file for him,ensure you have a marriage certificate by the time of application.
As an F1 ,you are allowed to have your spouse on F2 visa. Then your child if born there will be a citizen (take advantage of that to secure child’s future), fly back and drop the baby in kenya if you have more help as you settle in the USA (just an idea..) Good luck and happy to help if you need further information! – Mohammed.
The worst mistake you can ever do is marry someone because of a pregnancy and convenience! – Jacqueline.
The most extensive response was offered by Koome who stated as follows:
“First year as a student can get tough. This will be compounded by the arrival of your baby. It’s going to get tough to manage the demanding schoolwork and have time to take care of the baby. The fact that you will even have to work on your first year scares me seriously.
If the kid comes in between the semester, things might get even more complicated. Remember you will have to be enrolled for at least 8 credit hours every semester to keep your F1 status legal.
Many universities don’t get their first years to work because the student are still getting used to their new statues and the complexities that come with student ship. As an international student, thing are even tougher.
It feels like I am scaring you but better get prepared. This way, you will not have surprises. I can connect you with students who have juggled kids with school if you like to hear their perspectives.
You will need a partner to help you. Weather you are going to get married before hand or not I don’t know. You will have to figure this out yourself. And with babies and American laws, one has to be super careful. Babies are highly valued and protected and have to be taken appropriate care of. Yeah. I will highly recommend that you have to take with you someone to help take care of the baby.
Daycare could be an option. But these are usually quite expensive and you will have to work your ass off to afford them. You might also want to talk to your school to see what support systems they offer. Please have a very clear plan by the time you pack your bags.
A plan based of serious consultation people who have been in similar situations. Not a pack of wishes and hope fueled by the excitement of getting a visa. Please…
I wish you all the best as you make tough choices in the next few months.”
